Mile Tags

We seriously need some help, our electricity will be turned off May 2nd, our rent is due May first and the late fees are $25 per day after the first with no max. Our house is total electric so no heat, air, refrigeration, hot water, or ability to cook once the electric is off. Our credit isn't good enough for anything and the only option is payday loans. We keep having garage sales, however it only provides enough money to get staples (bread, milk, butter, a little gas to get back and forth to work). Like many others I have a job, but it keeps us just over broke. Not enough to deal with a crisis. In one week we learned my mother and father were trying to live off $35 a week. My mother eats a bowl of cereal in the morning and a $1 banquet meal for dinner. She takes care of my ailing father 24/7 who has Alzheimer's. So we decided to make a 10 hour ride one way to go see what we could do to help. We gave them what little extra money we had to fill a deep freezer and pay off a loan with crushing interest! While away we learned that my wife's stepmother is dying from cancer. She has stage 4 lung cancer and isn't expected to make it past the end of the year. We need extra funds for my wife to be able to make the 1800 mile trek to her hometown in NY so she can have the opportunity to say her last goodbyes. To top it all off we purchased a car last year through a company known as JD Byrider, a buy here pay here bad credit dealer with an extra perk, for all the extra money you spend on their vehicles they offer a warranty during the term of the loan. Our JDB car blew a head gasket, this should be covered under terms of the warranty. We had the car towed to the dealer for them to make the necessary repairs. The shop said there was nothing wrong with the car, it just needed an oil change, and it was running fine. I promise you a car that won't do over 60 mph floored on a straight stretch of highway ISN'T fine. So we were forced to trade it in, which cost us an extra $5000, making us negative in our bank. Along with all of this is the need to take care of our three children at home, and constantly having to buy diapers for our grand daughter because her parents can't find work and welfare doesn't give enough cash assistance to keep diapers all month long. We are selling everything we can afford to in order to get out of our current situation, but it won't be enough. Right now we need $725 to make rent and $206 for the electric bill. I can spread other bills out over the course of the month, but these two are critical. We have enough food and just enough money to cover gas for the next two weeks. I am willing to provide services for any donation made. I have very good editing skills, and have helped students go from a D paper to a B+/A- paper without changing the content, merely correcting spelling, punctuation and structure. Any help provided will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012303290018
For kayaker Steven Banks, it is going to be more about physical as well as mental endurance rather than simply covering a set distance around Marco, Goodland and Cape Romano.

Banks, owner of Dreamlander Tours, on April 20 will set out on a 24-mile round trip he estimates will take about 24 hours, including a night stop on the water in the vicinity of Cape Romano when he will be on his own without a back-up team.

He is attempting the feat to raise money for three of his pet charities, the Impact community outreach ministry overseen by local pastor Ben Sprankle; a Malawi, Africa, charitable medical clinic called Partners in Hope; and a Cuaravac, Mexico, mother who is blind and has an epileptic son.

A poignant Marco Island connection is that another of her sons, Benito, worked on the island, raised a family, but died in 2011 from meningitis following a mosquito bite.

Banks had befriended Benito.

“Before he passed, he asked to make sure his mother and brother were taken care of,” Banks said.

A trip to Mexico to meet them prompted Banks to do everything he can for them, and his goal is to have them come to the United States for treatment.

Banks has called his fundraising paddle Kayak Marco 24.

It will consist of the 24-hour paddle that may incur inclement weather and unpredictable winds, put him at risk during the Cape Romano solo stop, and put strain on his body because of being out on the water for such an extended time.

But he is not too worried about that aspect.

As a hands-on guide, he paddles up to five or six hours at least three times a week, so has plenty of residual paddling fitness.

Still, he said, the length of time he will spend out on the water represents an unpredictable challenge, so he is avoiding any kind of complacency.

Banks’ route is not a fixed affair either, other than he starts and finishes at the Snook Inn.

While winds are unpredictable from this far out, tides are not, so Banks is studying charts and conferring with some of his charter fishing captain friends to map out the best places to try to be at certain times.

The combination of headwinds as well as fighting an in- or outgoing tide could be formidable, he said.

If the going is really good, he added, he will probably put in extra miles.

The kayak Banks plans to paddle is not the sleek, 17-foot kind that could zip around Marco, Goodland and Cape Romano in a matter of a few hours.

He will be using an ordinary, fairly short and stable craft that doesn’t have much gliding ability, so every stroke will count.

While Banks’ sole motivation for the endurance paddle is for his three pet causes, a cherry on top may come in the form of recognition by the Guinness Book of Records.

The category would be “longest nonstop time period for a single person kayaking.”

The recognition would be subject to correct and exhaustive documentation, Banks said.

Want to help?
What: Kayak Marco 24
Who: Steven Banks will spend 24 hours paddling around Marco, Goodland and Cape Romano
When: April 20-21
Where: Start and finish points are 1 p.m. at the Snook Inn.
Motive: Charitable
Donations: Visit dreamlandertours.com or call 240-2117. By mail, make checks out to Kayak Marco 24 and send to:
Kayak Marco 24
c/o Steven Banks
2701 55th Terrace SW
Naples, FL 34116

Hi there,

My name is Lea all the way from Australia. I have 3 beautiful children that I am raising on my own. We fell on hard times just over 1 year ago. I am looking forward to starting work in 6 weeks time. This is the most positive I have been in a very long time. The problem I have is with my car. It is 14 years old and runs fine sometimes. Last year I spent $1000 repairing an oil leak and a few other mechanical problems. Now though the shocks have given in and the car is not safe to drive any more :(. Today was the worst I feel, it felt like I was on a boat at sea :(. The expense to replace them with labour costs is astronomical. I really don't have the money to foot this bill. The car isn't worth a lot and I thought it would be better and safer to buy another one given the constant repair bills. I have always driven it nicely and looked after it. The timing is not very good right now. In my part of the world cars are very expensive even for the most basic one. I don't need anything trendy just a car for the kids and I. I need it to commute 35 mins each way to work and be able to drop them off at school and daycare everyday. A road worthy vehicle like the one I have now (Toyota Camry Wagon) costs $3,500. For a few months I joined various on line opportunities that all promised to make me money but what happened instead was that I lost the last few hundred dollars I had on advertising which was intended to invite others to join. Unfortunately, it didn't work :(. Please, if there is anyone out there reading my story will you send just $1.00. I am going to the bank next week to find out about a loan but I am unlikely to get anything. I was driving my husbands other car but two weeks ago he had an accident resulting in his main car being written off. He has now had to take his car back. We are currently separated and he is in debt a mile high. To anyone who would like to see proof of the repairs my wheels need I will be happy to supply them to you. I have nothing to hide at all and this is a genuine request for help with a car. I am sure to anyone this is a massive request and I'm sorry about that. I really want to get back on my own two feet. Along with starting a new job I am also studying on line as an external student of my local university. For now though a helping hand however big or small will have the impact to change our direction in life. Without a road worthy set of wheels getting to work will be a really big problem.

In return I am willing to offer an eternal friendship :) Who doesn't need a friend? I would also like to send a little present, something Australian to anyone who will help me out. I suppose as my start day gets closer the more anxious I am becoming. This car issue is causing a lot of worry :(. As things improve and I trust they will in time I want to help others on here too. To let you know a little more about us: A few Sunday's a term I lead the preschool kids Sunday School at my Church. I love it very much. Being a lone parent is not easy at all but I have come along way after battling a lot of health issues brought on by my husbands departure. I also give away any clothing my children have outgrown to anyone I know of that needs them. I also share anything I bake as long as it tastes good :). I try to live by being kind to everyone myself as one never knows what battle someone else may be facing.

Thank you for reading.

Will keep praying for a miracle.

Many blessings,
Lea

Hi there,

My name is Lea all the way from Australia. I have 3 beautiful children that I am raising on my own. I am looking forward to starting work in 6 weeks time. The problem I have is with my car. It is 14 years old and runs fine sometimes. Last year I spent $1000 repairing an oil leak and a few other mechanical problems. Now though the shocks have given in and the car is not safe to drive any more :(. Today was the worst I feel, it felt like I was on a boat at sea :(. The expense to replace them with labour costs is astronomical. I really don't have the money to foot this bill. The car isn't worth a lot and I thought it would be better and safer to buy another one given the constant repair bills. I have always driven it nicely and looked after it. The timing is not very good right now. In my part of the world cars are very expensive even for the most basic one. I don't need anything trendy just a car for the kids and I. I need it to commute 35 mins each way to work and be able to drop them off at school and daycare everyday. A road worthy vehicle like the one I have now (Toyota Camry Wagon) costs $3,500. For a few months I joined various on line opportunities that all promised to make me money but what happened instead was that I lost the last few hundred dollars I had on advertising which was intended to invite others to join. Unfortunately, it didn't work :(. Please, if there is anyone out there reading my story will you send just $1.00. I am going to the bank next week to find out about a loan but I am unlikely to get anything. I was driving my husbands other car but two weeks ago he had an accident resulting in his main car being written off. He has now had to take his car back. We are currently separated and he is in debt a mile high. To anyone who would like to see proof of the repairs my wheels need I will be happy to supply them to you. I have nothing to hide at all and this is a genuine request for help with a car. I am sure to anyone this is a massive request and I'm sorry about that. I really want to get back on my own two feet. Along with starting a new job I am also studying on line as an external student of my local university. For now though a helping hand however big or small will have the impact to change our direction in life. Without a road worthy set of wheels getting to work will be a really big problem.

In return I am willing to offer an eternal friendship :) Who doesn't need a friend? I would also like to send a little present, something Australian to anyone who will help me out. I suppose as my start day gets closer the more anxious I am becoming. This car issue is causing a lot of worry :(. As things improve and I trust they will in time I want to help others on here too. To let you know a little more about us: A few Sunday's a term I lead the preschool kids Sunday School at my Church. I love it very much. Being a lone parent is not easy at all but I have come along way after battling a lot of health issues brought on by my husbands departure. I also give away any clothing my children have outgrown to anyone I know of that needs them. I also share anything I bake as long as it tastes good :). I try to live by being kind to everyone myself as one never knows what battle someone else may be facing.

Thank you for reading.

Will keep praying for a miracle.

Best wishes,
Lea

Hi there,

My name is Lea all the way from Australia. I have 3 beautiful children that I am raising on my own. I am looking forward to starting work in 6 weeks time. The problem I have is with my car. It is 14 years old and runs fine sometimes. Last year I spent $1000 repairing an oil leak and a few other mechanical problems. Now though the shocks have given in and the car is not safe to drive any more :(. Today was the worst I feel, it felt like I was on a boat at sea :(. The expense to replace them with labour costs is astronomical. I really don't have the money to foot this bill. The car isn't worth a lot and I thought it would be better and safer to buy another one given the constant repair bills. I have always driven it nicely and looked after it. The timing is not very good right now. In my part of the world cars are very expensive even for the most basic one. I don't need anything trendy just a car for the kids and I. I need it to commute 35 mins each way to work and be able to drop them off at school and daycare everyday. A road worthy vehicle like the one I have now (Toyota Camry Wagon) costs $3,500. For a few months I joined various on line opportunities that all promised to make me money but what happened instead was that I lost the last few hundred dollars I had on advertising which was intended to invite others to join. Unfortunately, it didn't work :(. Please, if there is anyone out there reading my story will you send just $1.00. I am going to the bank next week to find out about a loan but I am unlikely to get anything. I was driving my husbands other car but two weeks ago he had an accident resulting in his main car being written off. He has now had to take his car back. We are currently separated and he is in debt a mile high. To anyone who would like to see proof of the repairs my wheels need I will be happy to supply them to you. I have nothing to hide at all and this is a genuine request for help with a car. I am sure to anyone this is a massive request and I'm sorry about that. I really want to get back on my own two feet. Along with starting a new job I am also studying on line as an external student of my local university. For now though a helping hand however big or small will have the impact to change our direction in life. Without a road worthy set of wheels getting to work will be a really big problem.

In return I am willing to offer an eternal friendship :) Who doesn't need a friend? I would also like to send a little present, something Australian to anyone who will help me out. I suppose as my start day gets closer the more anxious I am becoming. This car issue is causing a lot of worry :(. As things improve and I trust they will in time I want to help others on here too. To let you know a little more about us: A few Sunday's a term I lead the preschool kids Sunday School at my Church. I love it very much. Being a lone parent is not easy at all but I have come along way after battling a lot of health issues brought on by my husbands departure. I also give away any clothing my children have outgrown to anyone I know of that needs them. I also share anything I bake as long as it tastes good :). I try to live by being kind to everyone myself as one never knows what battle someone else may be facing.

Thank you for reading.

Will keep praying for a miracle.

Best wishes,
Lea

Hi there,

My name is Lea all the way from Australia. I have 3 beautiful children that I am raising on my own. I am looking forward to starting work in 6 weeks time. The problem I have is with my car. It is 14 years old and runs fine sometimes. Last year I spent $1000 repairing an oil leak and a few other mechanical problems. Now though the shocks have given in and the car is not safe to drive any more :(. Today was the worst I feel, it felt like I was on a boat at sea :(. The expense to replace them with labour costs is astronomical. I really don't have the money to foot this bill. The car isn't worth a lot and I thought it would be better and safer to buy another one given the constant repair bills. I have always driven it nicely and looked after it. The timing is not very good right now. In my part of the world cars are very expensive even for the most basic one. I don't need anything trendy just a car for the kids and I. I need it to commute 35 mins each way to work and be able to drop them off at school and daycare everyday. A road worthy vehicle like the one I have now (Toyota Camry Wagon) costs $3,500. For a few months I joined various on line opportunities that all promised to make me money but what happened instead was that I lost the last few hundred dollars I had on advertising which was intended to invite others to join. Unfortunately, it didn't work :(. Please, if there is anyone out there reading my story will you send just $1.00. I am going to the bank next week to find out about a loan but I am unlikely to get anything. I was driving my husbands other car but two weeks ago he had an accident resulting in his main car being written off. He has now had to take his car back. We are currently separated and he is in debt a mile high. To anyone who would like to see proof of the repairs my wheels need I will be happy to supply them to you. I have nothing to hide at all and this is a genuine request for help with a car. I am sure to anyone this is a massive request and I'm sorry about that. I really want to get back on my own two feet. Along with starting a new job I am also studying on line as an external student of my local university. For now though a helping hand however big or small will have the impact to change our direction in life. Without a road worthy set of wheels getting to work will be a really big problem.

In return I am willing to offer an eternal friendship :) Who doesn't need a friend? I would also like to send a little present, something Australian to anyone who will help me out. I suppose as my start day gets closer the more anxious I am becoming. This car issue is causing a lot of worry :(. As things improve and I trust they will in time I want to help others on here too. To let you know a little more about us: A few Sunday's a term I lead the preschool kids Sunday School at my Church. I love it very much. Being a lone parent is not easy at all but I have come along way after battling a lot of health issues brought on by my husbands departure. I also give away any clothing my children have outgrown to anyone I know of that needs them. I also share anything I bake as long as it tastes good :). I try to live by being kind to everyone myself as one never knows what battle someone else may be facing.

Thank you for reading.

Will keep praying for a miracle.

Best wishes,
Lea

Hi there,

My name is Lea all the way from Australia. I have 3 beautiful children that I am raising on my own. I am looking forward to starting work in 6 weeks time. The problem I have is with my car. It is 14 years old and runs fine sometimes. Last year I spent $1000 repairing an oil leak and a few other mechanical problems. Now though the shocks have given in and the car is not safe to drive any more :(. Today was the worst I feel, it felt like I was on a boat at sea :(. The expense to replace them with labour costs is astronomical. I really don't have the money to foot this bill. The car isn't worth a lot and I thought it would be better and safer to buy another one given the constant repair bills. I have always driven it nicely and looked after it. The timing is not very good right now. In my part of the world cars are very expensive even for the most basic one. I don't need anything trendy just a car for the kids and I. I need it to commute 35 mins each way to work and be able to drop them off at school and daycare everyday. A road worthy vehicle like the one I have now (Toyota Camry Wagon) costs $3,500. For a few months I joined various on line opportunities that all promised to make me money but what happened instead was that I lost the last few hundred dollars I had on advertising which was intended to invite others to join. Unfortunately, it didn't work :(. Please, if there is anyone out there reading my story will you send just $1.00. I am going to the bank next week to find out about a loan but I am unlikely to get anything. I was driving my husbands other car but two weeks ago he had an accident resulting in his main car being written off. He has now had to take his car back. We are currently separated and he is in debt a mile high. To anyone who would like to see proof of the repairs my wheels need I will be happy to supply them to you. I have nothing to hide at all and this is a genuine request for help with a car. I am sure to anyone this is a massive request and I'm sorry about that. I really want to get back on my own two feet. Along with starting a new job I am also studying on line as an external student of my local university. For now though a helping hand however big or small will have the impact to change our direction in life. Without a road worthy set of wheels getting to work will be a really big problem.

In return I am willing to offer an eternal friendship :) Who doesn't need a friend? I would also like to send a little present, something Australian to anyone who will help me out. I suppose as my start day gets closer the more anxious I am becoming. This car issue is causing a lot of worry :(. As things improve and I trust they will in time I want to help others on here too. To let you know a little more about us: A few Sunday's a term I lead the preschool kids Sunday School at my Church. I love it very much. Being a lone parent is not easy at all but I have come along way after battling a lot of health issues brought on by my husbands departure. I also give away any clothing my children have outgrown to anyone I know of that needs them. I also share anything I bake as long as it tastes good :). I try to live by being kind to everyone myself as one never knows what battle someone else may be facing.

Thank you for reading.

Will keep praying for a miracle.

Best wishes,
Lea

Hi there,

My name is Lea all the way from Australia. I have 3 beautiful children that I am raising on my own. I am looking forward to starting work in 6 weeks time. The problem I have is with my car. It is 14 years old and runs fine sometimes. Last year I spent $1000 repairing an oil leak and a few other mechanical problems. Now though the shocks have given in and the car is not safe to drive any more :(. Today was the worst I feel, it felt like I was on a boat at sea :(. The expense to replace them with labour costs is astronomical. I really don't have the money to foot this bill. The car isn't worth a lot and I thought it would be better and safer to buy another one given the constant repair bills. I have always driven it nicely and looked after it. The timing is not very good right now. In my part of the world cars are very expensive even for the most basic one. I don't need anything trendy just a car for the kids and I. I need it to commute 35 mins each way to work and be able to drop them off at school and daycare everyday. A road worthy vehicle like the one I have now (Toyota Camry Wagon) costs $3,500. For a few months I joined various on line opportunities that all promised to make me money but what happened instead was that I lost the last few hundred dollars I had on advertising which was intended to invite others to join. Unfortunately, it didn't work :(. Please, if there is anyone out there reading my story will you send just $1.00. I am going to the bank next week to find out about a loan but I am unlikely to get anything. I was driving my husbands other car but two weeks ago he had an accident resulting in his main car being written off. He has now had to take his car back. We are currently separated and he is in debt a mile high. To anyone who would like to see proof of the repairs my wheels need I will be happy to supply them to you. I have nothing to hide at all and this is a genuine request for help with a car. I am sure to anyone this is a massive request and I'm sorry about that. I really want to get back on my own two feet. Along with starting a new job I am also studying on line as an external student of my local university. For now though a helping hand however big or small will have the impact to change our direction in life. Without a road worthy set of wheels getting to work will be a really big problem.

In return I am willing to offer an eternal friendship :) Who doesn't need a friend? I would also like to send a little present, something Australian to anyone who will help me out. I suppose as my start day gets closer the more anxious I am becoming. This car issue is causing a lot of worry :(. As things improve and I trust they will in time I want to help others on here too. To let you know a little more about us: A few Sunday's a term I lead the preschool kids Sunday School at my Church. I love it very much. Being a lone parent is not easy at all but I have come along way after battling a lot of health issues brought on by my husbands departure. I also give away any clothing my children have outgrown to anyone I know of that needs them. I also share anything I bake as long as it tastes good :). I try to live by being kind to everyone myself as one never knows what battle someone else may be facing.

Thank you for reading.

Will keep praying for a miracle.

Best wishes,
Lea

I'm a 33 year old mother of three boys. I grew up in an abusive home and proceeded on to an abusive marriage that lasted 13 years. From that marriage I have 2 sons, ages 13 and 11. My 13 year old was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at age 9; my 11 year old has conduct disorder and has a tentative diagnosis of bipolar disorder. About 4 years ago, I finally had the courage to walk out of my abusive marriage and try to build a safe and normal life for my sons. Fast forward a year, and I found the love of my life and soulmate and remarried.I moved 5 hours away from my ex husband, thinking we would be safer. My ex husband remarried as well. Unfortunately, he married an attorney. Over the course of the last 3 years, we have been kept in court with custody battles and such, while my ex used his new wife's knowledge of the law to find every possible way to avoid paying child support. WE had to pay for an attorney, while his wife represented him for free. Not to mention, the court where we had to go for these cases was less than a mile from his home, while we had to travel 5 hours each way. My current husband and I have a son together now who is almost 2 years old. For 6 months of the last year my ex had finally been paying child support. My husband works to provide for us, while also having to support his son from a previous marriage. That's supporting 6 people on one income! So, having the child support really helped. (I am currently unemployed as we have no means of transportation and live in a rural area with no public transportation, and also have 2 children who are too old for daycare, yet cannot be left unattended due to their disorders.) We werent wealthy by any means, but we managed to make it from week to week and keep our bills paid. However, in October, my husband's employer went out of business with no notice. In the same week, my ex ceased making child support payments and the transmission went out in our vehicle. My husband, out of desperation, found a friend two towns away who would allow him to stay with him so my husband would be in an area with public transportation so he could look for work ( the friend has a one bedroom home that would not house us all, so the kids and I stayed here). All he has managed to find so far is a part time fast food job that barely covers his child support payments. This morning I was delivered the court eviction papers that will render my children and I homeless. If this happens, I have no doubt that my abusive ex will do everything he can to take my children away from me. At this point, I do not even have a way to get to the grocery store, let alone to another state to fight for custody of my children, and I certainly cannot afford legal representation. Our current situation is this: my husband and I must live in two different towns because of lack of transportation and income; I am stranded in the middle of nowhere with two special needs children and a toddler; we are on the verge of eviction with no place to go (neither my husband nor I have any family who can help); all of our utilities will be turned off within a week (no water or heat, we already do not have a phone); and my vindictive, abusive ex husband who does not even bother to financially support his children could potentially regain custody if we find ourselves homeless. I am living in a nightmare right now, and am at the end of my rope! I have no other place to turn and I am really praying that this option can help me find a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. My h usband and I are both abuse survivors who have children with special needs. We are currently full time college students, studying psychology and social work (3.88 GPA's for both of us) because we have been through just about everything imaginable and want to use our past negative experiences to help others who are suffering or surviving and trying to cope. Our only goals in life are to give our children a decent life and help others who need it when we are able. All we need is a little help getting to the point where we are able.

I am a 49 year old college student who is in desperate need help. I raised two wonderful children who are now grown,sucessful, and on their own. My life changed 8 years ago when my daughter now 20 got sick from toxic mold that was in our apartment. I gave up my job to take care of her and now that she is on her own, not far short of a miracle,I have hit the bottom of the barrel. I am an honor student at KCKCC and will recieve my AA in May of 2012. I have been served with eviction papers and my 92 Honda Accord is on its last mile,315,000,miles later I doubt it will make it through the winter. I work at school part time,all that is allowed, and my dad helps me when he can. He is 79 years old and lives on a fixed income in California. When my daughter left home in May I no longer could afford the rent and bills on our place to live and am now 5 months behind and Wednesday is my court date for the eviction. My gas and electric are in danger of getting cut off and it really doesnt matter since I have no where to live. I have promised my dad that I will finish school no matter what and quite honestly I dont know if that will happen. I had to take a payday loan and title loan on my car so that I could pay my rent in July that all back fired and I now am overdrawn in my bank account as well and hiding my car from the repo guy. I have borrowed money from 4 different people and now they are all over me for repayment. When I quit my job 8 years ago to take care of my daughter because that is what a mother does my credit was ruined. The pieces just keep falling and at times I cant see the end of the tunnel. Just one chance to get out of this mess financially and have a decent place to live and a decent car that runs would make life a whole lot easier. My dad could enjoy his retirement and I could fulfill my promise to him. My daughter has 400.00 worth of medicine she has to have monthly and I help her before I pay my own bills because I feel that's what I should do. I have no medical or dental insurance and have several things wrong with several teeth. I havent had my blood pressure medicine in one year and it would be nice to be able to make sure I am physically well. Please help please help please help.

Help me get a son to his dad this Christmas. This is an amazing person. Wonderful father to a little girl and boy. Loving husband. Hard worker. The nicest kind of friend. Truly a warm individual. Always willing to help others. Always going the extra mile. Never asking for help himself. Back in 2000 his father had a heart attack and recently has not been doing so well. He would like to go see his dad and family but simply cannot afford the trip. He hasn't seen his dad in 4 years. He wishes that he could at least one more time so that he may introduce him to his grandchildren. Help me make this wish come true. Thank you & Happy Holidays!

Well, first let me thank everybody who donates. Here is my story. I'm a 38 year old man with a 9 year old son. I live in a very small town with no jobs. Seems God has forgotten me, and life is beyond unfair. My turn for the worse came 10 years ago, when I lost my firstborn son in the delivery room. He lived 5 minutes, and was buried the next day. I called into work, for a few days to grieve, and they told me to take as much time as I need. Within 3 days, the boss calls and tells me I'm fired for missing 3 days of work. I thought life couldn't get any worse than that. I was wrong.

Right about 3 years ago, I had just got out of college and found a job. My life was good, and I had a nice vehicle. I was driving home about 1 a.m. on a 70 mile per hour interstate. I saw no lights, I saw nothing but open road. Then instantly, I hit something hard and had a airbag in my face. Long story short, a couple was arguing on the side of the road. They had no hazard lights on their car, and the car was dark maroon, very hard to see. The male was holding a gun to the female, and when he saw my vehicle coming, he pushed her into the interstate. I hit her, and she died instantly. He is charged with murder, but he took two lives that night.

My vehicle was totaled, because her body damaged my V6 engine beyond repair, and the value compared to the cost equaled out even with insurance. So I didn't get a new vehicle, the insurance company simply paid off my truck. The police held me while investigating for 2 days. So the local newspaper wrote up the article as if I was a 'killer who runs people over'. The investigation showed I did nothing wrong, and witnesses on the scene with the couple admitted that the girls boyfriend pushed her.

I went into work that Monday morning, and my boss tells me that they have to fire me because my accident gave the company a 'bad name'. It's been 3 years, and the economy and job market is worse than ever. I can't find a job, and don't have a vehicle to drive to look for a job.

I need any help with donations, so I can move to a bigger city, one with a transit/ bus/ train system that I can get my own self around the city and look for work. Needless to say Christmas is coming soon and I have no money to buy my son anything. I have nothing. I hardly have any hope left. It's probably needless to say, that I also have gum disease and need oral surgery. I have nothing, I live with family, and getting more depressed by the day. I hear people complaining about paying bills, well, I wish I had a job and bills to pay. Anyway, that's my story. Thanks in advance to anyone who donates anything. Any amount will help.

I am a 63 year old woman in need of help. I live in Hutchinson, Kansas. Well, for starters, I am only getting $694.00 a month disability to live on. Just trying to keep my head above water, and Thank God too for my Vision Card for Food which I am very careful on what I buy. Just feel like I should let you know a little about myself. I am on kidney dialysis and would love to get out and work, but after my treatments, I am so drained and have to go home and lay down.
Here is a few things I need help with.
I need some car repapirs first and formost, and not sure what it will cost or what is wrong with it for sure. I was told just to put it on a macnine to check it out would cost $65.00 plus tax and hopefully then I will know what I am looking at in repairs for car. I need my car so I can go back and forth to Doctor in Wichita Kansas which is about a 50 mile drive from where I live and to my dialysis treatments which is here in Hutchinson, Kansas where I do live. When I go to hospital for surgeries, I need to go to Wichita Kansas and I want my car in good shape so I can have other people drive it to bring it back home until I need to be picked up from hospital. Now, another thing, I have a couple of credit cards that I am trying to pay down and am trying my best, but the interest is so outragous it is rediculas, and don't seem to make any headway on that. I am only going to ask for even 50 cents, a dollar, any amount will help. So please, if you can see your way to help me out, it would be so much apprecieated. I am praying that I can get some kind of help for these things that I need so badly. God be with you and Thank You so much for your help in advance.

Hi everyone,

My family and I are going through a challenging time. In October 2010 our car was repossessed and I began to walk to & from work 6 miles each day. I didn't much mind because whatever you have to do to make a legitimate living you do hands down. Unfortunately I developed high blood pressure. That coupled by a chronic pain condition caused me to resign from my job. I did not qualify for unemployment because i quit even though I explained I had no transportation and the job required field visits which I couldn't make without a car. My husband had been trying to find work for two years after his job literally closed overnight with no notice. In May of this year we figured things were looking up. We've borrowed from family members, sold our dryer, jewelry, handbags , etc to our local pawnsmart. My husband got a job in May only to be laid off in August because a coworker made a costly mistake that cost the company their contract with delta airlines. He went to apply for unemployment and was told he wouldn't qualify until october when dept labor begins to look at the april/may/june quarter. Then we received a notice that since he didn't have that many wages for that quarter he'll have to wait until november and reapply. We don't have a car or any, so each time we need to go to dol we walk the 8 mile trek there and back. We have no family in GA where we live and friends seem to exist when you are not in dire straits. We spoke to our leasing company and said we would be late with our October rent. we've contacted one social service agency at the beginning of the month. My husband was interviewed and approved by the worker who said her boss had to sign off on the paperwork. when my husband checked back week later, he was told do not come back to the office we'll receive an approval or denial in the mail. now we have nothing. We've had to ask our local library for toilet tissue, scrape change for soap which is used for both body, dishes and clothing. we are both college educated, no criminal history, hard working adults. To ask for help is really difficult. Our rent is 550 a month. Iam really scared that at any moment we are going to be evicted. A donation of any amount would be appreciated. Thank you and may God bless you.

I can’t believe my life has come to this. First and foremost, it is important to know that I am a hardworking, responsible individual. I love going to work every day as a child and family therapist knowing that I have the ability to help make positive changes in others’ lives. I also, for whatever reason, feel very uncomfortable asking for help. I don’t think I have ever asked anyone for financial help in my life, let alone a “donation”. I was always taught that if you want something…. YOU WORK FOR IT! I have had a job since I was 13 yrs old and it taught me to appreciate the value of the dollar and hard work. But what happens when you physically can’t? My values speak to who I was, who I am and who I want to be and why I am worthy of your help.
• Be respectful, giving, loving and kind to others.
• Treat others as you would want to be treated.
• First and foremost dedication to my family and friends
• If you want something, you have to work for it because nothing in life is free
• Work hard and you can achieve anything you set your mind to
• If you believe in something, be passionate about it
• Love what you do for work – Life is too short
• Do not be selfish, but selfless – be there or give to others as much as you can
Resilient for many years –struggling through a childhood of undiagnosed ADHD - low self esteem, disruptive and impulsive behaviors, poor attention, disorganization, ambivalence about making life decisions, flunking out of college my freshman yr at 18 yo (which led to me having to pay any subsequent schooling on my own), moving and attending a new school at the beginning of my 8th grade year with a scoliosis brace that had to be worn 23 hours a day, having major surgery at 14 yo and missing 3 months of my freshman yr. As an adult, moving from NJ to Ma away from my family who I was extremely close to due to a marriage that didn’t work, losing my father to cancer and watching him waste away in front of me and feeling helpless. I did return to school as an adult committed to helping others and figuring out my own insecurities. Over 7 yrs (25-32 yrs old) received my bachelors degree from Rutgers University with high honors and my masters in clinical social work from Columbia University also with honors.
I know what I am capable of and I know how much I have to give to others. But at this point in my life, I also need to be honest with myself about my physical limitations.
When I was 12 yo I was diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis and had to wear a body brace for 1 ½ yrs. Bad timing, I guess… I had just moved and was starting my 8th grade yr in a new school. Two yrs later (1983) I had major reconstructive surgery (14 hours, in a body cast 6 mos, couldn’t ride in a car or sit for more than 15 mins a day for 3 mos) and my spine was fused from T3 to L4 – all at 14 yo! Over the years, my back problems were just “part of my life”. Now at 43 I am disabled and in need of another major surgery due to collapsed discs that are compressing the nerves in my lower back. The pain I endure is affecting my ability to sit, stand or walk to any period of time. I had to leave my last job as an outpatient therapist a couple of years ago due to my inability to commit to a schedule because of my pain. I have been taking pain pills, which I do not want to become addicted to and have worked out an arrangement with a caring chiropractor. Not to mention at work I have kids, teens and their families who depend on me to help them, some of who I don’t charge because they can’t afford it. So, my schedule is minimal, my bills are racking up and I continue to try to help people sometimes at my own expense (physical). I have no health insurance because I can’t afford it, I live in a 800 square foot apartment that I share and I drive a 1998 Nissan Maxima that has over 200,000 miles on it! I don’t have “things” because I don’t NEED material things. It kills me to ask for help, especially monetary. It’s hard for me to accept help but I have no problem giving, lending or helping other people. My friends say that I give “too much”, but I feel that if I have it to give or I can do something to help someone else be happier, less stressed or more comfortable than I will. And I’ve been taken advantage of many times because of this – for example, 3 yrs ago, I lent a co-worker $5000 to assure that as a single mother she would have a dependable car for her and her 3 kids. She has not paid me anything yet. Gave another friend my car for 2 weeks to use because her car was in the shop and she couldn’t afford a rental. It was definitely an inconvenience, having to walk to and from work a mile, having to way to run errands until the weekend, etc. But I did it because I knew how much it meant to her and how much it helped. I then find myself thinking … who will be my angel when I need one?? And I do…. Please, please help!! I don’t have a choice right now. I need surgery, physical therapy/personal training in order to continue working for others. Thank you so much for any contribution you can make! God Bless!
College Loans: $60,000
Surgery: $250,000
Credit card debt $40,000 over last 8 yrs to support me at times when couldn’t work
Physical Therapy $2,000
Bills 3 mos $5,000 during recovery time

Wow… that’s hard to see… : ( Feel like I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown!! Please be my angel

I can’t believe my life has come to this. First and foremost, it is important to know that I am a hardworking, responsible individual. I love going to work every day as a child and family therapist knowing that I have the ability to help make positive changes in others’ lives. I also, for whatever reason, feel very uncomfortable asking for help. I don’t think I have ever asked anyone for financial help in my life, let alone a “donation”. I was always taught that if you want something…. YOU WORK FOR IT! I have had a job since I was 13 yrs old and it taught me to appreciate the value of the dollar and hard work. But what happens when you physically can’t? My values speak to who I was, who I am and who I want to be and why I am worthy of your help.
Be respectful, giving, loving and kind to others.
Treat others as you would want to be treated.
First and foremost dedication to my family and friends
If you want something, you have to work for it because nothing in life is free
Work hard and you can achieve anything you set your mind to
If you believe in something, be passionate about it
Love what you do for work – Life is too short
Do not be selfish, but selfless – be there or give to others as much as you can
Resilient for many years –struggling through a childhood of undiagnosed ADHD - low self esteem, disruptive and impulsive behaviors, poor attention, disorganization, ambivalence about making life decisions, flunking out of college my freshman yr at 18 yo (which led to me having to pay any subsequent schooling on my own), moving and attending a new school at the beginning of my 8th grade year with a scoliosis brace that had to be worn 23 hours a day, having major surgery at 14 yo and missing 3 months of my freshman yr. As an adult, moving from NJ to Ma away from my family who I was extremely close to due to a marriage that didn’t work, losing my father to cancer and watching him waste away in front of me and feeling helpless. I did return to school as an adult committed to helping others and figuring out my own insecurities. Over 7 yrs (25-32 yrs old) received my bachelors degree from Rutgers University with high honors and my masters in clinical social work from Columbia University also with honors.
I know what I am capable of and I know how much I have to give to others. But at this point in my life, I also need to be honest with myself about my physical limitations.
When I was 12 yo I was diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis and had to wear a body brace for 1 ½ yrs. Bad timing, I guess… I had just moved and was starting my 8th grade yr in a new school. Two yrs later (1983) I had major reconstructive surgery (14 hours, in a body cast 6 mos, couldn’t ride in a car or sit for more than 15 mins a day for 3 mos) and my spine was fused from T3 to L4 – all at 14 yo! Over the years, my back problems were just “part of my life”. Now at 43 I am disabled and in need of another major surgery due to collapsed discs that are compressing the nerves in my lower back. The pain I endure is affecting my ability to sit, stand or walk to any period of time. I had to leave my last job as an outpatient therapist a couple of years ago due to my inability to commit to a schedule because of my pain. I have been taking pain pills, which I do not want to become addicted to and have worked out an arrangement with a caring chiropractor. Not to mention at work I have kids, teens and their families who depend on me to help them, some of who I don’t charge because they can’t afford it. So, my schedule is minimal, my bills are racking up and I continue to try to help people sometimes at my own expense (physical). I have no health insurance because I can’t afford it, I live in a 800 square foot apartment that I share and I drive a 1998 Nissan Maxima that has over 200,000 miles on it! I don’t have “things” because I don’t NEED material things. It kills me to ask for help, especially monetary. It’s hard for me to accept help but I have no problem giving, lending or helping other people. My friends say that I give “too much”, but I feel that if I have it to give or I can do something to help someone else be happier, less stressed or more comfortable than I will. And I’ve been taken advantage of many times because of this – for example, 3 yrs ago, I lent a co-worker $5000 to assure that as a single mother she would have a dependable car for her and her 3 kids. She has not paid me anything yet. Gave another friend my car for 2 weeks to use because her car was in the shop and she couldn’t afford a rental. It was definitely an inconvenience, having to walk to and from work a mile, having to way to run errands until the weekend, etc. But I did it because I knew how much it meant to her and how much it helped. I then find myself thinking … who will be my angel when I need one?? And I do…. Please, please help!! I don’t have a choice right now. I need surgery, physical therapy/personal training in order to continue working for others. Thank you so much for any contribution you can make! God Bless!
College Loans: $60,000
Surgery: $250,000
Credit card debt $40,000 over last 8 yrs to support me at times when couldn’t work
Physical Therapy $2,000
Bills 3 mos $5,000 during recovery time

Wow… that’s hard to see… : ( Feel like I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown!! Please be my angel

I can’t believe my life has come to this. First and foremost, it is important to know that I am a hardworking, responsible individual. I love going to work every day as a child and family therapist knowing that I have the ability to help make positive changes in others’ lives. I also, for whatever reason, feel very uncomfortable asking for help. I don’t think I have ever asked anyone for financial help in my life, let alone a “donation”. I was always taught that if you want something…. YOU WORK FOR IT! I have had a job since I was 13 yrs old and it taught me to appreciate the value of the dollar and hard work. But what happens when you physically can’t? My values speak to who I was, who I am and who I want to be and why I am worthy of your help.
• Be respectful, giving, loving and kind to others.
• Treat others as you would want to be treated.
• First and foremost dedication to my family and friends
• If you want something, you have to work for it because nothing in life is free
• Work hard and you can achieve anything you set your mind to
• If you believe in something, be passionate about it
• Love what you do for work – Life is too short
• Do not be selfish, but selfless – be there or give to others as much as you can
Resilient for many years –struggling through a childhood of undiagnosed ADHD - low self esteem, disruptive and impulsive behaviors, poor attention, disorganization, ambivalence about making life decisions, flunking out of college my freshman yr at 18 yo (which led to me having to pay any subsequent schooling on my own), moving and attending a new school at the beginning of my 8th grade year with a scoliosis brace that had to be worn 23 hours a day, having major surgery at 14 yo and missing 3 months of my freshman yr. As an adult, moving from NJ to Ma away from my family who I was extremely close to due to a marriage that didn’t work, losing my father to cancer and watching him waste away in front of me and feeling helpless. I did return to school as an adult committed to helping others and figuring out my own insecurities. Over 7 yrs (25-32 yrs old) received my bachelors degree from Rutgers University with high honors and my masters in clinical social work from Columbia University also with honors.
I know what I am capable of and I know how much I have to give to others. But at this point in my life, I also need to be honest with myself about my physical limitations.
When I was 12 yo I was diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis and had to wear a body brace for 1 ½ yrs. Bad timing, I guess… I had just moved and was starting my 8th grade yr in a new school. Two yrs later (1983) I had major reconstructive surgery (14 hours, in a body cast 6 mos, couldn’t ride in a car or sit for more than 15 mins a day for 3 mos) and my spine was fused from T3 to L4 – all at 14 yo! Over the years, my back problems were just “part of my life”. Now at 43 I am disabled and in need of another major surgery due to collapsed discs that are compressing the nerves in my lower back. The pain I endure is affecting my ability to sit, stand or walk to any period of time. I had to leave my last job as an outpatient therapist a couple of years ago due to my inability to commit to a schedule because of my pain. I have been taking pain pills, which I do not want to become addicted to and have worked out an arrangement with a caring chiropractor. Not to mention at work I have kids, teens and their families who depend on me to help them, some of who I don’t charge because they can’t afford it. So, my schedule is minimal, my bills are racking up and I continue to try to help people sometimes at my own expense (physical). I have no health insurance because I can’t afford it, I live in a 800 square foot apartment that I share and I drive a 1998 Nissan Maxima that has over 200,000 miles on it! I don’t have “things” because I don’t NEED material things. It kills me to ask for help, especially monetary. It’s hard for me to accept help but I have no problem giving, lending or helping other people. My friends say that I give “too much”, but I feel that if I have it to give or I can do something to help someone else be happier, less stressed or more comfortable than I will. And I’ve been taken advantage of many times because of this – for example, 3 yrs ago, I lent a co-worker $5000 to assure that as a single mother she would have a dependable car for her and her 3 kids. She has not paid me anything yet. Gave another friend my car for 2 weeks to use because her car was in the shop and she couldn’t afford a rental. It was definitely an inconvenience, having to walk to and from work a mile, having to way to run errands until the weekend, etc. But I did it because I knew how much it meant to her and how much it helped. I then find myself thinking … who will be my angel when I need one?? And I do…. Please, please help!! I don’t have a choice right now. I need surgery, physical therapy/personal training in order to continue working for others. Thank you so much for any contribution you can make! God Bless!
College Loans: $60,000
Surgery: $250,000
Credit card debt $40,000 over last 8 yrs to support me at times when couldn’t work
Physical Therapy $2,000
Bills 3 mos $5,000 during recovery time

Wow… that’s hard to see… : ( Feel like I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown!! Please be my angel

Hello, my family and I are in desperate need of financial assistance. We have been going through a storm of rain these past couple of months. I've always heard the saying when it rains it pours, but never ever thought it could get this bad or continue on this long.It started with my husband having a tumor in his throat, the next week I was told I was over paid financial aid and had to pay back a very substantial amount of money. Week after that our daughter shattered her elbow, I stepped on a nail and had to go to the ER, following week on a trip to a Dr.s appointment out of town our vehicle broke down nearly 200 miles away, had to have it towed at 4 dollars per mile. And they charged us an arm and a leg for a simple simple repair. My husband never got to his appointment. Medical expenses are just breaking us this year, we do not have medicaid and everytime we see a dr we have to pay a copayment that is ridiculous. Especially ER and specialist visits. Our bank account was also hacked into by someone who had our checking account number, so our account was locked. During that time several checks that had been sent out to pay bills came back NSF. So things keep adding up and adding up. 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, which was a complete shock because my tubes are tied! The medical care for this treatment is very expensive. It just seems as soon as we catch up or get paid, everything is gone plus we are still in the negative. We just cant catch a break. We are extremely faithful people...but at the moment I just can't seem to understand why this keeps happening? Why can't we catch a break. These are only the major things that have been happening...there are so many in betweens. Now we are about 1500 to 2000 dollars behind. This all started in June and every month we say to ourselves it will be better next month and so on and so on. Well, so far it seems as if we are on a downward spiral. We are always the couple who people can come to for help, the couple who seeks out those in need and offers our help. Whether it be financial or spiritual or just a helping hand. And now, we are going through the roughest times we have ever had to endure, and unfortunately we have no one to help us in this time of hardship. We are grateful for all that we have and know that we are beyond blessed, sadly though you cannot feed and house a family when you have absolutely no money. I know that things could be worse. We just need a little help getting back on our feet. Just to catch up. Once we can catch up we will be back in business and will definitely pay it forward. Sorry for the long vent, and I am so ashamed of having to post this on here. There is just no other options, we have exhausted everything we have. If there is any possible way you may be able to help us, we would appreciate it beyond measure. Thank you for your time.

I met my wife in October of 2001 at a Mexican restaurant when we both lived in Mesa, Arizona. It was love at first sight; I knew she was the only one for me. And I was bold enough to ask her to marry me just 6 hours after we met. She is my cheerleader and keeps me going, even on my worse days. She persists until she can make me laugh. We were married March of 2003 and have been together everyday since. We volunteered in pet rescue adopts, Pat Tillman walks, Cancer and Alzheimer walks. Like most people in these times of struggle, have lost our jobs and place to live while in Arizona. We took a few belongings packed into boxes and our 2 cats. We spent our last dime to drive back to Michigan and be with family.

The plan was to live with my wife's parents, while we rebuild our finances and get out on our own again. However, that plan crashed and burned within one week of being there. The step-father decided he changed his mind about the whole thing and asked us to leave. Fortunately, my sister and her husband also lived in Michigan and took us in. It was to be for a short term as they are also struggling, but is close to becoming a year. Also during this time our car was repossessed, we picked up an almost 20 year old car cheap. My wife was lucky and was able to find a temporary work program right away and that will last until spring of 2012.

I was not so lucky; I applied to every company in a 60 mile radius. I have went between several temp jobs and no work for the last 9 months, while waiting for full-time work. Finally in August, I landed a full-time job 60 miles from home; this of course is hard on the used car we picked up and draining all our funds on gas money. We have now been told that we have to move out by November 1st of this year. The problem is that we have spent any money coming in on gas for the car to get us back to forth to work and what little is left over on food we contribute to the house.

We have been approved on an apartment very close to my job and still 25 miles to my wife's job. It is $1,200.00 just for the apartment, we also need to rent a small truck and get the boxes up north from storage and connect utilities and buy some food. We anticipate this costing us $3,000.00 to complete the goal. If we save hard and only spend money on gas and car insurance and no food we may have a 1/3 of what we need by Nov. 1st. We would still need to get a bed, couch, and table and 2 chairs to eat our meals at. That will come in time as long as we are together, I don’t care if we sleep on the floor. We have never been in need before and have prolonged asking for help. I just do not see another way and I am asking for help now. Please help us in getting the funds to move on with our lives. I am sure that once we are, things will continue to get better.

I thank you for your time in reading this. Whatever funds you can afford to donate will be forever appreciated.

Sorry for reposting this, but my account details were wrong. Thank you in advance for listening.

Hello, I am a mommy of 2 ages 6 and 13 and a loving wife of 15 years. My husband and I are happily married and proud parents. He is a hard worker and good provider, I am a stay at home mom, our youngest has many health issues that prevent him from going to school, so I home school him. We are truly positive people with an abundance of faith. We seem to be that couple who everyone can turn to whenever they need help, whatever it may be. We always do our best to help others out...no questions asked. Unfortnately now we have fallen to the position of being the ones and need and seem to be all on our own.
This started nearly a year ago, we were living happily in a place we had always wanted to be. My husband worked a graveyard shift, one night while he was workin an intruder came into our home and brutally attacked me physically and more... Thankfully by the grace of God our kids were safe, one asleep and the older one kept her brother safe as she heard everything. Needless to say, we no longer felt safe in our home, and I was barely functioning. My husband did all he could to make us all feel safe. But the only thing I could think of is that we needed to move, and far away. So we did. We moved 3 hours away to our home town, hoping to find comfort in family. This is where our financial struggles began, a big sudden move like that nearly wiped us of our savings and my husband took quite a pay cut. But still the positives out wieghed the negative. Finally months later I began to realize I could turn this into something good, so I went back to school. With making less $ I was approved for financial aid. All was ok, and then this semester I went to register for school and I couldn't because they had overpaid me on financial aid so I now have an $765 balance that I have to pay before I can even get back into school. We had been relying on financial aid and student loans to help keep us afloat through out the year. Not even a week after that we were headed on an end of summer road trip and our truck broke down 175 miles from our home. We had to have it towed at $4 per mile plus an $85 hook up fee, so nearly $800. Now they are charging us another $400 to replace a part that cost only $80. So, the truck is still there. It seems now that every week something else keeps coming up. We just need help to catch up, just get over this slump. Our account is now in the negative because we have to get food and things just to get through the week. We have looked into payday loans, and I'm afraid that would just make matters worse. Especially since they only offer $300 which won't even cover the negative acct we already have. We've sold old clothes and other items we had on craigslist to help with gas and food. We are out of options now. We only need help or a loan to get through to January and by then with any luck I can get my financial aid and student loans. Any help is greatly appreciated. Its a horrible feeling to not know what is coming next or to know if we will continue to get poured on or if finally the sun may start shining again soon. Thank you for listening to my story.

Hello, I am a mommy of 2 ages 6 and 13 and a loving wife of 15 years. My husband and I are happily married and proud parents. He is a hard worker and good provider, I am a stay at home mom, our youngest has many health issues that prevent him from going to school, so I home school him. We are truly positive people with an abundance of faith. We seem to be that couple who everyone can turn to whenever they need help, whatever it may be. We always do our best to help others out...no questions asked. Unfortnately now we have fallen to the position of being the ones and need and seem to be all on our own.
This started nearly a year ago, we were living happily in a place we had always wanted to be. My husband worked a graveyard shift, one night while he was workin an intruder came into our home and brutally attacked me physically and more... Thankfully by the grace of God our kids were safe, one asleep and the older one kept her brother safe as she heard everything. Needless to say, we no longer felt safe in our home, and I was barely functioning. My husband did all he could to make us all feel safe. But the only thing I could think of is that we needed to move, and far away. So we did. We moved 3 hours away to our home town, hoping to find comfort in family. This is where our financial struggles began, a big sudden move like that nearly wiped us of our savings and my husband took quite a pay cut. But still the positives out wieghed the negative. Finally months later I began to realize I could turn this into something good, so I went back to school. With making less $ I was approved for financial aid. All was ok, and then this semester I went to register for school and I couldn't because they had overpaid me on financial aid so I now have an $765 balance that I have to pay before I can even get back into school. We had been relying on financial aid and student loans to help keep us afloat through out the year. Not even a week after that we were headed on an end of summer road trip and our truck broke down 175 miles from our home. We had to have it towed at $4 per mile plus an $85 hook up fee, so nearly $800. Now they are charging us another $400 to replace a part that cost only $80. So, the truck is still there. It seems now that every week something else keeps coming up. We just need help to catch up, just get over this slump. Our account is now in the negative because we have to get food and things just to get through the week. We have looked into payday loans, and I'm afraid that would just make matters worse. Especially since they only offer $300 which won't even cover the negative acct we already have. We've sold old clothes and other items we had on craigslist to help with gas and food. We are out of options now. We only need help or a loan to get through to January and by then with any luck I can get my financial aid and student loans. Any help is greatly appreciated. Its a horrible feeling to not know what is coming next or to know if we will continue to get poured on or if finally the sun may start shining again soon. Thank you for listening to my story.

I am 19 years old and I am currently 6 months pregnant with my first child, I am full-time student thanks to the Pell Grant and I hope to one day become a nurse. I am unemployed and have no support, I eat maybe two meals a day, and have been moving from place to place. I am truly miserable I know that I have put myself in this predicament but I need help getting out. I can barely afford gas to get to and from school which is less than a mile away, other than that I sit on a sofa all day looking for jobs on the internet, and applying but knowing that with a giant belly and only three months til delivery no one wants to hire me! I forgot to mention I put quarters in my car for gas to get to doctors appointments and I was supposed to go back for the Diabetes test but can not get there, I am grateful to have a car, but it also has so many problems that I could never afford to fix. I still need books for school, gas to get there, maybe some food, for now and am terrified at the thought of also needing to find a place for me and baby to live. It is the worst feeling to feel disabled, dependent, and stuck because you have no money at all. All I can do is pray, it feels horrible to beg and stoop to this level, but I am truly stuck. I just want the best for my baby when she arrives!

So let's get straight to it: I'm a 28 year old double bachelor's graduate. I initially had a Finance degree (magna cum laude), couldn't find a steady career, went back for my Accounting degree (again with honors), and still can't start my career due to "lack of experience". I hold down two terrible paying jobs and typically work from 7am to 9pm on the weekdays as well as 1pm-7pm on Saturdays, totaling to over 70 hours a week.

I live at home with two elderly parents: my father is retired and legally blind thanks to macular degeneration, my mother an immigrant with no driver's license with a list of medical conditions a mile long. We enjoy a crumbling house which desperately needs repairs to the roof and driveway thanks to harsh rains and a heavy winter.

I'm doing all I can to keep things afloat and maintain the household, which is hard with the limited amount of time on my hands, not to mention the occasional flair ups of my Crohn's disease. Oh yeah, I don't have medial insurance and cannot afford the ridiculously priced medication. Thank you to the Doctor who helped diagnosed my condition at a VERY discounted price.

I know I can make it through this and somehow regain the semblance of a normal, healthy life. All I'm asking for is whatever relief I can get to help chip away at my expenses and keep things moving forward. The immediate plan is to repair the house and finish paying off my student loans and my parents' high credit card debt while trying to start a career.

If- no WHEN I make it to the end of the tunnel, I will absolutely pay it forward to someone else in a similiar situation. I do have a history of volunteer work when things weren't as bad, and I still sometimes give time to a local soup kitchen. ANY help is appreciated. Thanks for your time!

13 family members have found this home a safe secure place for their loved ones while getting back on their feet.No-one has been forgotten or left behind. OHANNA

I have worked all my life, in 1999 I started my own in
home daycare and ran a successful business working with
low income families that needed good child care and I would waive their co-pay since in most cases would be their last penny. In 2003 we bought a home in which the double car garage was re-modeled and made into a daycare room. It was
also home to anyone that found themselves with out income or a place to live, no questions asked. Needless to say 3 of my 8 grandchildren were born here and we have had a total of 10 live here at one time. In 2005 everything hit
when my health took a turn for the worse. I had no income,
every one else pulled togeather and we made it through. I
owed IRS and fearfull of loosing our home I went to a local
tax accountant to help.Trusting this man with a re-fi he worked out for me we went from owing 119,000 at 5% interest to 177,000 at 12% paying interest only for 2 years at 1400.00 a month with Litton Loan .We ,determined to keep our home worked our butts off and made it until now. 7 mos
ago I asked Litton to modify my loan and sent them all forms they requested. When it came time for the modification I recieved a letter ,Litton sold my loan to Quantum Loan Servicing. I started the modification process again only to be told that Quantum does not do internal
modifications. I am now forced to file bankruptcy and have
until July to pay all money due in the sum of $17,187.02
by 7/11/2011 or my home will be sold at a public auction at the Mason County Courthouse here in Shelton, 1 mile from my home. I live here with my daughter ,her 4 kids, 5mos 4,5 & 13yr. Their daddy has been in prision cleaning up his past so he can come home to his family and start fresh. My daughter suffers with severe panic attacks and is in the process of recieving SSI,my 16yr. old grandson who has been on SSI since he was 11 and my 19 yr old grandaughter who is homeless.I have degenitive disk desease but am undergoing ipidural shots in my spine hoping to reduce the pain, with a brace I can function . I fear loosing our home and splitting up our family as WE are all WE have. What will happen to us.
I pray that there are enough understanding people that might
be able to lighten the burden and help me to continue to help those who need me, our home and to stay togeather.If
there is help out there and it happens to be more than we need I would like to donate to the struggling families that
need help.
GOD BLESS
All of us at the OHANNA home

I'm ashamed of asking others for help. But at same time, I don't know what else to do. I met a woman on A business trip A year ago. we fell in love and talk daily. we can both afford our individual bills. It's just neither of us can seem to get the extra money together for her to move here. it's a 1000 mile trip that we been trying to put together for months. We are just trying to find A way to start our lives together.