Mary is a 27-year-old mother of two children, ages 4 and 2. Mary fell in love with Joe quickly, and after a whirlwind romance, they married within six months.
Mary thought she had the perfect life until Joe started accusing her of having an affair, threatening her and monitoring her every movement. The physical abuse started with pushing and shoving and eventually escalated into severe beatings.
Fearing that Joe would kill her and her children, Mary called the domestic violence hotline number a friend had given her. After talking to a counselor, Mary decided to move into the shelter temporarily. She received a protective order and an attorney to represent her in her divorce. Mary is still in the process of leaving the abusive relationship and knows there is a long road ahead. She would be grateful to have help providing gifts for her children this Christmas.
Your donation to The Star Democrat’s Brighter Christmas Fund could help Mary provide for her family during the holiday season.
The Brighter Christmas Fund is a 501(c)(3) charity, and tax-deductible donations, which also help other families in need on the Mid-Shore, may be sent to The Brighter Christmas Fund, c/o The Star Democrat, P.O. Box 600, Easton, MD 21601. Donations also may be made online via credit card or Paypal at www.brighterchristmasfund.org. Click the “Donate” button. For more information about the Fund, call 410-200-1884.
The total to date is: $5,275
Those sharing the spirit of giving with others this holiday include:
In memory of Godeva Cerrelli & Carol Hinkley
In memory of Reuben, Hilda, Earle, Charles, Tommy & Lester Swann
In memory of Paul Fallon, a wonderful Santa!
In honor of Evelyn Coleman Deel & in memory of her siblings, the Coleman Clan — Ruth, Louise, Floyd, Dot, Alma & Barbara
In memory of Marty Eason
In memory of Michael F. Donahue Jr., Brianna’s Daddy
In memory of dearly departed members of the EHS Class of 1978
In memory of Leon & Louise; Mary Margaret & Roland; Kenneth & Newty; Freckles, Louise & Janice Blades; Sara & Joe Kral; and Rose Eason
Jane Kasper
In memory of Jean-Claude Bernasse
Lynn & Fred Hildenbrand
In honor of my grandchildren, Bradley and Evie Cole
Marie Thomas
In memory of Susie Meara
In memory of Frank J. (Cisco) & Juanita H. Chamberlain
In memory of Brandy Passwaters Jones’ beloved grandmother