Believe Project: $100 to help woman emerging from abusive relationship

Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Karen Smart of Elk Grove Village. Here is an excerpt of her story:

"I know a young woman who has been fighting for her life for just short of two years now. She struggles with PTSD, anxiety and alcoholism that resulted from an abusive relationship.

"It has not been easy, but she is working very hard to rebuild and live a clean and sober life. She has a caring heart and is always there with a kind word, a smile, a shoulder to cry on and a helping hand.

"I would love to be able to give her this gift to help with her financial struggles and to lighten her burdens a little. Thank you for your kind consideration."

• The Believe Project is awarding at least $100 each day in December to people with good ideas for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else.