Making a difference: Stories from the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund Holiday Campaign - OrlandoSentinel.com

Thousands of children and families throughout Central Florida need your help this holiday season. Contributions to the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund Holiday Campaign provide basic needs like a hot meal, a place to sleep or after-school tutoring and literacy programs to youth year-round. All administrative costs are paid by the Family Fund and the McCormick Foundation, which contributes 50 cents for every dollar donated. You also can charge a donation to a credit card by calling 800-518-3978.Or go online at OrlandoSentinel.com/familyfund . Questions? Call 407-420-5705.

Program invests in children's development
UCP is supported by Orlando Sentinel Family Fund

A whirlwind of pink blew down the hallway. Her name was Jazlyn Suarez.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: Giving to worthy cause great investment
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund offers 50 percent match for donations

I love a good deal.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: Nonprofit teaches Kissimmee woman life skills in tough time
Daiki Castro is helped by Orlando Food & Outreach Center during her newborn son Jeremiah's continuing health problems.

It was hard for Daiki Castro to be grateful last Thanksgiving.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: Hardship puts Sanford family on receiving end of charity
Hope Helps, an Oviedo nonprofit, helps to — among other things — provide meals for children in need when school is out.

Every month, Irene Falzon's family members join their church to serve food to the homeless in downtown Orlando. Even as they help those less fortunate, they are on the receiving end of charity as well.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: Salvation Army bell rings sound of Christmas hope
Salvation Army's red kettles synonymous with holiday giving.

There is no divine miracle that happens when this bell rings.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: Nonprofit Valencia program grooms students for college
Program helps Orlando University High student see dream of being occupational therapist can become reality

Lismarie Class Soto has had her sights on college since she was little.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: BETA Center helps teen moms become better parents
Her cry for help came from the tip of a blade.
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund: Coalition for Homeless gives family shelter, hope
Coalition for Homeless is one of agencies supported by Orlando Sentinel Family Fund

In an earlier time, Joshua Arce might have been begging a kindly innkeeper to find a place where his pregnant wife could rest. His son might have been born in a manger.
Family Fund: Catholic Charities of Central Florida helps young family
Alfonzo and Chauvonne Jackson were struggling to provide for their children after Alfonzo lost his job, but they persevered thanks to Catholic Charities.

Alfonzo and Chauvonne Jackson's love story sounds like it belongs in "When Harry Met Sally."
Family Fund: Agency helps man keep his independence
The Center for Independent Living is supported by the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund Holiday Campaign.

Raymond Nicoulin isn't one to call a charity for help at the first sign of trouble.