Keep Me Maryland

These are the kind of appeals from families that we are hearing in our financial aid office every day:

"Our family has been faced with a sudden financial crisis ... we are appealing for additional aid."

"On December 19, 2008, my position, which was held for over 15 years, was terminated."

"I am writing to request financial assistance for my daughter ... My department was outsourced."

"My salary was cut by $50,000 in December ... Jason is considering moving back home to help ease the financial burden."

"My daughter has received notification of admittance as an entering freshman ... We will not be in a position to help her financially. I have been unemployed since January 31, 2008."

"The money we saved for our daughter to attend college and our regular savings account have been depleted because we used them to pay bills during an unemployment."

"My husband is in the building materials sales industry. He works on commission and is not currently receiving any income."