Help my grandson get the Essentials he needs to thrive.

My name is Debra Brown. I'm a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. While raising my daughter, it became a struggle after the age of 14. She started acting out, running away, stealing my cars and money. She became a mother at 18, and the baby became my legal ward by the age of 2. It has been a financial struggle, but we always got by with the help of my sister, getting shoes, clothes, etc. Then, 5 years later, came my grandson, born with a disability (club foot and other mental disorders: ADHD, impulse disorder, bipolar depression). It never held him back; he excels at sports, but sports equipment can be expensive. I usually made it work. Now, if an emergency came up like the car breaking down, needing tires, or extra gas for the month, I would be in trouble. Living on only SSI and CalWorks for the kids isn't hardly any money. Now, with the economy today, it's nearly impossible to buy anything outside the monthly bills (rent, PGE, phone, car insurance, TV, car payment, food, toiletries, gas). There's nothing left to buy anything essential, like new clothes, underwear, socks, shoes, shampoo, laundry soap, or pay for laundry, either for myself or my grandson.

Right now, my only concern is him! He is in desperate need of new shoes. Since he has a club foot, he can't wear certain shoes. I've called the community outreach organizations, and no help, lots of red tape to get assistance.

So, I'm reaching out to friends and family, hoping you'll be able to help out with $1, $5, $10, $25. Every little bit gets him closer to some new shoes and new clothes.

Thank you in advance for your generous and thoughtful gifts.