The following is based on a true story with names omitted to protect the privacy of willing participants. This will be part of a series of articles intended to show how the spirit of giving is strong no matter what time of year it is.
Being from a small town, she knew what it was like to extend a helping hand to those in need around her. She hadn't needed to ask for it in return, though, because she always believed there was someone out there who needed it more. It wasn't until she and her family really hit hard times she realized how much she needed help.
Over the course of six months, she went about her task. Financial documents were photocopied ritualistically, forms were filled out, phone calls were made and appointments were kept on almost a weekly basis. After enduring the work of what seemed like a second full-time job, she felt very accomplished by receiving the following results:
Then it happened, just when she thought she had all her ducks in a row, more blessings were showered upon her and her family within a twenty-four hour period:Medicaid coverage for the entire family. Food stamps (enough to exceed their normal grocery budget by over $30.00 per week!) W.I.C. (Women Infants and Children) nutrition program for her children and herself. $10.00 off the phone bill for being a Medicaid recipient. An approval for HEAP fuel assistance when the funds are released from the Federal Government.
She felt like crying tears of joy because it didn't end there. Their families brainstormed together and decided to get them "practical gifts" for Christmas this year. They bought three thirty-gallon plastic storage containers to fill with clothing, grocery items not covered by food stamps, necessities for the children along with miscellaneous things like stamps, envelopes and other goods used on a regular basis.Their Pastor stopped by on a random visit with about a month's supply of frozen meat in hand. The Salvation Army is going to give enough heating oil to last them until the Federal Government releases funds for fuel assistance recipients. The Salvation Army is giving the family their Thanksgiving dinner and helping them with Christmas. A church they don't belong to is opening their food pantry to them more often than the once per month limit. If they can't afford to pay their electric bill and fear it will be cut off, the Salvation Army will pay it for them. Her husband received an unscheduled raise from his employer.
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