Help us have a peaceful Christmas

Hi, my name is Anita. I'm a fourth year student of English language and literature at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. I spent the past 2 years studying abroad in Austria thanks to a scholarship that I am eternally grateful for. That experience not only allowed me to further my academic knowledge, but the scholarship allowed me to save some money on the side as well.

Upon my return to Serbia, due to the economic conditions in the country, I gave it all to my parents, in order for them to pay all the outstanding bills they had. Both my parents and I are very hardworking individuals, and I did what I could for them at that moment and gave them all that I have saved.

My parents worked very hard all their life, but the pension they receive now (it had been considerably reduced) is barely enough for survival. The bills keep piling up and we barely make ends meet. The tax bills just came in, along with the insurance, and with two credit loans already running on both my mom and dad's part, we do not know how we will be able to pay for all of it until the end of the year.

My parents are extremely kindhearted, helping and hardworking people. Throughout the years, they helped many friends and relatives in hard times and they never asked for anything in return. But now, it's them who need help. So, I am asking for help, for them.

If you are able to lend us a helping hand, please do. All I want is to have a peaceful, not survival-concerned Christmas with my family. I would not be posting this here if it were not a true emergency.

We always managed somehow, but this time we cannot do it alone.

In the name of my mom and dad, I thank you for your help. Everything is deeply appreciated.