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Carter family shares similar concerns as families across U.S. as economy grows worse
By JOELLEN CHESNUT
Era Reporter
joellen@bradfordera.com
(Editor’s note: Names of the family members have been changed to protect their privacy. ELF gifts must be dropped off between noon and 6 p.m. today and Monday at the Bradford Office of Economic and Community Development, 20 Russell Blvd.)
The countdown to the holidays is on and the stress is rising. This season, in addition to the typical financial stress, economic worries and stress over job layoffs plague many people.
The Carter family gives voice to the same concerns many families across the United States are facing.
When asked what her hopes are for this holiday, Samantha Carter put it very simply: “We are hoping to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table for the kids.”
That may be an even bigger challenge in the future, as the company where Scott Carter works is considering layoffs, following a depressing trend many companies in the area have been forced into due to the current economic recession.
The Carters have three children; Sabastian, 12, Sabrina, 8, and Sawyer, 5.
Sabastian Carter is a typical middle-schooler, keeping busy while balancing his involvement in after school activities like band and sports.
According to Samantha Carter, he also likes to draw, so art supplies would be helpful. He also likes hoodies, which are a big part of his wardrobe.
Sabrina Carter is a bright and active eight-year-old, who was cheerful despite having a stomach ache. After challenging this reporter to a game of tic-tac-toe, she was happy to share her two favorite colors, black and pink, and her hope for the Holiday Pop Star Singing Hannah Montana doll. When asked, she noted she likes to read — sometimes.
Sabrina Carter suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Samantha Carter says they spend a lot of time helping her learn to manage the symptoms of the disorder.
Sawyer Carter, the youngest, likes Matchbox cars and the colors green and blue. Sabrina Carter noted he brought home his paperwork for the Book-It Program and hoped she would read to him — all the required books in one evening.
He is also involved in an after-school program, so he wasn’t home at the time of the interview.
Samantha Carter notes they do what they can to support the children’s activities outside of school.
“It’s tough to do without money,” she observed.
Samantha Carter babysits for her sister to bring in a little extra money.
“It isn’t much, but it is enough to help keep us going,” Samantha Carter said.
Samantha Carter noted they didn’t plan for things like layoffs. If that concern becomes a reality, the family may have to move out of the area. For now though, the focus is on making the holidays as cheerful as possible.
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