paying it forward...

[kuangning]

kittybecca's house has burned down, and her family has lost *everything* - she and the kids and their pets got out, but nothing else did.

They now own nothing. No clothes but the ones on their backs. The kids lost clothes, toys, books, everything that they have ever owned.



Help them. As angryvixen, who knows kittybecca from their CD swap, said: "I can't think of many people on my friends list who couldn't spare $5 to help them out.. So how about it folks?"

The donation page with PayPal link is here. That page also has additional size information for clothing donations for her and her two little girls. Go look there to see the extent of their loss. Please give as much as you can afford.

And post links to this on your journal. Because even if you can only afford $5, someone on your friends list may be able to afford $50. Keep it going. Do some good.

I yanked this from shadesong with only a couple of edits. I'm saying now, for myself, that I personally would really appreciate it if you folks could find it in your hearts to give. I know your generosity has astounded me in the past, and these folks need it as much or more than I ever have. I'm a little superstitious about children in need -- I keep praying that if I help take care of the ones I see when they are in need, someone will take care of mine when they need it. I'm paying it forward, and I hope you'll help me by helping them.

Update: this comes from relevantpink, in response to some concern over whether Rebecca's story is a scam.
She says:

Some people are beginning to be concerned that Rebecca's plight is a scam. This is not the case, of course, but the farther my link spreads from the local area, the less people there are who actually KNOW me and Rebecca, and realize the absolute severity of the situation.

But seriously. If anyone wants to speak to me on the telephone, they can write me with their concerns at lupidog@uga.edu. I will send them my phone number or get in touch with them and discuss their worries with them. Once Rebecca has a new cell phone and has readjusted somewhat, she will also be glad to speak with you. Additionally, I will be attempting to collect pictures of Rebecca and her family and the generous donations all ready coming in, as well as the burn site. The local media has not run any story yet because the Athens GA paper does not cover house fires in the neighboring counties, and the Oconee County paper is weekly and comes out on Wednesdays. If there are any who have yet to donate and feel hesitant, I suggest they wait until next Wednesday and Thursday for media confirmation. Rebecca will still be needing aid in weeks to come, and people can consider their donations for longer if they are more comfortable with that.

Fortunately, with what they have all ready recieved, Rebecca should at least be able to get into a new place with the basic essentials in the next week or so. The response has been incredible. I cannot properly express my gratitude.

*EDIT*

Those of you who are mirroring the donation page, please update it with this info (I added it to the page). It is important we diffuse this spreading idea that this is somehow not legitimate. Unfortunately cynicism can spread just as fast as good will.

Comments

[lothie.livejournal.com]

I asked Chris, who handles our finances, to push the button and donate whatever.

[kuangning]

Thanks, hon. With what you folks have been through lately, that means a great deal. *hugs.*

[lothie.livejournal.com]

Well, that's why. People gave to us.

[deusinnomen.livejournal.com]

Not sure what I can offer immediately, gotta pay my bills before I see what's left, but at least I can post a link to this for you so at least another hundred or so people can read this.

[kuangning]

Thank you. :)

[http://users.livejournal.com/killjoy_/]

... augh. That's horrible.

Chipped a bit into the donation dish. I've not much, but they seem to need it.

[kuangning]

Thanks, KJ. :)

[minn.livejournal.com]

Done. Thank you for posting this link.

[kuangning]

Thank you, Minnie. :)

[kaolinfire.livejournal.com]

This is odd. I sent them money but I don't feel right saying I sent them money. But I wanted to note that I didn't feel right saying so, which required that I say so for context. Discuss. ;)

Money from selling stuff to NFG goes into paypal, which I use as a 'free pile', usually for buying subscriptions for people, but in this case just the subscription equivalent (or a little bit more, because I like round numbers).

And for some reason I don't feel right posting about this in my journal. I don't know this person at all. They don't exist in my life except tangentially. I expect _someone_ on my friends list would send something along if I did, but. Odd. I don't know.

Awkward. Pain.

Stuff.

[kuangning]

*wrysmile.* I know how you feel. Note that the post doesn't say that I contributed. But a link back to the post with a note saying they're in need would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping. *hugs.*

[moonrose.livejournal.com]

I sent a little myself, not much but hopefully with others it will help. I can't even imagine what it would be like ... I don't have Renter's either, and I'm reminded I should get it :(

I'll dig through my knitting pile tonight too and see if I have anything finished I can send them that might help keep them warm, too.

[kuangning]

Oh, that's a lovely idea. thank you.

[derektion.livejournal.com]

Just a random helping hand. Sent a little money, wish I could send more.

[kuangning]

Thank you so much.