Foodstuffs donated to the Chattanooga Vet Center are pictured in this file photo.HOW TO HELP* Who: Chattanooga Vet Center* What: Seeking donations of nonperishable food items, new toys for children infant to teen, store gift cards* When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 13* Where: Drop off: Chattanooga Vet Center, 951 Eastgate Loop Road, Chattanooga* For more information: Call 423-855-6570
She served four years in the U.S. Army and went back to civilian life in the early 1980s.
She worked and raised a family, but a lingering knee injury from her time in the military and other health problems piled up.
Last year, the 52-year-old Cleveland, Tenn., woman had three boys living at home. She was the only one bringing in a paycheck and she couldn’t work anymore. She’d applied for disability but hadn’t been approved.
Christmas was coming and she wasn’t certain what they would do.