Araceli is a single mother of four young boys. She came to Reason to Give because she has been trying very hard to turn her life around and provide for her family. Araceli grew up in Humboldt Park. Although she is well aware of the problems in the community, the gangs, violence, and poverty, she still considers Humboldt Park her home.

A former gang member, who has experienced all too much violence for her years, Araceli changed her life once she had children. She currently attends GED classes full time and works at the Salvation Army. Araceli hopes to continue her education, and one day work as a beautician.

Araceli's boys attend an after school program everyday, where Araceli once volunteered. The older ones play baseball and football and take karate classes. Twelve-year-old Joseph struggles with ADHD, but still manages to do good in school and hopes to someday play in the NFL. Araceli calls her 10-year-old, Adrian, the genius because he is constantly receiving awards for outstanding performance at his school and through the after school program. Her two youngest are a handful, but they are smart and athletic kids as well.

As a single mother, Araceli struggles to provide her sons with everything that they need and ask for. Still, she works hard to be a good role model and instill in her children a sense of appreciation for what they do have, a roof over their heads and food on the table. Araceli is not asking for much, but she hopes that Reason to Give will help to provide her family with a few essentials to get through the winter and excel in school.