My name is Violet May, and I’m a single mom doing my best to care for my three teenage boys—Jerraun, Ben, and Braydin. Just a week before Christmas, I was let go from my job after making a safety call about a drunk driver leaving work. I know how devastating drunk driving can be—how it can take lives and destroy families, including the driver’s own. I made the call because I truly love my patrons, guests, and the community, and my big heart just wanted to keep everyone safe. My employer disagreed with my decision, and this has left me without income at the most difficult time of year.

This year has already been incredibly hard for us. I recently survived domestic violence, which forced me to move to a new home and get a different car so my abuser wouldn’t know where we live or what I drive. The costs of moving and starting over have been overwhelming, and every appliance in our house broke in November, adding even more unexpected expenses. On top of that, our dog was stolen—a loss that broke our hearts. My boys and I miss our puppy every day, and it’s been so hard not having that comfort and companionship, especially during such a difficult time. Now, with no job, I haven’t been able to buy a single gift for my sons. I’m struggling to figure out how I’ll pay for food and rent, let alone bring any holiday joy to my family.

I’ve been a local server and bartender for 15 years, and my patrons have become like family to me. Reaching out for help is an incredibly hard decision, and sharing my story is something I never imagined I would need to do. I would be eternally grateful for any support you can offer to help us get through what has truly been the hardest year of my life. Your kindness would mean the world to me, Jerraun, Ben, and Braydin.