Originally published March 18, 2025 on cincinnati.com
Brittany Berry has a message for readers who donated to the Wish List, the annual holiday fundraising project of 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 generous donors. “You have made a huge impact on our lives.”
Brittany was one of eight individuals and families whose Wish List stories were published in December. She told of transportation being her greatest need as she pursued a better future for her children, ages 8, 6 and 2.
They live in Covington at Lincoln-Grant Scholar House, which provides affordable housing, academic support and other services for single parents who are full-time college students. It’s operated by the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, a United Way partner that nominated Brittany for the Wish List.
Brittany, 34, works at an early education center and is a full-time student at Mount St. Joseph University, where she is studying special education and general education. She plans to become a special education intervention specialist.
That field hits home for Brittany, whose two older children have developmental disabilities. Without a car, she found it nearly impossible to get them to therapy appointments. Bus rides took too long, ride-hailing fees were expensive, and when her children were overstimulated and upset, some drivers refused to take them.
Brittany had saved some money but not enough to buy a dependable car. When the Wish List funds came through, “It was a huge relief,” she said.
Now Brittany drives her children to therapy, and they’re making great progress, she said. What’s more, Brittany can drive to her night classes.
The total raised through the 2024 Wish List is $60,473 – more than enough to fulfill the wishes of all those whose stories appeared in The Enquirer. The remaining funds will be used throughout the year to assist people who need it.
“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.”
A sampling of others whose wishes have been granted or soon will be:
- Destiny Buffington is getting items to help her baby daughter, Myra, recover from injuries suffered in December 2023 when she was shot in the face by her grandmother.
- Larry Galbreath, 54, who has autism and major depressive disorder, is getting a bed, mattress, clothes and other items to replace the belongings he had to throw away after his previous apartment became infested with bedbugs.
- Barbara Liszniewski, a 79-year-old musician who has been blind since birth, will receive adaptive computer equipment and training to access music and stay connected to friends.
John Johnston is the content writer at United Way and a former Enquirer reporter.
