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anniemm
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| Posted: Sept 24 2008 at 9:17am | IP Logged
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Yesterday we found out that my sister-in-law's house burned completely to the ground and she and her family have lost absolutely everything. They have 4 children and live across the country from me. I'd like to send them some things since they have lost their entire home and it's contents, but I could use some ideas as to what to send. I've been trying to think about what I would want for my 3 children and myself/my husband immediately and all I can think of at this point is clothes, toys & books, etc., and personal hygiene products. Does anyone have suggestions or ideas? We are keeping them close in prayer, but at the same time I know that they also have very human needs.
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Andrea
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Mama to four little girls (04), (05), (07), (09),& my 1st little guy 11/11
www.hiswillmypeace.com
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Maddie
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Gift certificates may be the best thing. When our friend's house burned to the ground they were swamped with clothes, toys, etc from local churches and such and there was a lot of duplication. Maybe wait to see what their biggest need is like do they need to replace their glasses or contacts? Car seats? Night at a hotel? It is such a devestating loss.
One other idea, we duplicated every picture we had of the family and put them on disc so they would have family pictures again. I'm sure it's too early for that, but it's a thought.
Praying for your family. It will be a long road.
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Wife to my dh and Momma of 9 dear ones
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Vanna
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Oh no! I am so sorry for them. I will keep them in prayer too.
Where are they living? Do they need pots and pans and things like that? I think basic cookware, plates, forks, etc to feed everyone would be useful. Plus, clothes, hygiene products (they probably don't even have toothbrushes do they!) and cleaning products.
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Wife to K  Mommy to B (ds18) and G (ds8)
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Syncletica
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| Posted: Sept 24 2008 at 9:32am | IP Logged
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I might appreciate things like:
perhaps some notebooks, pens and pencils, crayons, rulers, etc. Maybe a few photocopied pages from www.simplycharlottemason.com to gently continue on with some homeschooling ideas.
Would they need dishes and cutlery? Even just paper ones/plastic ones?
Vitamins B/C for stress? Multivitamins?
Rosaries/ prayerbook/Bible
Just a few ideas other than what you mentioned, which would be great to have right about now, too.
eta: I didn't mean photocopied pages, but rather, printed pages....sorry!
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Syncletica
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How young is/are the youngest? Would they need diapers or pull-ups, creams, etc? Sippy cups? Bibs? Diaper bag?
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Tami
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How about something basic, like a file box and file folders? They're going to accumulate a huge amount of paperwork in this process. I have a friend to whom this happened a few years ago (they have 8 children) - I'd be happy to contact her over this if you want another point of reference or someone for your SIL to connect with. PM me and let me know.
And praying for them, of course!
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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juststartn
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Gift cards. Then they can use them for what they need when they need it.
Rachel
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juststartn
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Oh, and a Mass said for them.
Rachel
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Married DH 4/1/95
Lily 3/11/00
Helena(Layna) 5/23/02
Sophia 4/19/04
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teachingmyown
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Maddie's idea about the pictures is wonderful! Then the gift cards. Maybe small things, games, books for the kids while the parents try to rebuild their lives.
Praying for them.
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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Carole N.
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I also like the idea of the pictures. But I also think that they need a camera. I just could not imagine being without a camera. I know there are a lot of little things they need, but a lot is happening in their lives and later they may feel the need to have pictures!
Keeping them in my prayers!
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 Carole ... in Wales
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aussieannie
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Gift vouchers sounds very practical...I'd buy ones that can be used at supermarkets so food and those basic necessities don't have to be worried about for a short time. I second Rachel as well..a Mass offered for their intentions.
I am so sorry to hear what has happened Andrea...this happened to an uncle and aunty of mine many years ago..they lost their youngest child in the fire as well, it is really devestating this sort of thing.
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Teakafrog
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This happened to some friends of ours a few months ago. Actually, they said it was very freeing to not have so much 'stuff'. It was a cleansing experience for them to let go of all the material things they had been holding on to, and have to start over with just the 'needs', not the 'wants'.
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Topic: What would you want?
