Holiday Wish Week: Yolanda from New Bedford [VIDEO RECAP]

As Day Three of the United Way of Greater New Bedford Holiday Wish Campaign unfolded, a tremendous amount of support and generosity filled the airwaves.

The Michael Rock Show introduced you to Yolanda from New Bedford this morning, and discussed the issues that have been impacting her life.

She cares for her two younger children, both young boys, and has always put them first. Unfortunately for Yolanda, the birth of her second child didn't go as expected. Her youngest baby boy was born premature, weighing in at only three pounds. This meant Yolanda had to put a lot of time and care into her baby, which meant missing days at work and being late if she couldn't find a sitter. Eventually, Yolanda lost her job at Dunkin' and has been searching ever since to find something, anything, to support her boys.

This Christmas, she told the Michael Rock Show that all she really wants this holiday season is a job. A job that will get her back up on her feet and help support her family once again. She's a single mother who doesn't ask for much, if anything at all. Her apartment is somewhat bare, but the sad truth we found out was that her baby didn't have a crib to sleep in, only a pack-n-play, which is not suitable for full-time sleep.

With a busy life as a single mom, Yolanda didn't get time to tell us what SHE wanted for Christmas, only that her two sons needed a few toys.

We knew right away that we had to help this family, and give them a Christmas they'd never forget.

In case you missed our interview during The Michael Rock Show this morning, this is Yolanda's story with a little surprise from our friends over at Care Free Homes:

Throughout the show, multiple local businesses and listeners called us to help out this family in need during tough times this holiday season:

• Aaron Pools and Spas pledged $1,500
• Care Free Homes donated a brand new crib, a baby mattress, new bedding and a high chair
• Carlos Motta from Honey Dew Donuts donated a $500 Walmart gift card and a guaranteed job that works around her busy hours with the kids (if she so chooses)
• Turk's Seafood auctioned off a pair of Celtics tickets for $490 (all proceeds were gifted to Yolanda)
• Mi Antojo Mexican Restaurant pledged $250
• The Fearons Family donated a brand new stroller
• Denise, Brittney and Kaleigh (listeners) all donated and dropped off brand new toys and clothes for Yolanda's children.

The list continues, but these were just a few examples of the kindness from our community, pulling together to help out a local family in need this holiday season!

For the FULL story about Yolanda and everything she's fought through to give her children the best life she can give, click below:

If you would like to make a donation to Yolanda, you can do so by texting “wishes” to 31313 and pledging a donation amount of your choosing. Or by calling (508) 994-1071. You can also make a donation online here. 

All of our families are pre-selected through the United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the United Way directly.