CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Tara, 43, is a divorced single parent of two children - a 3-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. Tara moved to West Virginia from Texas when she was 18.

Shortly after moving here, her father was killed in an auto accident. Her mother, also involved in the accident, was left permanently paralyzed. Tara became her mother's caretaker, and it wasn't until after her mother died that Tara married.

Shortly after the birth of their second child, Tara's husband filed for divorce. A few months after that, her house caught fire. She and her children lost everything.

Tara is employed at a local restaurant, making approximately $850 per month. She receives $200 a month in food stamps. She's hoping to be able to go to college so she can eventually get a better-paying job.

The family is in need of beds and linens, cooking utensils, pots and pans. The children also desperately need clothing.

The son, age 8, wears size 10/12 shirts and pants and size 3 shoes. The daughter, age 3, wears 3T shirts and pants.

Monetary donations to Tara and her children can be made through the Gazette Charities Christmas Fund, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301. Credit card donations can be made online at wvgazette.com/ChristmasCharities.

To make furniture or clothing donations for this family, contact Scott Foley at the Children's Home Society at 345-3894.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Tara, 43, is a divorced single parent of two children - a 3-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. Tara moved to West Virginia from Texas when she was 18.

Shortly after moving here, her father was killed in an auto accident. Her mother, also involved in the accident, was left permanently paralyzed. Tara became her mother's caretaker, and it wasn't until after her mother died that Tara married.

Shortly after the birth of their second child, Tara's husband filed for divorce. A few months after that, her house caught fire. She and her children lost everything.

Tara is employed at a local restaurant, making approximately $850 per month. She receives $200 a month in food stamps. She's hoping to be able to go to college so she can eventually get a better-paying job.

The family is in need of beds and linens, cooking utensils, pots and pans. The children also desperately need clothing.

The son, age 8, wears size 10/12 shirts and pants and size 3 shoes. The daughter, age 3, wears 3T shirts and pants.

Monetary donations to Tara and her children can be made through the Gazette Charities Christmas Fund, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301. Credit card donations can be made online at wvgazette.com/ChristmasCharities.

To make furniture or clothing donations for this family, contact Scott Foley at the Children's Home Society at 345-3894.