Head Start is a free preschool serving 364 low-income children in Missoula and the five surrounding counties. In addition to valuable classroom experiences, Head Start also provides comprehensive physical, dental and nutritional services. The staff includes teachers, assistants, mental health and disability professionals, social workers and family advocates who help families through the many challenges faced by those living in poverty.
If you can help with any of these needs, contact social worker Christine Skelton at 728-5460, Ext. 108.
- A dad was a manager at a local business, but was recently laid off and has been unsuccessful in finding a new job. Mom works full time, but barely makes enough to break even. One of their children is having surgery in December to help deal with borderline cystic fibrosis issues, and another suffers from chronic migraines, so much time, energy and money is spent on medical issues. The family wishes for dad to find employment and for two twin beds. They need a toaster and silverware, and dad could use durable, oil-proof work boots size 12. The four children, ages 2 to 9, hope Santa visits with toys. All could use clothes. Girl, 9, wears size 8; boy, 6, wears size 7; boy, 5, wears size 5; and girl, 2, wears size 24 months.
- Both parents in this family are working and raising two young boys. Both boys have birthdays right before Christmas, and it makes the budget tight. They heat with propane, and are asking help to fill the tank for winter. All four family members need winter coats. The 4-year-old boy wears size 7/8, the 3-year-old girl wears size 5, mom wears size women's large and dad men's large. Both children wish for bikes and warm clothes. Mom would like new bath towels.
- This family was finally able to get into housing after waiting and living with different friends and family for the past three months. Mom attends the university and is raising her two children alone. She is asking for an oil change and windshield wipers for her car, a cake pan, bookshelves and a gift card for home decorations. The 4-year-old boy wants building blocks, a train set with tracks and Hot Wheels. Baby sister, 1, wishes for learning toys and princess items. Both could use clothes, sizes 4T male and 18 months female.
- For 5 1/2 years of their six years of married life, dad has been in school earning his degree. He will graduate this year, but with only mom's income, the parents worry they won't be able to provide a good Christmas for their children. There are three boys, ages 5, 3 and 6 months, and they could all use warm clothes (sizes 5, 3T and 6-9 months), socks and shoes (sizes 10 and 8 toddler). The two older boys like Ben 10 Alien Force toys and Legos. Baby brother would like any learning toy. Parents wish only for their children to have a good Christmas, and maybe a few gas vouchers to help dad get to and from school.
- These parents got behind on their bills because they had to take all three of their children to Spokane for a medical appointment to check a hereditary problem that they have. The trip was an added expense they hadn't planned into their budget, so they have had to rearrange bill payment. They have a 2002 Dodge Caravan that needs the gas gauge and speedometer fixed. Three boys, ages 2, 4 and 8, need clothes (sizes 3T, 5 and 8-10 shirts; 12 jeans). They wish for Shake and Go cars, a stuffed puppy, Handy Manny tools, toys from the movie “Cars,” the Guinness Book of World Records and finger skateboards. Mom would like a gift certificate to the Book Exchange and a soup pot or deep frying pan, and dad would like a good tape measure and a small set of multipurpose tools.
- The dad in this family was laid off work for five weeks and will go back at the beginning of December, but due to the layoff, they are very far behind on all their bills and rent. They are asking for firewood, food and basic household, grooming and laundry supplies. Two boys, ages 4 and 13, and two girls, ages 10 and 6, wish for any rock music, anything from “High School Musical,” stuffed animals, board games and super heroes.
- A seven-member family has only one income to live on and try to save money because mom needs to have major surgery on a brain tumor. Dad wishes for any assistance to help make the holidays easier on his family. The 14-year-old girl would like books two to four of the “Twilight” series and pants size 0-2. An 11-year-old girl loves “High School Musical.” The 6-year-old boy wishes for Magnetix and anything “Star Wars.” The 4-year-old girl wants Barbie Diamond Castle, dress-up clothes and dolls. Baby sister, 20 months, likes to play dress-up and Veggie Tales.
- A very young two-parent family both work full-time, yet can only afford the basic necessities. Mom's parents usually buy the family a Christmas tree, but they can't help this year, so one thing mom wishes for is a tree, and then hopefully some gifts for the children to put under it. The 3-year-old boy wishes for a big Tonka truck, a train and needs warm clothes size 5. The 2-year-old girl wishes for a new baby doll, a cooking stove and clothes size 2. And 6-month-old brother needs clothes size 6-9 months and any learning toy. They need a crib mattress and sheets, and food for the holidays.
Agency profile
Name: Head Start
Year established: 1965
Name of director: Phil Burgess
Number of clients served: 364
Other agency needs: Head Start has a discretionary fund that is used throughout the year to help families with a variety of needs, including rent, power, prescriptions, gas, etc. The fund comes solely from community donations throughout the year.
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