EDITOR'S NOTE: Light One Candle is an annual feature that focuses on the single need of a person, family or agency during the holidays.

Need is no stranger to any of the 67 families expected to be helped through the local Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family program this holiday season.

But the Medford couple with the four young children pose a special problem, says Carrie Hanson, development director for the agency.

They are going to be very hard for us to serve because they are a large number and they have so many needs, Hanson says.
— The husband and wife, both 24, are working hard to support children ages 7, 6, 4 and 2. He works as many hours as he can get at a local service station. She's trying to break the cycle of minimum-wage jobs by finishing her GED and preparing to start college.

If the family had a single wish this holiday season, it would be for a working vacuum cleaner. With so many young kids, it's hard enough to keep a house clean and vacuums are expensive.

Beyond that one request, there are other needs as well, Hanson says. The family has no Christmas tree, no food for a holiday dinner, no gifts for the children.

The older boys need clothes of all kinds, from pants to pajamas, in sizes 8-9T and 7-8T. They're hoping for Bionicles, Power Rangers and Batman toys on Christmas morning.

The girls are wishing for My Little Pony and Barbie toys and a play kitchen. But they really need clothing in sizes 5T and 3-4T.

Help for this family, or any of the 600 families expected to be assisted by the Salvation Army this season, can be delivered to 304 Beatty St., Medford. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Hanson at 773-6965.

For more information about Light One Candle, contact reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465.