Hello. I'm a hardworking and devoted father of three beautiful kids. As you know, everything has become more expensive, but it seems as if we aren't making any more to compensate. Sadly, my children live primarily with their mother, which means I pay child support on top of the normal bills. This leaves me enough to rent a room and feed myself, but little else.

Recently, my car, given to me by a friend (thank you!), has stopped working. Among the standard tune-up work needed—brakes, suspension, spark plugs, oil change, and no A/C—it recently started shifting hard. The check engine light came on, and I was going to take it to a local auto store to get a reading. Last night though, the car would start and immediately stall and die. I can get about 30 seconds of life from it. If you've never seen a grown man cry in his car, it's a pitiful sight.

So many times I have to tell my kids, 'next time,' or force them to wait an indefinite amount of time to get them a toy or treat. Now I can't even drive two miles to see them. I work from home, but that will change soon. I am, in a word, desperate. I pray you can help. Your support will help me repair my car, see my children, and prepare for my new job. Any help is deeply appreciated.