{"id":69199,"date":"2025-12-03T05:33:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T05:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/69199\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T05:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T05:33:08","slug":"families-counting-on-christmas-connection-for-brighter-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/69199\/","title":{"rendered":"Families counting on Christmas Connection for brighter holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – 500 families in seven Big Bend counties are counting on the Christmas Connection<\/a> for help this holiday season. <\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies are hurting this year, some are out of work, we have the SNAP issues that are just coming back online, but this year it\u2019s food, it\u2019s toiletries,\u201d Christmas Connection Coordinator Pattie Malarney said. \u201dWhen you look at a referral form and a family is asking for a blanket, or food or toiletries, you know they\u2019re hurting.”<\/p>\n

WCTV partners with the Christmas Connection each year to share the wish lists of five families. It gives our viewers a glimpse of the situations families are facing and the needs they have this holiday season. <\/p>\n

MONDAY\/CASE 421<\/p>\n

A Gadsden County family is trying to start over after a devastating house fire.<\/p>\n

The mother escaped the fire but now the parents and their five children – ages one to nine – are struggling to start over.<\/p>\n

They need lots of household basics, clothing, groceries, gas gift cards and would appreciate gifts for their children. <\/p>\n

WISH LISTFamily:food toiletriescleaning suppliesblankets (twin, queen, king)diapers and wipes (size 5)gift cards (WalMart, Dollar General, gas, restaurants)kitchenware 9 year old boy:sporting goods bike and helmet (20\u2033)video games7 year old girl:bike and helmet (20\u2033)black dollsdress up clothes4 year old girl:bike and helmet (16\u2033 with training wheels)toy smart watchblack dollslittle girls\u2019 make up and nail kits2 year old boy:1 year old boy: toddler toysbookspuzzles blocksgamesTUESDAY\/CASE 457<\/p>\n

A Madison County couple needs help staying warm this winter and making repairs to their home. <\/p>\n

The Air Force veteran recently moved here from Georgia only to discover both plumbing and electrical issues at their house. The man uses a service dog and is physically limited in what he can do. <\/p>\n

Right now, they are using a generator for power and cooking with a propane stove on the porch. <\/p>\n

The couple – age 72 and 68 – is asking for heavy blankets, heaters and gas gift cards to keep the generator filled, as well as licensed professionals willing to donate plumbing, electrical and roofing help.<\/p>\n

WISH LISTFamily:blankets (2 king)comforter (king)heatersgift cards (WalMart, Dollar General, Winn Dixie, Marathon gas)dog food (Ol\u2019 Roy Feed bacon and beef)DONATION CENTER<\/p>\n

The Christmas Connection is open and accepting donations seven days a week at the old Macy\u2019s at Governor\u2019s Square Mall. It\u2019s open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. <\/p>\n

Click on this link<\/a> to learn more about how to volunteer, donate or adopt a family. <\/p>\n

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Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n