Couple’s surgeries leave them struggling with bills. Here’s how you can help

Share the Season is an annual campaign that offers one-time aid to people affected by unforeseen hardships. The people are not identified to protect their privacy.

A Wichita couple both underwent surgery in November, leaving them unable to work and with no source of income for themselves and two young children.

"We are ... at risk of utilities being shut off and are in a payment plan," the woman wrote in her Share the Season application.

The woman, who works in jewelry sales, had surgery to repair a fracture in her left hand. She tried to return to her job but a physician advised her not to for five weeks. Her fiance had surgery after a car accident and cannot return to his construction job for 10 weeks.

The couple have two children at home, ages 5 and 3 months.

The woman heard about Share the Season from a friend after starting a GoFundMe account. She said receiving assistance through it made "a humongous difference."

"It's been the biggest blessing this holiday season."

Share the Season is a joint project of The Eagle, the Wichita Community Foundation and the Salvation Army.

So far this season, it has raised $45,796.

Send contributions to Share the Season at the Wichita Community Foundation, 301 N. Main, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202. To donate online, go to www.sharetheseason.org. If you have questions about donating, call 316-264-4880.

Donors will be listed in The Eagle; please note if you prefer to remain anonymous.

To apply for help, fill out an application at www.sharetheseason.org or pick one up at the Salvation Army, 350 N. Market. The application deadline is Dec. 15. For more information, call 316-263-2769.

This story was originally published November 23, 2017 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Couple’s surgeries leave them struggling with bills. Here’s how you can help."