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COVID-19 bouts set family back, and Neediest Cases aid will make a better 2022

Contributed photo / Felicia Pace, middle, is pictured hugging her daughter Sophia, 4, while surrounded by her family, including Jakobe, 11, far left; Dean, 13, back; Malaika, 10, bottom; and David, right.
Contributed photo / Felicia Pace, middle, is pictured hugging her daughter Sophia, 4, while surrounded by her family, including Jakobe, 11, far left; Dean, 13, back; Malaika, 10, bottom; and David, right. Contributed photo / Felicia Pace, middle, is pictured hugging her daughter Sophia, 4, while surrounded by her family, including Jakobe, 11, far left; Dean, 13, back; Malaika, 10, bottom; and David, right.

By Elizabeth Fite 3 min read

The coronavirus pandemic hit Felicia Pace’s six-person family especially hard.

Pace and several members of the household came down with COVID-19 about a year ago, which forced her out of work without pay for four weeks.

“That really hurt us. We tried to get some loans, so now we owe those loans, and I am pretty behind on everything,” said Pace, who is hearing impaired and spoke through an interpreter. “Little by little, I’ve been paying them off. I told my kids it’s just been really, really hard. So for Christmas, I’m not going to be able to give them many gifts. But I just want to make sure my kids are happy.”

She has four children – Sophia, Malaika, Jakobe and Dean – ranging in age from 4 to almost 13.

Pace said she only recently applied for Neediest Cases assistance. When she receives the funds, she’ll use the $750 to help with rent, utilities and food.