Struggling family lands a little extra holiday help
By Amy Lavalley Post-Tribune correspondent December 1, 2012 11:12PM
Sarah Corns, 10, Bradley Corns, 13, Dorothy Corns, Cody Corns, 12 and Andrew Hilliard, 17 of Cedar Lake. | Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media
How to help
Here’s how to participate in the Post-Tribune’s Empty Stocking Fund collection drive, which helps low-income families through the local Boys and Girls Clubs. The donation deadline is Dec. 7.
Make checks or money orders payable to Boys & Girls Clubs and send them to:
The Empty Stocking Fund
c/o Post-Tribune
1433 E. 83rd Ave.
Merrillville IN 46410
Updated: January 3, 2013 6:15AM
Dorothy Corns’ husband, Michael, was laid off from his job in October.
Dorothy Corns is looking for work, but not having any luck.
“We’re staying at my mom’s until we get back on our feet,” she said.
The Corns have five children: Andrew Hilliard, 17; Michael Corns, 14; Bradley Corns, 13; Cody Corns, 12; and Sarah Corns, 10.
Cody and Sarah have been going to the Boys & Girls Club in Cedar Lake since August.
“My daughter likes to draw and art, and I think Cody is more into the video games they have,” Corns said, adding Sarah also likes to help out at the club by cleaning and taking on other tasks.
Corns likes the opportunities her children have at the club, and that Sarah can walk there after finishing tutoring at MacArthur Elementary School.
“It’s just nice because I don’t have a car to pick her up,” Corns said.
The family has been selected to receive financial assistance this holiday season from the Empty Stocking Fund, a joint program of the Post-Tribune and the Boys & Girls Clubs in Lake and Porter counties.
Since 1998, when the program began, the fund has raised thousands of dollars to help families in need during the Christmas season with financial assistance. The fund raised $4,395 last year.
Corns said she isn’t sure what her family would have done this Christmas without assistance from the Empty Stocking Fund.
“I think it’s amazing and very wonderful,” Corns said. “I appreciate whoever nominated us because we’re having a tough time right now.”
