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Hoping to stay warm this winter

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Most of you know, I have a rare illness that is progressive that keeps me from being able to work. Because of this, I have to rely on public assistance, such as food stamps and fuel assistance to get by. I live in a very cold climate, and being cold makes the pain I have because of Dercum's Disease much worse.

Last year, I received 2.5 tanks of kerosene, which I have to use because my storage tank is outside. I kept my thermostat at 55 during the day (I am home all day), and 50 at night. Even with that, I ran out in August, so I would have had no hot water or heat until Nov 1. It started getting very cold at night (15 degrees), so toward the end of October, a friend bought 100 gallons of kero, which is a minimum delivery. (This is almost gone).


I got a letter informing me that whereas last year, we could get 3 crisis minimum deliveries/season, this year we can only have one, 100 gallon delivery. Then, I got the letter from Fuel Assistance, saying that they are paying $440. Last year, I got $1200. So, with my friend's kind gift, and the crisis fuel and fuel assist all together, I now will get 1.5 tanks. The other part that makes this even more dire....I cannot tolerate my thermostat at 55. I have had to keep it at 60, or the pain is excruciating. Even 60 is too cold.


Of course, this year we started getting much colder weather earlier in the season. I figure, I may have enough kero to get me through the end of December. Then that is it. I freeze, my water pipes freeze and burst, and I do not know what else to do. I have called everyone from my local rep, to the County Rep, to the Governor's Office, to Bernie Sanders....and they all say, "I don't know what to tell you." I have contacted local churches, and service organizations..I got $100 from a church, and $50 from a friend who asked his friends to chip in for me.


This is very embarrassing to come here and ask for money to survive, but I do not know what else to do. There are reasons I cannot move, or get a housemate, although both of those are in the works, but not fast enough to get some oil. I know this time of year, things are very tight for most, and I would not be asking if this was not the end of the line for creative fundraising. But, as a friend said, "what is embarrassing about taking care of yourself?"


I am more than grateful for any donations. I hope one day, I will be able to return the favor. I am asking for $2000, as currently kero is costing around $4.03/gallon and I have a 250 gallon tank. I need in addition to what I am getting through fuel assistance, etc., at least 2 more tanks. FYI: every donation has 7% +30 cents deducted for using this sight.


I hope everyone has a happy, safe and warm winter. (and Summer for my Aussie friends!!) And Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!!
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $105 
    • 10 yrs
  • from a family member
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
  • anonymous
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
  • anonymous
    • $120 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
  • from DL and JR
    • $15 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
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Organizer

Mary Lane
Organizer

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