My name is Alexandra and I've never done anything like this before.  I am the type that was embarrassed to fund raise for my children's school.  However, I have come upon a cause I feel very worthy of my hard earned money and I hope you will feel the same.

A friend I have known for many years has suffered one setback after another.  She is single, has no children, her parents have both passed and she doesn't have anyone on whom she can call for help.  She is also very proud and if you ran into her, you would never know she is having difficulties. She has worked hard all of her life, often doing menial, manual labor when needed to make ends meet,  She has a college degree and has paid her home mortgage down to just a few thousand dollars. An amount that is less than one could purchase even the lowest priced new vehicle.

A little over a year ago, her car caught on fire on the side of the road.  She lost both parents within a short time of each other and she even lost her beloved pet.  Without her car, it became difficult to get to work and she had to find a job that was within walking distance.  Sometimes that distance was 7 miles each way and yes, she walked it.   When that job ended she began looking and hasn't found one yet.  Without a car in a small town with no public transportation and limited job opprtunities to begin with, life is hard.  As soon as she lost her job, she contacted her mortgage holder who said "We've got you, you've been a long and loyal customer, we will work through this,"  Then.....that bank was sold and the game changed.
 
The new bank has decided that they don't want to work with her.  Her house payment is half the amount of most electric bills.  Even in public housing, her cost would be much more than she pays for her own home.  She has managed to save up half of the amount the bank wants to stop any foreclosure, but they will not be patient and she isn't even that far behind,  But as banks often do they have added fees that have tripled the amount due.  She has exhausted all avenues except for handing the bank a $5,000 payment.  

The other problem is she has less than a week.  I don't know why I contacted her today, I can only say that I had a nagging feeling that I should. We often go for very long periods without any contact, but pick up where we left off.  She said through some tears,  "thank you so much for checking on me." For the first time in our lives, she said she was at a loss.  

You may not know me and you will never know the name of my friend, I would never disclose it unless she requested me to do so.  I can say that you will make a huge difference in the life of a good woman who even though she qualifies,  wouldn't take the small bit of public assistance allowed her.  She thought that someone with children or unable to work needed it more,   That is a woman to be admired and if you could spare the cost of a cup of coffee at a coffee house or even the cost of a candy bar it would be most appreciated,