A family in need
Donation protected
A close family has suffered a terrible tragedy and could use our help at this difficult time. Billy and Colleen are the most loving and caring family that will always give everything to help others and now it's time to give a little love back. The goal is to help with costs of daily living (cleaning/food/car payments/medical bills/their chosen charity) and giving them a chance to take the time they need off work to help the healing process.
About me and how this whole thing will work:
Growing up my husband Stephen was neighbors with Dawn, Colleen and Shane and over the years they became like siblings to Stephen and his sister Jani. When I moved stateside it wasn't long before Stephen introduced me to his extended family who made me feel very welcome in a foreign land. Then Colleen met Billy and we were lucky enough to share their special day with them, watching them grow stronger through multiple deployment and military training placements. Then came Harlee, the most wonderful kid ever! My 3yr old LOVES Harlee, she asks all the time when their next play date will be.
In conversing with many families that have unfortunately had the same tragedy as Billy and Colleen I have managed to get some idea of what is needed, not just immediately but also 6months down the line when it starts to get incredibly hard for these families.
In trying to relieve stress from the family in having to make daily payments for bills and groceries etc so far I have used my personal accounts to pay off the monthly car and motorbike payment and provide a weeks worth of food for the family in the immediate future.
I have set up a savings account where all of the money will be withdrawn from the GoFundMe and used to draw out payments for the food delivery services as well as the car payments. I am hoping to draw out cash directly to give to Billy and Colleen to help with arrangements for Piper and also to help them on the journey they have planned to spread some of her ashes.
I will know more about how they would like to use the funds when we meet with them on Thursday - I know they have requested gas cards in lieu of flowers to help with their travels. I am going to need to know where they intend to stay when they return from their trip so I can set up more regular food delivery like Farm Fresh and Blue Apron etc - I'm hoping we can now sustain one or both of these services for approx 12months?
It is a project in the making and I will keep everyone updated as and when I know more details about Colleen, Billy and Harlees wishes going forward.
About me and how this whole thing will work:
Growing up my husband Stephen was neighbors with Dawn, Colleen and Shane and over the years they became like siblings to Stephen and his sister Jani. When I moved stateside it wasn't long before Stephen introduced me to his extended family who made me feel very welcome in a foreign land. Then Colleen met Billy and we were lucky enough to share their special day with them, watching them grow stronger through multiple deployment and military training placements. Then came Harlee, the most wonderful kid ever! My 3yr old LOVES Harlee, she asks all the time when their next play date will be.
In conversing with many families that have unfortunately had the same tragedy as Billy and Colleen I have managed to get some idea of what is needed, not just immediately but also 6months down the line when it starts to get incredibly hard for these families.
In trying to relieve stress from the family in having to make daily payments for bills and groceries etc so far I have used my personal accounts to pay off the monthly car and motorbike payment and provide a weeks worth of food for the family in the immediate future.
I have set up a savings account where all of the money will be withdrawn from the GoFundMe and used to draw out payments for the food delivery services as well as the car payments. I am hoping to draw out cash directly to give to Billy and Colleen to help with arrangements for Piper and also to help them on the journey they have planned to spread some of her ashes.
I will know more about how they would like to use the funds when we meet with them on Thursday - I know they have requested gas cards in lieu of flowers to help with their travels. I am going to need to know where they intend to stay when they return from their trip so I can set up more regular food delivery like Farm Fresh and Blue Apron etc - I'm hoping we can now sustain one or both of these services for approx 12months?
It is a project in the making and I will keep everyone updated as and when I know more details about Colleen, Billy and Harlees wishes going forward.
Organizer
Laura Searle-Barnes
Organizer
Lake Elsinore, CA
