Hard Times Fall on Dedham Family, Group Looks to Help Child for Holidays

Learning to play ice hockey is tough for any youngster - especially without skates.

That's what Dedham kid Sean Klempa, 11, wants for Christmas.

But between rent, rising heating bills and filling the fridge with food each week, Sean's father, Steven, is struggling to give his only child the Christmas he deserves.

And it has been a difficult few months for Sean. In late October, the boy's mother, Judith, died at the age of 41.

"We're trying to make sure he has a good Christmas since he lost his mother," Steven said. "It's going to be rough on him because his mother isn't here."

That's why the to help families like Sean's. The organizations aims to provide grocery deliveries to families with children as well as at-risk seniors and adults.

This Christmas, WRBPA chose to "adopt" Sean's family, and two others who are in difficult circumstances. They're looking to community members to help the kids have a special holiday this weekend and to put a smile on their faces.

"It means a lot that people want to help," Sean said.

Topping his wishlist is a pair of ice skates - and someone to teach him how to skate.

The boy loves floor hockey - he plays it all the time - and said he knows all the rules. He even has a stick and puck.

He's just missing those skates.

Steven, 44, had to cut back hours at work after Judith passed away, making the budget even tighter.

"I'm grateful people want to help out, because right now I'm on my own," Steven said. "It's hard right now. It's never been like this before, and it's getting worse."

As much as Sean wants to lace up a pair of skates, there is something he wants more that no person can buy.

"I don't really need presents for Christmas," Sean said. "I just want to have Christmas with all my family - all get together and have dinner."

Additional information provided by West Roxbury Business and Professional Association:

Sean loves to read and is beginning to read "chapter" books. One of his favorites is the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series. Sean wears size 8-10 pants, large in shirts and coats and size 3 in shoes.

Donations can be made payable to: FAMILY IN NEED and mail to the West Roxbury Business and Professional Association. Post Office Box 320113, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

Donations and gifts for the children can also be dropped off at the YMCA, Wicked Sharp, 1898 Centre Street or Reliable Trading Post, 115 Park Street, West Roxbury.

The WRBPA will be accepting donations through January.