Hi, my name is Janine Scheffer and I am fundraising for my sister Karline Scheffer, her partner Curtis Bell, and their two young children Lillian and Jayden. The weekend of July 16th they went out to leave for work and were devastated to find that their car had been stolen. They had only one car for the family and depended upon it for work as they are delivery drivers. Unfortunately, their 1997 Honda Accord is at the top of the most stolen cars list and because it is an older car, they did not have comprehensive insurance, which means it is a total loss.

To add insult to injury, in the last couple of months, they spent several hundred dollars on brand new tires and a new battery in order to keep the car in good working order. In addition to the car being gone, they lost everything that was in the car, which included two child car seats, a stroller, first aid kit, car care tools and caddy, several quarts of motor oil, jumper cables, children’s blankets, picnic blanket and several beach towels, personal baby carrier, camp chairs, children’s toys and other sentimental items, as well as miscellaneous other typical car necessities. Basically, everything that they used to go on outings and for walks and to care for their car is now gone.

They are beyond distraught over this situation, have lost sleep, and are sick with worry, not to mention their peace of mind. Not only do they have no car to use to attend doctor appointments, get groceries and other necessities, or in case of emergency, but their livelihood was also stolen from them since they cannot make deliveries without a car.

Additionally, their rent is increasing next month by $200 per month; therefore, the theft of their most significant asset is the last thing they needed to happen when the cost of everything is steeply rising and funds are already stretched tight. Their two children mean absolutely everything to them and they went to work nearly every day to make ends meet and keep them safe, secure, well fed, and with a roof over their heads, and now the ability to do so is gone.

They are not ones to ask for help and have resisted doing so, but under the circumstances, they are in dire straits, and that is why I am asking for assistance on their behalf. They will need to replace the numerous children’s items and other necessities that were stolen with the car. Due to the inability to work for the time being and the subsequent lost wages, they will also need help paying bills, such as utilities and rent, purchase items such as diapers, food and other household basics, and ultimately acquire another reliable vehicle.

If you are able, I hope that you will find it in your heart to contribute whatever you can to help them get back on their feet after this devastating occurrence. Thank you!