Share the Season helps mother after car accident left her unable to pay energy bills
Share the Season is an annual campaign designed to financially assist Wichitans in need. The people are not identified to protect their privacy.
Janae has her hands full. She is a single mother and works as many hours as she can. Independent and capable, she doesn’t normally need to seek help from others. However, this year unforeseen circumstances caused her major hardship.
Janae was in a car accident and her only mode of transportation was gone in an instant. Although her car insurance covered the lion’s share of the repair costs, there was a remaining balance. Janae was on a tight budget already. Not only were there were mouths to feed and utilities and rent to pay, but her employer counted on her, and she counted on the income. The accident was a crippling blow to her livelihood. She knew if she paid for the repairs her budget would be broken. She had to have transportation, so she paid the mechanic for the repairs.
As most of us know, when balancing a tight budget any slight deviation from planned expenditures can have a ripple effect. Months earlier, Janae agreed to a payment plan with her energy provider. The agreement stated that she would pay an installment each month toward her balance due. After paying for the car repairs Janae was unable to pay the agreed monthly installment. If she broke the payment plan agreement, the entire balance was due immediately. If she could not pay the balance in full, she was subject to a service disconnection.
She came to The Salvation Army and sought help.
Janae filled out a Share the Season application, explaining that she “just need[ed] that boost of support to keep [her family] secure, warm, healthy, and fed.” The program was able to assist Janae with her energy bill and give her that boost of support.
Share the Season, now in its 22nd year, is a partnership between the Wichita Eagle and The Salvation Army. Since its inception the program has helped over 3,900 families through community contributions.
How to get help
To apply for assistance, visit www.sharetheseason.org or come in person to The Salvation Army at 350 N. Market in downtown Wichita. The application deadline is noon, January 16, 2022. For more information, call (316) 263-2769.
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.