My name is Mary Harrison and I am a local librarian in Southwest Michigan. I need help providing assistance to a young couple that truly needs it.

Life can change in an instant. Recently, my “bonus son” Elyjah suffered a severe accidental gun injury. The injury was serious enough to require weeks in the hospital, but thankfully, doctors were able to save his leg. While he continues to recover, Elyjah is unable to work, and his disability pay does not come close to covering his family’s monthly expenses.

To make matters harder, his girlfriend Larissa — and the mother of their 2½-year-old, affectionately known as Baby G (or “chicken” as we like to call him) — lost her job with Meijer when she rushed to be at the hospital during his emergency. She had originally been scheduled off, but her shift was changed without notice to her. When she was at Elyjah’s side during his life-threatening injury, Meijer terminated her employment. Although the company later admitted the firing was a mistake, they still have not reinstated her or put her back on the schedule, leaving the family without her income.

With both parents out of work and a toddler to care for, their financial situation has become dire. Rent, car payments, insurance, and groceries are piling up, and the stress of uncertainty is heavy on this young family.

I’m organizing this fundraiser as their “bonus mom” and nana to Baby G. Every dollar raised will go directly to covering their essential living costs while Elyjah continues to heal and until both parents can get back to work.

If you’re able, please consider helping this small family through a very difficult season. Your kindness will provide relief, stability, and hope as they focus on recovery and rebuilding.

TL;DR:

Elyjah had a severe accidental gun injury, spent weeks in the hospital, and is now unable to work.

His gf, Larissa, lost her job at Meijer when she rushed to be with him during the emergency. Although Meijer admitted it was a mistake, they have not put her back on the schedule.

They’re raising their 2½-year-old, Baby G (a.k.a. “chicken”), and are struggling to cover essentials like rent, car payments, insurance, and groceries.

I’m their “bonus mom”/nana and am collecting funds to help this young family until they’re back on their feet.