The 2017 Holiday Wish Program: The Curran Family of Fall River

For the third year, we've teamed up with the United Way of Greater New Bedford to bring Holiday Wishes to the Southcoast.

This year we are working to make the holidays brighter for five local families including the Curran/Mercer Family from Fall River.

25-year-old Haley Curran is a single mom caring for 2 small children, ages 5 and 6. She works at Hampton Inn in Westport and goes to school but after the death of her mother, she saw no other option than to become the caregiver to her brother, J.D., a 19-year-old living with severe developmental disabilities.

Haley believes very firmly she is the only person who can care for JD the way he deserves to be cared for. In addition to her own children and brother, Haley's 20-year-old sister, Kendra, and her 7-month old will be moving in with them once the family can move into a larger apartment. They currently live in a two-bedroom apartment and J.D. sleeps in the living room.

Haley is keeping her entire family together in a way that no 25-year-old could even imagine. She needs help with utilities, rent, beds, furniture, like a kitchen table with 6 chairs. She would like to be able to shop for the kids for Christmas, as it's not been possible in the past.

She would love to get J.D. his own CHILL-OUT chair like he has at Schwartz Center, an IPad 9.7 with heavy duty case to help with his vision and communication skills, and a new TV to watch Wheel of Fortune. She could use some help with getting her two children gifts for Christmas. Her daughter loves Shopkins and arts and crafts and her son likes Pokemon and Thomas the Train.

To donate, text WISHES to 313131. Your donation will go directly to the United Way of Greater New Bedford's Holiday Wishes Fund.