(Editor’s note: The names of the people highlighted in this
article have been changed to protect their privacy.)

At least one ELF (Era’s Less Fortunate) Fund recipient still
enjoys the “teddy bear” rocking chair he received for Christmas
last year.

“He loves that rocking chair,” said Kyle Smith’s grandmother
Pauline. “All the kids do,” she added of her five other
grandchildren.

Kyle just turned four-years-old and has been in the custody of
his grandparents for about three years. This is a good thing for
him, but something of a strain on his grandparents who have
suffered medical emergencies and injury over the years.

Pauline and Oscar Smith are happy to show off the somewhat shy
Kyle’s abilities in counting and knowledge of the alphabet, but are
quick to add that they need the help they receive from The
Salvation Army and the ELF Fund to support the little guy.

About 10 years ago in April, Oscar had a severe stroke and has
also had several heart attacks and heart problems since then.

He was in rehabilitation for four months after the initial
stroke, re-learning how to walk, talk and eat.

“I went with him and learned how to help him,” Pauline Smith
said of the rehabilitation. “He had to wear a safety belt so I
could help him.”

Oscar Smith added, “You can’t do the things you used to do – I
was wheelchair bound for nine months.”

Pauline Smith has been having trouble with one of her shoulders
that may lead to surgery.

“But I got him to take care of,” she said referring to her
grandson. “I’ve been going to therapy but it doesn’t seem to be
working.”

Even with these pitfalls, the Smiths are undaunted and have
received help from those family members who could.

“We are fortunate. My son bought us a car and paid our taxes –
we were quite a few years behind. Now we are only about a month
behind,” added Oscar Smith.

The Smiths have a daughter and two sons. Kyle’s father is unable
to provide a stable environment for him to live due to his working
status, and that is why the Smiths decided it was time to take him
in.

“It is easier for us to watch our grandson,” said Pauline Smith.
“His father is still in touch with him.”

Now they are in need of more help. They already receive help in
heating their home through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP) and for their electric costs.

Oscar Smith adds that Pauline’s mother has been very helpful to
them as well.

The Smith’s said the clothing they received through the ELF Fund
last year for Kyle were also helpful.

“Especially in the winter months,” said Pauline Smith. “He got
so much last time I can’t remember it all. We appreciate it.”

If there is anyone who believes in elves, it’s the Smiths.

“It’s an outstanding program,” said Oscar Smith. “We are
fortunate enough to get food from them (Salvation Army) too. Before
I was ill I used to give to them, but now I can’t. I enjoyed
standing at the kettle – I was affiliated with it through the VFW.
But unfortunately my health is not as good as it was.

“And he wants me to play kickball with him too, but I can’t,”
said Smith.

Other interests Kyle has includes Bob the Builder, Spider Man,
SpongeBob SquarePants, and singing along with music.

“He loves music, he has two guitars and one day in the store, he
wanted another one, but he’s got those two already,” said Pauline
Smith. “He likes to sing along in church and in the car (which
includes kids songs and country music.)”