Mom thankful for Share the Season help while teen son was in hospital

Share the Season is an annual campaign designed to financially assist Wichitans in need. The people are not identified to protect their privacy.

Last year, a single mom called for Share the Season assistance. She had always supported herself and her teenage son. When she called, she was on FMLA from her job because her 17-year-old son was in the hospital in Kansas City being treated for leukemia. She had used her savings and now needed help.

That is what Share the Season is about: neighbor helping neighbor get through a tough time in their life. Knowing that someone cared about her situation and her family enough to donate money may have been as much help as the money itself. It’s nice to know you are not alone.

Since the family was in Kansas City for the medical treatments, The Salvation Army was able to gather required documents through email. The Salvation Army’s chaplain was there to offer prayer and support, which the mom readily accepted.

Share the Season assisted in paying a month of rent and a water bill that was several hundred dollars. The payments bridged the gap until the mom could return to work.

We followed up with this mom this week and she told us Share the Season had been part of her miracle. She has been able to return to work. More importantly, her son was able to come home in May and he is in full remission.

How to get help

To apply for assistance, visit www.sharetheseason.org or The Salvation Army, 350 N. Market. The application deadline is noon, Jan. 16. For more information, call 316-263-2769.

Applicants must be working (or retired).

This is a one-time assistance program; only first-time applicants are eligible.

Applicants must have had a crisis or hardship event in the past six months.

All applicants are screened and must provide documentation of hardship

All payments are made to the vendor. Applicants do not receive reimbursement or a check directly.

How to give help

Send contributions to The Salvation Army, Share the Season, 350 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. To donate online, visit www.sharetheseason.org. If you have any questions about donating, call 316-425-6156.