I’m a teacher at a preschool that serves low-income, at-risk children, and I’m writing this for one of my students.

During the Christmas season, our school community came together to make sure families had gifts and small moments of joy. It was only recently that we realized just how much one family was quietly carrying.

One of my students comes from a single-parent household with five children. Their parent has been doing everything possible to keep their family afloat, but they are now months behind on rent and facing eviction. While we were able to help provide Christmas presents, we didn’t realize that the family had been going without basic necessities — food, toiletries, and stability — just to try to stay housed.

This family never asked for help. Like many families we serve, they were simply doing their best to survive.

As a teacher, it’s impossible to separate learning from safety. Housing stability matters. Feeling secure matters. And no child should be facing the loss of their home — especially during Christmas.

This fundraiser is meant to help keep this family housed. Funds will go toward •past-due rent

•ongoing rent support to prevent eviction

If there are additional funds, they will go directly toward

•groceries, toiletries, and other essential needs the family has been going without.

We believe that caring for children and families in moments like this is part of loving our neighbor well.

Any amount helps. Truly. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much.

Thank you for showing up for one of my students and their family during a season that should be filled with warmth, safety, and hope.

Please note that to maintain animosity photos or further information on the family will not be shared publicly to maintain privacy as this is a difficult thing for this family to ask for.