*The names in this story have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
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Launceston’s Kate Gray just tries to get through each day.
The single mum described her feelings of failure after realising she wouldn’t be able to afford to buy Christmas presents for her children.
The lowest of lows in what has been one of the most devastating years of her life.
With three children under the age of 15, including two on the autism spectrum, Ms Gray said it is a daily struggle to provide the basic needs for her family.
This year she has also had to watch as her oldest daughter deteriorates before her eyes while battling a serious, life threatening mental illness.
Ms Gray said she often lies awake at night antagonising over how she will pay the bills and feed her family and also dreads the day she will get a call from the hospital to say her daughter has died.
In the latest blow, she is now also having to contend with her own debilitating illnesses which has meant more time away from her children.
Describing her life as a “bubble with no way out”, this Christmas Ms Gray decided to do the one thing she knew she could – ask for help.
“Our Christmas last year was pretty dismal and this year I wanted it to be different,” she said.
“With everything that has happened it was beyond my control to adequately provide for my children.
“As a parent, that felt like the ultimate failure.
“The Salvos offering us some help was just the biggest blessing for me and my family.
“Thank God for the Salvos, that’s all I can say.”
Ms Gray and her family are one of hundreds set to benefit from this year’s Empty Stocking Appeal, with the Salvation Army preparing to provide food and Christmas presents to disadvantaged families throughout the community.
Doorway’s program facilitator Kelly Brown said people are often too proud to ask for help.
“We have people come in who say they just don’t know what to do,” she said.
“Often they are unaware about the types of services that we can refer them to.
“There is no shame in asking for help.”
This year’s Empty Stocking Appeal aims to raise $60,000 by December 25, with all proceeds to be split between four charities the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Launceston Benevolent Society, City Mission and the Salvation Army.
- If you need help, contact Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636