A Heartfelt Thank You: Brittany Berry’s Journey to a Better Future
Brittany Berry has a message for everyone who donated to the Wish List, an annual holiday fundraising project by The Enquirer and United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful. My children are grateful,” she said, standing next to the used car she was able to buy thanks to the generosity of donors. “You have made a huge impact on our lives.” Brittany’s story is just one of many that highlight the transformative power of kindness and community support.
Brittany, a 34-year-old single mother of three, has been working tirelessly to create a better future for her children, ages 8, 6, and 2. They live in Covington at Lincoln-Grant Scholar House, a facility that provides affordable housing, academic support, and other services for single parents who are full-time college students. Brittany is juggling her job at an early education center with her studies at Mount St. Joseph University, where she is pursuing a degree in special education and general education. Her ultimate goal is to become a special education intervention specialist, a career path inspired by her two older children, who have developmental disabilities. However, before the Wish List stepped in, Brittany faced a significant challenge: transportation. Without a reliable car, it was nearly impossible to get her children to their therapy appointments. Bus rides were too long, ride-hailing services were expensive, and some drivers refused to take her children when they became overstimulated and upset.
The arrival of the Wish List funds was a game-changer for Brittany. She had saved some money but not enough to buy a dependable car. “It was a huge relief,” she said when the funds came through. Now, Brittany can drive her children to therapy, and they’re making great progress. She can also drive to her night classes, making it easier to balance her responsibilities as a student, worker, and parent. The car has opened up a world of possibilities for Brittany and her family, and she is deeply thankful to the donors who made it possible.
The Wish List: A Region’s Tradition of Compassion and Generosity
The 2024 Wish List raised a total of $60,473, exceeding the amount needed to fulfill the wishes of all those whose stories were published in The Enquirer. The remaining funds will be used throughout the year to assist people in need. For 38 years, the Wish List has been a cornerstone of the Cincinnati region, embodying the spirit of compassion, generosity, and a commitment to lifting one another up. “For 38 years, the Wish List has embodied the spirit of our region – compassion, generosity and a commitment to lifting one another up,” said Moira Weir, United Way President and CEO. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed.”
Beyond Brittany: Other Lives Changed by the Wish List
Brittany’s story is just one of many that illustrate the impact of the Wish List. Here are a few more examples of how the funds are making a difference in the lives of others:
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Destiny Buffington: Destiny is a young mother whose baby daughter, Myra, is recovering from injuries suffered in December 2023 when she was tragically shot in the face by her grandmother. Through the Wish List, Destiny will receive items to help Myra’s recovery.
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Larry Galbreath: Larry, a 54-year-old man with autism and major depressive disorder, was forced to throw away many of his belongings after his apartment became infested with bedbugs. Thanks to the Wish List, he will receive a new bed, mattress, clothes, and other essential items.
- Barbara Liszniewski: Barbara, a 79-year-old blind musician, will receive adaptive computer equipment and training. This will allow her to access music and stay connected to friends, enriching her life in meaningful ways.
These stories remind us of the profound difference that kindness and generosity can make in the lives of others.
The Legacy of the Wish List: A Community United in Kindness
The Wish List is more than just a fundraising project; it’s a symbol of the Cincinnati region’s commitment to kindness and compassion. For decades, this initiative has brought people together, creating a ripple effect of good deeds that resonate throughout the community. By supporting the Wish List, donors are not just contributing money – they are investing in the lives of individuals and families who are working hard to overcome challenges and build better futures for themselves and their loved ones.
A Message of Hope: The Power of Community Support
The success of the Wish List is a testament to the power of community support. It shows us that even in difficult times, there is always hope. By coming together to help those in need, we not only change lives but also strengthen the fabric of our community. Brittany Berry’s story, along with those of Destiny Buffington, Larry Galbreath, Barbara Liszniewski, and others, reminds us that kindness has no limits and that every act of generosity, no matter how small, can have a profound impact.
As we reflect on the success of the 2024 Wish List, let us carry forward the spirit of compassion and generosity that has defined this project for nearly four decades. Together, we can continue to lift one another up and create a brighter future for all.
