A disabled mother and two sons are warm for the holidays since the community donated bedding, warm clothing and a heater in response to their story.

The Medford family is just one of several whose children attend Kids Unlimited Academy and whose holiday “wish lists” moved businesses, private donors and even fellow KUA families to give the gifts of hope and joy. KU’s annual Hope for the Holidays campaign also raised funds for its annual Whoville celebration that treated more than 1,100 kids and parents to games, food, gifts and fun.

“You’re trying to show them that Christmas is still a special time,” said Tom Cole, KU’s founder and CEO. “Kids — they still believe that the holidays have some meaning.”

Meaningful items for many families often are the most basic. An electric kettle, food storage containers and a space heater topped the list of the 28-year-old mother featured in KU’s Hope for the Holidays appeal. She also wished for a collapsible stroller for her 2-year-old son. The family walks or takes public transportation, and the mother, originally from Guatemala, bikes to her janitorial job.

Employees of Action Transportation donated almost an entire month’s rent toward the family, who has struggled since the unexpected death earlier this year of the woman’s boyfriend. His extended family removed many of his belongings from the apartment he shared with the woman and boys, and she was left without vehicle transportation and a much reduced income. A survivor of physical abuse, the woman sought asylum at the Mexican border three years ago, gained U.S. legal status but speaks no English and is challenged to communicate in her native language.

Another KUA family also received clothing, gifts and other items on its wish list from Action Transportation employees, some of whom volunteered to set up KU’s Dr. Seuss-themed scenery for Dec. 17’s Whoville event. One of the trucking company’s employees enrolls his daughter at KUA.   

Serving a student population that is approximately 70% Latino, about half from non-English-speaking households, KUA offers robust instruction in English language development with numerous bilingual staff, about 40% of the school’s total. The disabled woman’s oldest son is bilingual since attending KUA and acts as an interpreter for his mother.

Read more about Hope for the Holidays and donate on KU’s website.