If you love your Grandma PleaseRead

There are so many wonderful Grandparents raising their grandchildren and my friend Toni is one of those amazing people.  In 2010, Toni left Western Washington to the Tri-Cities in Eastern Washington to care for her four grandchildren, who were being neglected by their parents as they struggle with addiction.  She left her stable job of many years, a nice home and a sporty white mustang, which she later sold to help pay for her grandchildren’s needs.  Although Toni initially believed she would be able to get her daughter help, it became clear that her daughter was unable to care for her four young children.

Toni now has full custody of the children and she will be turning 60 years old this year. They are wonderful, happy kids. Vinnie is 2 years old, Brielle is 3 years old, Bailey is 8 years old and Nate is 9 years old. This family is a team and they love each other unconditionally.  As a single grandparent, Toni cannot do this on her own and she wants to keep the children together.  She wants to return to Western Washington, where she will have more support and better opportunities for employment.  Currently, she has been unable to find work and receives very little from government assistance to support the children.

We have known Toni for over fifteen years when my father and her fell in love! They were partners and shared a beautiful farm home together in Fife, WA. We all spent many days there together as a family and enjoyed the time we had there. My father passed away suddenly in April of 2003. Life changed quickly and despite all that we went through, we stayed close and have always helped one another. Toni may not be blood but she is and will always be family.

Our goal is to bring Toni and the children home, where she can have the support she needs from friends and family.  If she were able to move to the Tacoma area, she would be able to have a job, emotional support and be in a better environment.  

We are asking for your support to raise $3,500 to rent a U-Haul truck to move their modest belongings, money to help pay first and last months rent on an home and provide temporary funds to buy new clothes, furniture and basic nessacities for the children.  Every dollar counts!

 

We love Toni and the kids, and are currently doing everything we can to help. We need your help to make Toni’s wish come true and to build a better life for her family. It is time for this grandma to have a break from stress and enjoy time with friends and family here in Tacoma, WA.

Thank you for your time and support!!

- Friends of Toni