It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas, Except For One Family I Know
December 2, 2009
(Updates are at the bottom of this post.)
When we moved here to our little town, we met a family through hockey that I was instantly in love with. The 4 boys are sweet, polite, bright little guys and the oldest and my Dylan instantly clicked. They’ve been friends for two hockey seasons – we all have. The funny part is, when I got to talking to the Mom, we discovered that Daren was her brother’s boss years ago, and subsequently had been his friend ever since. We’ve known the Mom’s brother “C’ since Dylan was a baby. “C” has bought Christmas gifts for Dylan all these years (and Thomas too, once he arrived.)
This Mom is going through a really rough time right now. She is a proud mother of 4 strong, smart little boys, and over the weekend, she suddenly had to move herself and the kids out of her married home and into a rental house. For her sake, and because she has no idea I’m doing this, I have to leave the details out.
The boys are feeling very uprooted and upset, as you can probably imagine. They are 11, 9, 7 and 5.
My friend was a stay at home mom, and is out every single day while the boys are at school, looking for a job. She has no choice. She is an involved mom, a volunteer at school, hockey and her church. I have always seen her devoting her time to her kids and their well being, to others, to whatever organization needed her. She is nothing short of amazing.
The boys have their toys and clothes, but are in need of food, winter gear, and dare I say it, money. They don’t have a washer and dryer, nor a freezer. They are getting utilities set up, but no more.
I know it’s tight out there. Believe me, I know. But if you can donate $5, $10 or even $20, I promise you, this will help them so much. I’m going to shop for food and gift cards for them tomorrow with as much money as we can spare. I’m going through the boys winter gear tonight to see what I can help with.
You know I don’t do this very often, but it’s Christmas, guys. I can’t imagine fleeing my home with my kids and feeling as unsure and unsteady as my friend does tonight.
If you can help, I hope you will. Even if it’s just to spread the word.
If you are local (Southwestern Ontario) or don’t mind shipping food or other stuff (local stores are WalMart, Canadian Tire and Loblaw/Superstore if you want to send gift cards) – email me at karenrani@gmail.com to arrange it.
I’ll keep you updated as things develop. xoxo
UPDATE # 1: We are at $380 as of 10 a.m. this morning. I’d love to be able to hand her $1000-$2000 to cover rent for 2 months and maybe a bit extra for food and Christmas. She wasn’t home this morning when I dropped off all the grocery gift cards I could afford – and is probably out there looking for a job while the kids are at school. We have a lead on a freezer, just waiting to hear back from the seller. <— Got one! Thanks to all the locals and Twitter friends for spreading the word, donating and emailing with more suggestions. You truly are a wonderful community. Thank you so much.
UPDATE # 2: As of 1:30 p.m., we’re at $825 $895! (it’s coming in as I update!) I’m so impressed with your generosity and your ability to spread the word so quickly. Thank you ever so much, every one of you.
ATTENTION CANADIAN READERS – if you have Canadian Tire money you’d like to donate, email me at karenrani@gmail.com and I’ll make sure it gets to this family as well. Thanks in advance for looking!
UPDATE # 3: As of 3:30 this afternoon, we hit over $1000, which I transferred out of Paypal. It should hit my bank account by Wednesday and I will take it to her the day it hits and explain what we have done, together. I cannot thank you enough for all of your donations. She has no idea this is coming and it will be a huge relief.
Donations keep coming in and if we can continue to help this family as much as possible until they get on their feet, that would be wonderful. Every single dollar raised will help get her to a secure place where they can stand on their own.
Thank you thank you thank you – every single one of you who have spread the word, opened your hearts and given to this woman and her sons. This is what Christmas is all about. You have touched my heart so much over the last 24 hours, dearest friends and strangers.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
My heart breaks for them. Praying they find peace this holiday.
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December 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I can’t give ritht now until payday next week, but I most definitely will! Also, this might be interesting to you: http://givinganon.org/. I’ve heard awesome things about this website. Just a thought. Nonetheless, you’re a good friend to do this.
.-= chris´s last blog ..Best Shot Monday – Celebrating Family =-.
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December 2nd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Karen,
It is SO honorable and noble of you to do this. I bow to you. Thank you for showing us all what Christmas is *really* about.
Unfortunately, I’m in a tight spot myself but I’m sending all of my good mojo thatta way and will keep checking for updates.
May God Bless you,
Bre
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December 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 am
Send me your paypal, or let me know if Loblaws/Superstore accepts President’s Choice-brand gift cards? When my next client pays me, I’ll send a little something.
.-= Zoeyjane´s last blog ..On ruining her childhood (again), one year at a time =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
I’ve been there, not that long ago. I gave what I could and hope for the best. She is fortunate to have a friend like you. You, my dear, are the true spirit of Christmas. Love.
.-= angi´s last blog ..This Birthday brought to you by MasterCard =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
I would hate to see a family go without this season. I did donate some hope it helps. I always look for posts like this and actual people to give to instead of large organizations. I hope you reach your goal. I will also repost this to my blog.
.-= andreanna glamasaurus´s last blog ..Looking back at Cyber Monday =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 9:52 am
It’s wonderful souls like you that make the world go ’round. You’re a good egg, Ms. Sugarpants.
.-= mommypie´s last blog ..Sit down, have some plaid. =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 am
You are one awesome lady, Sugarpants! I sent a bit your way – please keep us posted on progress towards the goal and I’ll find more.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 am
Done. I have been in such a similar situation at just this time of year as well. So has my husband. Sending my prayers and thank you, little one, for doing this.
.-= Nanna´s last blog ..Mourning the Loss of My Own Identity =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
She has a great friend. A really great friend. I will see what I can do.
I am so glad to have you in my life. XOXOXO
.-= sam {temptingmama}´s last blog ..Becoming a woman =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
absolutely i’ll contribute a financial gift to this family’s need. thanks for organizing it.
(i also need to know when i come up there if i need to bring a baseball bat as a gift for her husband’s kneecaps.)
.-= hello haha narf´s last blog ..Never Be In Santa’s Gang =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 11:12 am
It’ll have to wait until I get home, but count on me too!
.-= karen´s last blog ..Aim Higher Universe =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Wish I could do more. SO much more. I’m unemployed myself but I can still afford to give and grateful for that ability.
.-= Pop and Ice´s last blog ..Delectable Russian Teacakes =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
You’re good stuff, K.
xo
.-= maggie, dammit´s last blog ..The tiniest pain =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
What a wonderful friend you are!!! I’ve given what I can and am also sending vibes for a peaceful and lovely Christmas to you and your friend!!
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December 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Pay day’s not until next week, but I’ll send something along then. You’re such a wonderful person for doing this – I just want to squish you so tight. <3
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December 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
You are truly a remarkable friend.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Derailed =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Long time lurker. I have donated what I can as I have been in that position myself.
She is very lucky to have you as a friend.
Your a good egg.
.-= Joanna´s last blog ..The tears stop right? =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I have been there, too, and while I have no money to donate, I DID re-post this on my blog. With any luck, some help will come from there as well. Thoughts and prayers and heartfelt tears go out to this family.
.-= Kori´s last blog ..Protected: =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
It is lovely what you are doing. There is nothing better than bringing unexpected comfort to someone who needs it. Especially this time of year. You are a wonderful friend. I hope you can encourage her to one day reach out. If she wants to share her story, she has a built in support group on the interwebs already!
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December 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
You are a kick-ass person, Mrs. Sugarpants, your friends are lucky to have you.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I added a little to your total.
My very best thoughts and wishes to your friend. I am sure she will be able to get herself and her boys set up with the support of friends like you.
.-= Colleen´s last blog ..Christmas Decorating during a Recession =-.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Honored to help. She’s lucky to have a friend like you.
.-= Finn´s last blog ..Victorious =-.
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December 8th, 2009 at 7:28 am
are paypal echecks ok? otherwise interac email transfer? i would like to help, even a little but have no funds in my paypal right now (some in bank tho which im thankful for)
slso…who needs punctuation (says a grammar nazi)
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December 8th, 2009 at 7:29 am
**SIGH** also, not slso ((slinks away))
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