TRUMBULL COUNTY Helping fulfill a family's needs
Workers are hoping to complete a two-story addition on the family's home to keep things bright long after the holidays.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- It's been 19 years since Marli Conner first opened her heart and home to a special-needs child. Never in all that time did she expect the outpouring of support the community shown for her and her children.
Conner is the single mother of 13 special-needs children, eight of them living in her Everett-Hull Road home in Fowler Township. While Conner works with local, state and federal officials to secure money to help raise the children -- whose afflictions range from AIDS and cerebral palsy to mental retardation and behavioral problems -- the entire family benefited Tuesday from the holiday spirit of some of those same people.
Memorable moments
"A day like this will keep me going forever," Conner said, her eyes glowing as she watched her children tear through bright wrapping paper to find a treasure-trove of gifts. Puzzles, dolls, art supplies and coloring books were mixed among the holiday decorations as the children proudly showed off their new toys to their siblings.
They opened gifts in a room covered with pictures of the children Conner has cared for and adopted through the years.
"I want that one; that's what I want for Christmas from Santa Claus," said 18-year-old Cathy, eyeing the rug kit her sister, 21-year-old Doris, received. But Cathy was more than willing to share her new 3-D puzzle with 4-year-old Kesi, 10-year-old Ricky, 15-year-old Donald and 17-year-old Dana.
The gifts came from workers in state Treasurer Joe Deters' office. Staff members donated the toys, as well as clothing, food and a 27-inch television to the family they've come to know and love throughout the years. Conner and Deters first met when she took part in the Access for Individuals program run through the state treasury.
How it came about
Conner said Tuesday's celebration started when Deters asked her what she and the children were doing for the holidays.
"I told him that we were having a very simple Christmas this year," she said. "Every penny I have is going into the addition for the house for the children, so things are very tight. I was going to make whatever gifts I could for them, but they understood. Ricky said 'Christmas is about all of us being together, not presents.' I'm lucky my kids are so understanding."
Deters, who said he's been impressed with Conner's commitment to her children from the first time he met her, said he and his staff members really wanted to make the holidays a special time for the family.
"I've just been really touched by Marli and how she opens her home and heart to her kids," he said. "So we decided to pool our money together to get some gifts for the kids."
But Deters, his staff and local community members are also working to make things happier for the Conner family long after the holidays.
Doing more
Using loans and grants, Conner is working to have the two-story addition constructed at the home to better meet the ever-growing family's needs. Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 573 and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 have donated time and labor toward construction. But now, a lack of money and supplies is hindering the efforts.
"We still need insulation, siding, drywall and more," said Jeff Brown, president of the IBEW union.
Mark A. Catello, IBEW business manager, said the project is far from over, and the laborers are hoping donations from individuals and businesses in the area will keep things on track. He said a big worry is that the winter weather will deteriorate the construction already done before the entire project is completed.
"We are in desperate need of material donations," Catello said.
Deters said about $15,000 is needed to complete the project.
To contribute, contact the union at (330) 394-3606.
slshaulis@vindy.com