8 Seatbelts or Bust!!

I have a friend that I met 14 years ago, when she was, in fact, 14 years old. She was a handful and a half- smart-mouthed, scrappy and quick-tempered… and I immediately took a liking to her! I knew her family from the days when I was homeless and addicted and I had a vague idea of what her life was like at home.

I’ve watched this girl grow into a beautiful young woman who defied ALL the odds. With her family unable to help, at just 18 years old she took custody of two of her sister’s children so they wouldn't be lost to the foster care system. The responsibilities of motherhood quickly matured her and she has become an incredible parent who uses her grit and hard-earned wisdom to make the best life for her kids.

Just last year, another young mom found herself unable to care for her four children. My friend, then just 26, stepped up and offered to love and provide for them until their own mom could get back on her feet. Taking care of six kids on a single income is no small feat- but with careful time management and organization skills, the single-wide mobile home they all live in is a place of comfort and safety. Hot cooked meals, bunk beds, cubby’s for each child’s school supplies and careful discipline give these children security after the uncertainty they had grown accustomed to.

Then, in December, the children she was caring for gained a sibling, a tiny and adorable newborn, born of their estranged mother. The biological mother once again made the most compassionate sacrifice and she placed him in the care of my friend.

For over a year, my friend has gotten up each Sunday morning, gotten her entire crew of 6 (now 7!) together, and they’ve trooped to church. They’ve all come to know Jesus and have been baptized and they continue to grow spiritually each week.

Imagine my shock when I found out that my friend is driving a sedan that seats just five people! Taking multiple trips at times and being selective with her reasons for venturing out, she and her family are missing out on valuable activities that could strengthen and help heal them, all due to inadequate transportation.

She needs a van that will seat 8 but there’s no way, with her income and with the size of her family, that she’ll ever save enough money. I’m asking you to help me raise enough money to buy them an inexpensive van. I’ve already started looking and I think I can find something for them that’s reliable and under 100k miles for under $10,000. That’s a lot of money- and I’ve never done a fundraiser before, but I’m confident that we can help her..

Even the smallest donation will be cherished.