On December 7, my dear friend Tracy got a Christmas surprise—a totaled car and two broken body parts (left hand and right wrist). Of course, her injuries could have been much worse, but with casts and splints, Tracy is now not only unable to work, but unable to get anywhere for lack of a car. Our friend is in need of some serious Christmas cheer!

I've known Tracy for THIRTY-TWO years! For most of that time, she's been a hardworking single mother, who hasn’t let Type 1 Diabetes (and other difficult to diagnose ailments) slow her down.

Tracy lived in my home town, San Diego, CA for a number of years, until the cost of living became too much for her budget. So in 2011 she relocated to her home town of Grand Rapids, MI, where most of her family lives.

Getting no help from her ex, she has often worked three jobs just to get by and provide for her adult autistic son. With her jobs being outside of the greater Grand Rapids area, it’s essential for her to have a car to get from one place to another.

While Tracy has some insurance, not everything is covered and, of course, she needs to buy a new car. (A 13 year old car is apparently not worth much)

As she works her way back to a normal life, Tracy needs to know she has the support of dozens of friends and relatives across the country and perhaps even from a few "secret Santas" who just want to extend a hand up to a worthy person.