Holiday Wish: Family of 6 Split Apart to Make Ends Meet

A family of six in New Bedford has faced severe medical problems, car accidents, and obstacle after obstacle while attempting to get back on their feet.

Following the birth of their 3-month-old son, who had to remain in the NICU due to feeding complications, Jason and Julie have struggled to make ends meet. Julie was traveling to Boston three times a day to feed their new baby, while Jason was working full-time and caring for their other three children, ages 2, 3 and 5.

Once their youngest son finally came home from the hospital, Jason's car was totaled in an accident, leaving the family of 6 with a mountain of bills and a vehicle in desperate need of repairs. To make the situation more challenging, Julie had a hard time keeping a full-time job while taking their 2, 3 and 5-year-old to the Schwartz Center for Early Intervention and speech therapy services and caring for their newborn.

To combat the amount of travel Julie needed to do with the car, Jason stayed with his parents 45 miles away from home so he could be closer to his job. Since their medical bills and child care costs are so high, Jason also had to pick up a second job on the weekends, leaving Julie as the caretaker for all four children almost 7 days a week. Because money is to tight, Julie has recently gone back to work to help pay off some medical bills. However, Julie needs to have two fairly serious surgeries, one on her heart, in the next couple months which will take her out of work again.

Basic Wish List: 

2-month-old boy: Size 3-6 months - needs baby toys, diapers and similac-friendly formula.

2-year-old girl: Size 18-24 months, size 5 shoe - needs pull-ups, winter clothes and loves dolls.

3-year-old boy: Size 3T and size 5 shoe - loves trucks and cars.

5-year-old girl: Size 5 and size 10 shoe - loves Elsa, Disney princesses, and Frozen.

If you are interested in helping, listen to their full story on the Rock and Fox Show and call in or text WISH to 313131 and follow the instructions to donate.

On behalf of Fun 107 and the United Way of Greater New Bedford, we thank you for your help in granting some wishes this holiday season!

PLEASE NOTE: This year, we are unable to collect any used items as part of our Holiday Wish program. All toys, clothes or other items must be new and unwrapped. Thank you! 

United Way’s Holiday Wishes program is sponsored by Fun 107, Top Shelf Bar & Grill, Southcoast Tow, Carefree Homes, Used Tire Warehouse, Inspired Bath, Acushnet Creamery, Boutique Fitness, Kia of Dartmouth, Wareham Nurse Midwife, McDonalds, Wareham Crossing, Gold and Carat, Nate Lions, Dartmouth Mall, Fall River Municipal Credit Union, Long Built Homes, and Sear’s Hometown.