2020 Believe Project: $100 to financially help friend's daughter

Today is the return of a holiday tradition at the Daily Herald: our seventh annual Believe Project.

Thanks to donor and former businesswoman Carolyn Gable, the Believe Project aims to celebrate generosity, giving and helping those in need.

Gable has provided us with 31 envelopes, each containing a $100 bill. This month, we will send those envelopes to readers who submit the most compelling stories for helping others. Those readers will pass along the money to people in need.

Our first recipient is Mary Ellen Nickol of Wood Dale. She wants to give the money to the daughter of a friend.

Here is an excerpt of her story:

"Her husband has left her, so now she is a young, single mother of a young daughter. She is going through a very hard divorce, working and going to school.

"This girl is doing the best she can to provide for herself and to make a good life for her daughter. She is receiving legal aid, but the money gift would not only help her financially, it would also encourage her in her struggle to get back on her feet."

• Look for these stories inside the Daily Herald throughout December. If you'd like the chance to help someone as part of the Believe Project, submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.