Dear Readers - Over a year ago, you responded overwhelmingly to the cry for help from a single mother of three children. Injured at work, and earning minimal wage, she wrote, “My children sometimes go to school in their sleeping attire because I couldn't get their clothes cleaned in time. They sometimes get bullied at school because they wear the same thing more than once in a week.” (Jan. 9, 2012).

I published responses on Feb. 3 and 4. But I saved many more, and present them now for the countless single parents still struggling, still needing helpful suggestions, and the knowledge that people truly care.

Reader #1 – “I became a single mother of three when my children were quite young. I learned to ask for help from family, friends, and the school. Many helped with a smile.

1. The Public Library - free movies, books, magazines, and computer use.

2. Girl Guides and/or Boy Scouts offer programs with adjusted fees for ability to pay.

3. Have the children pitch in with chores. They can help get meals, do dishes, clean, etc., freeing Mom’s time so things can be done as a family.

4. When cooking a casserole item, i.e. anything with macaroni, make two. Put one in the freezer, use on a family night (free movies from the library).

5. My children enjoy pizza lunches at school because there’s a fund, provided by the parent council, so children that need fit in (without any other child knowing).

6. Family Services helped my children deal with some issues, through family counselling (fee based on income).

“To other single parents: You’re not alone, just lonely sometimes. Your children will love you for doing the best you can.”

Reader #2 – “For children’s sports or extracurricular activities: Search Canadian Parks and Recreation, Ontario Social Services, and Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs, to find free and low-cost activities e.g. for swimming classes, karate, gymnastics, etc.

“The Canadian Tire chain has had a “Jump Start” program assisting low-income families to participate in minor sports and recreational activities.

“The St. Vincent De Paul Society in your area gives food vouchers for the grocery store. I received $60.00 for myself and my son (more if there are more dependents), given every four months.

“The Society provides vouchers for new and gently-used clothing, furniture, and new mattresses.

“The Society’s sponsored by the Catholic Church but helps all in need.

“Food banks - You’re allowed to go once a month, but with an extremely low income, it’s once weekly. If working when food banks are open, they’ll try to accommodate.

“The Trillium Drug Program, in Ontario, helps people who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. Other such programs may exist.

“The United Way helps families with a breakfast program, and if children need tutors with their school work.

“If kids want to earn their own money: My son used to get paid $10.00 per week to walk a younger student to and from school. He also did some dog walking, shoveled snow in the winter, and raked leaves in spring and fall.

“The YMCA/YWCA also offers support to low-income parents and programs which include help with budgeting.

“Freecycle.ca exists in many countries, and has a site where people post things they no longer need or post requests for things they’re looking for. Porch pick up is usually the way it’s arranged. Good for kids clothes and toys as well as adult and household needs.”

Ellie – Here’s a personal offer, which couldn’t be passed on to the single Mom who wrote me, due to her wish and my commitment to absolute anonymity and privacy. She wanted encouragement and guidance, not handouts.

I urge would-be donors to connect with agencies that can distribute these much-needed goods.

Reader #3 – “I’m a real estate home-stager with tons of bedding, art, accessories, even small pieces of furniture I would be so happy to donate. If people live in a place that makes them happy and safe, life can feel so much better.

“The thought of children going to school and getting bullied because their parent can’t afford decent clothes and probably not decent food either, is absolutely heart breaking. I have so many friends with young kids who I know would be thrilled to donate, we have old sports equipment, we have winter coats, mitts, hats, boots. What I don’t have I can find.”