I was not referred to the Palo Alto Christmas Bureau program this year, due to an oversight on the managers of my apartment building who misunderstood the program... My low income of Social Security qualified me last year and that has not changed. I am disabled.

I was told that I was to have been signed up by an agency referral before Thanksgiving and that it was too late for my family (of 3) to receive the small check that the volunteers write out and send about two weeks before Christmas.

That little bit that the bureau diveys up between those of us who are having strenuous times really would have put a little light into my holiday. It's only three days away now and I tried leaving a message two days ago and again today on the bureau's home answering machine. They must have gotten it, but I have not received any phone reply. I see that they are still advertising for more donations, of which they stock pile up for the next year~ so I was told.

I have been in the hospital again this year with terminal illness and really have lost a lot of fight in keeping up with holidays. I feel this lack of oversight, not only on my managers part, but the shallow way I am treated is not the way I envisioned my fellow man.

I never really gave thoughts years ago of being on the receiving end of a program that was designed to help those who can hardly help themselves..... I only hope those of you reading this will never have to experience the hardships that a disability can bring.

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday....