stpatmom

Last week, a little girl was diagnosed with leukemia. I want to do something to help the family out as the mom was a teacher's aide at our school and won't be able to work and care for her daughter for the next year, not to mention that as a small catholic school, we really don't pay very well. Anyways, I was thinking of starting a gift card drive, grocery cards, gas cards and fast food places to help out between chemo trips. How would I begin to organize this? I was thinking of contacting our church, maybe their community, and the school. Should I collect them, or have them sent directly to the family? Would this be something you would consider donating to if you knew the family? or do you know of someone doing this before? I just feel as though I'm being called to help.

lbaillie

I think this is a spectacular idea. THese days you often wonder what your donations are going to. This way the gift cards a specifc. Not sure how to help you get started but I for one would be happy to help. Good Luck and God Bless

Magdalena

I think it is wonderful what you are trying to do. I don't have the best advice, but I am sure someone else will chime in. Some states require a permit to do fundraisers, so people have gone to the church or your local Lions Club, Legions of Hall, and etc., to help - they have the credentials to do this. I will keep this in my prayers.

amma

This is a great idea! All of those expenses really add up. Maybe find out what the little girls favorite fast foods are and suggest cards to those places? :D:D:D

stpatmom

Thank you all for your support. I was thinking of maybe meeting with some ladies that are close to the family and getting their input. I wonder if we maybe just had the cards sent to the church rather than the family's home address, then it would keep any unwelcome visitors away from the home.

I think I will work on this. Thanks ladies!

p.s. prayers are always welcome. Her name is Kendra and she's 13.

BrendaY

Folks are so willing to help families when they become aware of something like this. I suggest that you contact the local newspaper and tell them about this. In my area they are very willing to do "human interest" stories where there is need.
This gives legitimacy,while letting folks know. Also, a local bank usually is willing to set something up for donations for the family. You might check with your police dept. too.

There is much that can be done! You can be a huge blessing to this family! Please let me know what happens! Blessings!

stpatmom

I was thinking of keeping it more on the close knit community/family and friends level. We live in a small town, the police chief's daughter goes to our school also! Most everyone by now knows so I don't think there will be a problem with the legitimacy aspect. (I sometimes forget that things are a lot different outside of our little world.) Although, if I can get it going, we do have the son of one of the local reporters at the school as well, we could get some coverage that way.

Thanks for help thinking outside the box!

mrsk

Two years ago my friend's daughter was diagnosed with lukemea( they're almost done with treatments!) & we also work at a small catholic school. First we had a sign-up go around for voluteers to provide meals for the family for at least 3 days a week. Then one of the parents is a fabulous fundraising genious & go-getter & she organised & held an all day fundraiser to benefit the family, she did ; live auction, silent auction, donations at the door( suggested $10/ person entrance fee) & had food donated by local restaurants & a local caterer. I think they raised almost 60,000+$. It can be done, just call everyone you know, they know, & all the people the parents work with, & the church & the school, I'm sure you'll have lots of volunteers & ideas too. I find people really come together in these situations. [[[hug]]] all involved & let them know we're praying for them.