This weekend, an unseasonably warm Wisconsin night found my mom, Maureen, without heat. After several inspections, it's become clear that she needs a new furnace. Since then, she's been staying warm with space heaters and a roaring fire - but knowing Wisconsin, this won't do for long.

The pandemic has hit all of us, some harder than others. Maureen made the excruciating decision to close her home daycare for the first time in 28 years in order to protect her health and the children she loves. With no other source of income, the pandemic has been particularly straining on her.

So what has she done with her time since temporarily closing her daycare's doors? She has thrown herself into caring for others. I know - I'm not surprised either! She has been creating "love bags" for people experiencing homelessness, working both alongside non-profits and by herself. She's been making large-batch meals to deliver to her new friends alongside warm socks, coats, blankets, and personal hygeine products. Rather than dwelling on her own unfortunate circumstance, she has cultivated gratitude and joy around helping others in even more difficult situations.

Now, I might be biased when I say this, but I don't think there is a more loving, generous, selfless human being alive. I'd be hard-pressed to find someone - a friend, family member, acquaintance or mere stranger - that she has not helped in their time of need.

The average quotes she is receiving for a new furnace are between $3500 and $4500. As I mentioned, I know times are hard for everyone. If you are able to help fund her new furnace, please know that any amount, no matter how small, helps. I am hoping that we can raise funds fairly quickly in order to get her warmed up before the bitter cold comes back! If you're unable to donate at this time, please consider sharing with your communities to give a little love back to the ultimate love-giver.

We appreciate you all and hope you find yourselves warm, healthy, happy, and with a belly full of good food.

- Mary