All in perspective: Holiday Partners steps in to help families in tough times

Some experts say the economy is doing well. But their analysis hasn’t necessarily translated into money for everyone.

There still are plenty of people living paycheck to paycheck, and even the smallest disruption in income can cause major problems.

Erin Tanner and her family are one example.

With four children, ages 14,12, 6, and 5 years old, Tanner and her husband are used to precise budgeting.

Recently, they both got opportunities for better jobs with increased income. But with both parents changing jobs at the same time, the family went several weeks without a paycheck.

“The mortgage had to be paid. The water bill had to be paid. We had to buy food,” Tanner said.

Now, even though Christmas is only days away, they are trying to catch up paying bills.

She already has helped adjust her children’s expectations of what they will find Christmas morning.

“Our kids are really awesome,” Tanner said. “They know that we can’t provide much for them this Christmas. Even the little ones are only expecting one gift each.”

But, thanks to the Holiday Partners program, Tanner’s children, and hundreds of others in York County will find presents under their trees on Christmas morning.

Holiday Partners is sponsored by United Way of York County in partnership with OTX Media/WRHI (AM 1340) Radio Station’s Toys for Happiness Program and The Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund.

Readers are asked to make monetary donations to The Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund.

Last year your donations to these organizations helped serve about 1,800 area children who otherwise would have had few, if any, gifts.

Tanner said she’s learned that the way to deal with difficult circumstances is to put it all in perspective.

“It’s a negative that we can’t give our kids a Christmas to be proud of, but it’s a blessing that they will have Christmas at all,” Tanner said.

“I’m just so thankful for Holiday Partners and all those wonderful people that are helping my kids and others this Christmas. Sometimes you just have to take a step back to enjoy your blessings.”

WANT TO HELP?

To contribute to the Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund, the proceeds of which goes to support Holiday Partners, send donations to United Way, P.O. Box 925, Rock Hill, SC 29731.

Holiday Partners collects toys throughout December. Some drop off locations include WRHI, United Way of York County SC Office, and all York County YMCA locations. A complete list of drop off sites may be found at www.wrhi.com/events/toys-for-happiness-2.