A Request for Help
 

We got back this weekend to a message from a friend of mine who lives in Washington State (Port Orchard). Her house burned down last Thursday (and this is the second time in 10 years!). Everything is lost excepting for the walls: even the plumbing and electrical will need to be redone. This is my personal greatest fear.

I was trying to figure out how I could help, being so far away. They have three kids (13, and I think 2 and 4). When I spoke with her last night, she said the biggest help they need is time (watching the kids, getting groceries, etc.). Obviously, I cannot help there, but I also realized that they need a home. Not just the house and furniture, but the every day stuff. The first thing that came to mind was clothes. So I asked her what sizes were for everyone and here is what I got:

Dad: 3X shirts, 42" pants
Mom: 1X shirts or pants
13 year-old: misses 9 or medium; juniors 11 or large (hopefully that makes sense)
4 YO: size 8
2 YO: 3T or 4T

If you have any clothes in this size that you would be able to donate, please let me know and I will figure out how to get it from you (so I can send to them). Also, if you have any toys to donate for the age ranges, those would be appreciated too. I know that I recently bought David Koenig's Mouse Tales book for the 13 YO (after they recently came down for a DL visit) and she loved that: if anyone has an extra copy of that or other similar Disney books, that might be good as well.

I thank everyone in advance for their assistance and thoughts. Also, if you have any other ideas, please feel free to share.

And if anyone up in that area has some available time that you might be able to lend, let me know.

I'll kick in $20 towards a LoT gift card (I'd suggest Target or Walmart)... Just let me know where to send it...

I'll kick in, too. (And I'd suggest something like a Visa gift card, so they can pay contractors with it if they need to, etc.)

I'm more than willing to do the same. Keep in mind that VISA and AMEX gift cards add on a fee at the time of purchase in addition to the $$ amount you buy. It's a niggling amount, but still annoying enough for me not to want to purchase them.

Just sayin.

B and I will look through our things. We'll be in SoCal next weekend while everyone's camping. If it's okay with LSPE, we'll leave our donations with her!

(Of course it's OK!)

If everyone wants to veer away from the credit companies' cards, I'm down with that. I just think it can be really helpful sometimes to be able to buy from stores you like best.

Maddy's closet needs a good cleanout. Are the kids boys or girls?

Also - my experience with VISA gift cards is that merchants cannot take them for partial payment. so, when you get down to small amounts, you end up foregoing what's left on the card (unless you personally add to the card.) I don't know why this is, but I had a generic gift card that I couldn't use anywhere, where as I've never had trouble with a merchant accepting partial payment on from their own gift card.

I've contacted my sisters who have kids to see what they can get togeather. I can pass it along at the Dramatic Reading.

I'd find out what stores are near them. I know Maddy's cousins live in Blythe and the only local shopping is KMart. It wouldn't be helpful to get a Target giftcard if the nearest one is 200 miles away or something.

And yea the Visa cards have "issues". You can't do as Pru said the parial payments like you can with in store gift cards (or at least most cashiers can't seem to firgure it out).

Well, I think they can use target cards online, if they shop that way. Of course, I expect they are in need of a PC/laptop, at this point, too.

We might have some clothes for the 2yo. I'll check with Mrs. PirateRoberts.

Are the 2yo and 4yo boys or girls?

13 YO is a girl
8 YO is a girl (wow, was I way off)
3 YO is a boy

Macy's
Target
JC Penney
Sears
Toys R Us
Wal Mart

Yep. Not sure if I can help on that one, but it is in the back of my mind.

I'll chip in for the gift card. I might have some 3X shirts in the garage sale pile. I'll have to check this weekend.

Can you get me the wife's numerical size? Most of my stuff is 2x, but in numerical I have stuff ranging from size 16 through 22.

Got lots of stuff for a 13 year old -Tori is still only 12, but you all know how tall she's growing, so she has lots of stuff that would fit your friend's eldest daughter. I'll also be happy to kick in on a giftcard. :)

We'll bring cash to the dramatic reading.

Will do the same as CP.

You people are amazing! I am overwhelmed by the support for a complete stranger. I really appreciate this everyone (and I know my friend's family will as well!!!)

When my my brain becomes a little defuzzified, I will get more info for this.

I second this. I was about to get rid of a bunch of office type clothes, but I would need the numerical size.

If we can get a numerical size for the wife I know I have a few things to send along. Rather than double dip on shipping, if you'll trust us with an addy to ship direct to we could just put a card in with the things saying we're friends of that crazy guy you hang out with in So Cal. If you have paypal I'm more than happy to contribute to a gift card as well. Another thought, fast food money. When Brandy was in the hospital for the month several folks sent me gift cards for McDonalds, Burger king and In & Out and they were life savers at times. Another no vote for the visa cards...they appear great but you end up giving bits of it back because they won't let you use it for a partial even if it's only 1 cent over the total available on the card.

I have sent a message inquiring about specific sizes for Mom. Also, I am checking which one store would work best (Target, etc.) for those who just want to give money: I will collect the money and get one large card (if you so chose: I am not dictating anything).

Also, if you want the shipping address to ship direct, let me know and I will PM it (note: right now they do not have a set physical address, only a PO box. so unfortunately, only USPS can be used). Also, if you want to PayPal me the money, I can also provide my email address (I would have you send it direct, but she doesn't have internet access at this point). All money will be used for a single gift card.


ETA: her size is 18/20

Do you have shoe sizes?
Does the mom have a corporate job? I have to look and see what I have at my parents house, but I suspect I have dressy clothes in the size range. Maybe some dressy shoes as well.

No on the corporate. She manages her husband's construction work from home and takes care of the kids.

shoe sizes would be helpful for all of them, Brandy has TONS of shoes that are like new that the 13 year old might be able to wear.

I'm going to look into sending some toys for the kids.

This has been asked and I will post as soon as I get an answer.

Great idea. The boy is pining for his favorite toy from Disneyland (from when they were here a couple months ago). It is a spinning Buzz Lightyear that you squeeze his legs together and he has these fiber optic type things that spin around. If you (or someone) has time to run by the park, I will gladly pay for this (I am not sure when I will be able to go and she cannot find it on line).

One Buzz Lightyear light-chaser coming up! I'm going to head to character warehouse in the next day or two, and if they don't have 'em (they usually do), then we'll stop at the park.

While essentials are their biggest needs, the kids also need some happiness. So, I'm going to focus on them, since it sounds like a lot of folks are already covering the other stuff. :)

Thank you T!

And I was thinking about something that I would like feedback on. I don't want to just publicly post her name and address, at least not as text. But I was thinking I could easily make a graphic image with this information (as well as my email address). I know that it is still viewable by the public, but do y'all think it would be "safe enough?" I should I just stick to PM?
________________________

Show sizes:
Dad: 16 (Wow, I didn't realize she was such a lucky girl!)
Mom: 11
13 YO Girl: 9.5
8 YO Girl: 2.5
3 YO Boy: 9 (I am guessing this is a child size - I don't know kid wear)

From my perspective, I think you should stick to PMs - I'm wary about posting personal information online.

I'd stick to PM. You could to your email address as kevy baby at blah blah dot com or put it in your profile that way and it will at least avoid bots.
________________________
What's a show size?

Yes, the numbers cycle back around again.
Its confusing to say the least.

A Lisa-ized shoe size

PM's it is. PM me if you need her address or my email.

Toys/Goodies acquired, except for Buzz. Ken's stopping by the park tomorrow night after work to get him.

We got some plushies for all 3 kids, coloring books/crayons, night lights, diaries for the girls, new purses for the girls (stuffed with hair accessories), colorful posters to decorate wherever they're staying, and a few other things.

Hopefully they all love Disney. ;) Kevy - please PM me their address so we can ship it this weekend.

Of course! Otherwise I wouldn't associate with them!

Thank you very much! I have sent her a text message with all of this; I know she will be grateful.

Setup a dummy Gmail account for this. That's what they are for.

I'm just using my regular email for PayPal stuff (PM'ing it to those who request) and PM'ing her address to those who need it.

I'm enough of a dummy: I don't need any more help thankyouverymuch

I will send a Target gift card. Should I send it to you Kevy?

Fine be that way. Just send me a snail mail address and I'll get a donation in the mail. I'm assuming you don't mind collecting the duckets and consolidating them?

OK I'll admit it. That made me laugh and cry at the same time....

I actually stopped last night and picked him up. It wasn't looking good for a while as I stopped at WoD, Star Traders and Little Green Men and none had it. At Little Green Men, a Cast Member told me that there were sold out park-wide. So I went to get a Donkey Dick™ for dinner. After I scarfed that down, I was walking past the ODV right outside Main Street Photo and lo and behold, there was a Buzz Spinner. Thank you Universe!

That's so awesome Kevy! That's going to make one little tyke very very happy and I'm sure his parents appreciate the friendship between all of you even more.

I had told her that I wasn't able to get it, so she was especially excited when she learned that I did get it.

At this point, the big things are so beyond their control....everything has to wait for this factor to do their part before the next part can start on theirs so it's really the little things that they know will bring a bit of joy to their babies that makes the world of difference. A small purchase to you is his whole world at 3...I'm proud to know you! You understand how to be a friend.

Whew! Good thing I checked the thread. Glad Buzz has been procured! :)

So, what are their most pressing needs at the moment? I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can.

I tried to call you last night but you didn't answer either your home or cell phone :p

First and foremost, thank you for your thoughts and actions. I have received a couple of PayPal submissions so far plus I know Disneyphile went on a shopping spree.

I have sent PM's to everyone with all possible information (my email for PayPal, my address, her addresses). If you want to send something, you can send it directly to her or to me: whichever you are comfortable with. If you received that PM, please do NOT think that you have to do something: I just sent the same PM to anyone who posted in this thread (I didn't send one to ~MS~ or Snowflake as they have already sent something :) ).

If you had planned on getting something to me on Saturday, I have had a change of plans: we will NOT be going to the reading. If you had planned on bringing something there, I am hoping someone who lives in OC (Cadaverous Pallor?) can collect and I will pick up from that person on Sunday. Would someone please confirm that they can help me with that?

That was in fact my plan.
Let me know if anyone will be able to take things from me tomorrow.

Please send me the PM, I'm shopping this weekend and if I find something I'll know where to ship it! Even if it is a card!

I didnt see this in the thread, but is the mother a crafter of any kind?

I exchanged text messages with Cadaverous Pallor and she has said she will be my collection person at the Dramatic Reading (thank you CP!!!)

Not that I know of, but I have sent an inquiry to her.

Good on both counts.
I suppose on the other hand she has girls.... girls always craft.

I texted her and this was the response I got

Ha! See, I only have one child, and never have time for a the scrapbooking junk I have! Hence why I had enough to share!!!

She's funny.

Has anyone been in touch with Kevy or GusGus lately? Embarrassingly we failed to pass the hat at the dramatic reading in their absence. Kevy was going to come by and pick up what we'd gotten, but we haven't been able to get hold of him today to let him know and to figure out where to send what we want to contribute.

No worries!

If there is anyone else who wants to put in for the collective Lot Gift Cards, I will be purchasing them today. If you want to participate in that, please PayPal me the money today.

If you would like to send something on yourself, I can provide the necessary address.

Thank you once again for your outpouring of assistance for someone that you don't even know. The response has been truly amazing!

speaking of which, is there any way that can be changed? It's not really work friendly.

But if cropped, I think it could qualify for the boobs or butt page.

PayPal money sent.

Get another job ;)

Got it - thank you!

I'm probably not the only one who has to worry about it ;)

Fine! I changed it - are you happy now?!?













:D


ETA: I had to move on for the day so I changed it to something safe. Here is what I momentarily changed it to: http://home.mindspring.com/~kevin_el...res/valley.jpg

Thanks for posting this. It slipped my mind!

Just sent what little I could via PayPal.

Yes, thank you. I prefer to not have LoT blocked at work. :D

Nothing is too little and sending anything is not mandatory. Even thoughts are appreciated!

You guys certainly are a picky bunch!

Is this better?

Meh, It's a bit worn out but perhaps that works for you.....

Just another illustration to me that the best people I know are on LoT.


:snap:

It's better for me, since I kept thinking your posts were DP's!

Ken had that same problem. ;)

Heh.

I don't have paypal set up, but if you PM me the address I will put the word out to my homeschool group and see if anyone has things in their sizes.

PM has been sent. Thank you!!!

Ditto! I was going to send a target gift card, but I don't have time today to get there. So I would like send whatever I can through paypal.

Since I will be away at Camp Swank and this will be my last day on the computer for a week, if there is anyone else who wants to do something, either get whatever you are getting to me today, or I can send you direct contact info for my friend.

Again, she is very grateful for all that the LoT has done and is just amazed that there is such an overwhelming response from complete strangers!

ALSO: if you have sent something directly to my friend, please let me know what (generally), how you sent it (USPS, UPS, carrier pigeon, etc.), when it was sent, and which address you used. That way I can give her a heads up as to what to look out for. If you have a tracking number, pass that along too.

You guys ROCK!

I'm an idiot.

When I sent everyone (via PM) my friend's name and stuff, I gave her maiden name (it was her name when we dated long ago). If you are sending something and it hasn't gone out yet, please PM me for her correct last name.

DOH!

Thats darn funny my friend.

Yeah, I'm an idiot

Note to anyone else that happens along. This has already been submitted to quotes. Multiple times.


(Although a couple of more submissions would not be unfunny....)

Sadly, it isn't the first time.

Can you PM me her info, please. I would just send the box myself ever since I live in between you both.

hey honey - call DP

Too late. Box was mailed this morning!

just because I'm a worry wart, you got my stuff from the reading?

No worries on the name. How did you send (UPS, USPS, etc) and to which address? I want to give her a heads up on what to expect.

Um, no: who did you give it to?

And a chance to get to the package fist... :D

Considering it is 1,161 miles (one way), um... no.





And I am not into fisting

OK, it took me some time to figure that one out....

Yeah, I'm an idiot

:evil:

OK Fine... But I would like to point out that YOU have multiple quotes whereas I have just the one. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

USPS to the second address you gave me (the post 6/7 one). It's a large Target Corporation box, about 16"x16"x24" with a big Mickey Mouse address label on the top. :)

Well, in your case, it was so painfully obvious, we all felt it was not necessary to repeat it.

Truthfully, I did not.
I was under the impression that someone there was collecting.

I unfortunatley, was one of the early to leave. Which makes no sense being as it was late, but there were still folks there when I left.

Jen was going to be the handmaiden, but I think she forgot - the bags are still in our condo. We can deliver them to someone after the you-camping/we-anniversary weekend.

God, has it been a year already?

Congrats!

Thanks H! We'll get it figured it out. Maybe dinner :)

Can y'all help refresh my memory?

I just spoke with my friend. She has received my package (with the gift cards) and DP and FP's package with the Disney stuff (which the girls have gone absolutely bonkers over).

Has anyone else sent anything? If so, when did you send it and where to (which address)? She has not gone to the PO box for a while, so if you sent it there, she just hasn't got to it yet.

I just got off the phone with my friend and they are starting to get settled in. They moved into their semi-permanent home (while theirs gets rebuilt) over the weekend. Some things are still on order (for example, they have mattresses, but the bed frames, etc. are on order). Also, they are starting to face the shortage of all the little things (such as coasters - the last thing they want to do is ruin brand-new furniture). However, she (my friend) has not slept more than 3-1/2 hours since the fire. She has been taking prescription sleeping pills, but they are not helping. If it continues, her husband will be taking her to the doctor.

And as an update, we were able to send $225 worth of gift certificates to them ($125 for Target and $100 for JC Penney).

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has stepped up with assistance: some with money and some with physical goods. I cannot recall who wanted to remain anonymous and who was public, so I am going to play it safe and send individual thank-yous via PM. If you not received a PM from me today, that means I have not received anything from you.

If you would still like to help out, it is still not too late! Just let me know.

As you may guess, a lot has happened with my friend and their situation since the fire. By the way, since it is on the web site linked below, I can tell you her name is Norene Beaver (thankfully she didn't have to grow up with that last name ;)

First, the second fire inspired Norene to start a Non-Profit organization called Out of the Ashes to assist victims of fire. It is still in its infancy, but you can see the site here. She actually came down right after the Sylmar/Yorba Linda fire to speak with people affected by those fires. If you would like to make a cash donation (she uses ALL money for suplpies for victims), you can do so at the site.

ALSO, they sent their story to the producers of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. EMHE was very inspired by their story and it was getting pretty close to featuring them and building a new house for them. The latest word on that is that EMHE has already done several homes in the area and they are concerned as to whether they would be able to secure support (both business and volunteers) for another episode. It isn't completely out of the realm of possibilities, but they aren't holding their breath at this point. I've known about the EMHE possibilities for some time, but refrained from posting about it lest it jeopardized their chances.

HOWEVER, EMHE has a new adjunct of some sort where they award cash prizes to people in plights like my friend (I am not sure of all the details). I just found out that Norene and her family will be briefly featured on EMHE this coming Sunday. I know in Southern California, EMHE can be found on channel 7 at 8:00. Norene isn't sure exactly where in the episode they will be featured, but I wanted to let everyone know about this in case you wanted to catch it.

And thank you once again to everyone who helped out with donations of clothes, toys, money, etc.

Yeah! Non-profits rock! How wonderful that your friend has taken a personal tragedy and turned it into a way to make the world a better place. Thanks for the update.

Her appearance on EMHE was less than stellar, but there is a good story on their local TV station's web site.