Marcus and Athea's Bedrooms



UPDATE: Karl's parents Ken and Wendy just upped the ante! They have agreed to match our total donations up to $2000! I've increased the goal to match their contribution commitment and want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. The kids have no idea how much fun they have in store with the Smarkel's!

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UPDATE: Wow! Words can't describe how grateful we are for such tremendous generosity. In less than 24 hours we have met our goal! I'll be sure to update everyone with pictures of their bedrooms, and leave the campaign open if anyone else wants to donate. It will go towards the myriad of other expenses: kids bathroom, toiletries, plastic cups and bowls, tupperware, night-lights, kid proofing the house, and the list goes on.

Thank you for all the heartfelt messages of hope and encouragement. Your kindness means the world to us. This is a big transition, but we feel confident knowing we have such an amazing support network surrounding our new little family.

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Those closest to us know my sister Angel passed away in October at the young age of twenty eight. She leaves behind three children Sheldon, Athea, and Marcus. Sheldon lives with his paternal grandmother, and Athea and Marcus lived with my mother and sister. Since my sister's passing my mother has struggled to raise a seven and five year old on her own while grieving the loss of her daughter. It's become clear to us that my mother needs our help and that's what we're prepared to do.

After many heartfelt conversations and sleepless nights, Karl and I have decided to become Athea and Marcus' parents. This is a big decision for us as we only recently got engaged ourselves and have no children of our own, but we love these kids and they have already been through so much. We have a lot of help from friends and family, and grandma and big brother Sheldon will still play very active roles in their lives.

Karl and I are moving to a three bedroom house in Tahoe Park this month so the children can each have their own bedroom. We started this fund to raise money to furnish their bedrooms. We've shopped around and calculated it will cost approximately $1500.00 for two sets of beds, mattresses, dressers, night stands, homework desks, and accessories (area rugs, lamps, bedding). With all the other costs of moving, taking leave from work, groceries, transportation, and the list goes on...$1500.00 is a chunk of money we weren't expecting to need right now.

We would love for the children to see their new house for the first time with fully furnished new bedrooms. We want them to know they are safe and loved. That they are home. Any amount you find in your heart to donate will be greatly appreciated and tremendously helpful. Thank you so much for reading our story.