Community Giving || Helping Families in Need During the Pandemic

There are SO many in need right now and I want to be able to help. My initial thought was to adopt two families and fulfill their amazon wish lists but when the emails came pouring in, I just knew that this could and WILL be something bigger. WE ARE PART OF A COMMUNITY that lives to raise each other up. I feel very called to this and I am putting every ounce of my energy and focus into it right now. I do believe that this could be an ongoing way to give back to the community as well so if you haven’t heard from me yet, please be patient! Emails are very backed up at the moment! This list will continue to grow DAILY so I will post when I add more and I will also let you know once we have fulfilled a family’s list. MY GOAL IS TO FULFILL ALL OF THESE and by the power of Christ, I KNOW THAT WE CAN. Every little bit counts and some of these are $5-10 items so just do what you can to help – it will go a long way!

This community will continue to amaze me each and every day. LET’S LIFT THESE FAMILIES UP in PRAYER and do what we can to make their lives a little easier right now!

Once the item is purchased, it disappears off the list so you won’t see what’s already been purchased!

1.) The Riley/Hedinger Family ||

About a year ago, Christina and her husband, Carl, left their jobs to pursue their dream of putting everything into their travel blog, NCtripping.com. For them, this meant waking up at 4am, working 7 days a week, working on car rides, and traveling with their young child- but it was everything that made their hearts happy. After a year of hard work, they were almost to a financial point where they could cover all of their bills- but that also meant they had lived off of credit cards for a long time and exhausting all of their savings. When COVID19 hit, their travel blog stopped generating money because people were no longer dreaming of travel. Through it all, they keep working without making much money, in hopes that when this is over people will want to travel again and to continue to provide support to locally owned small businesses across the state of NC. With their income down at least 80% and unemployment taking some time to come through, they are struggling. Christina is asking for help with household items, personal items and non perishable foods (mainly for their toddler) to help lighten the grocery bill load for the next few months. Additionally, she has asked for a few birthday gifts for her toddler, Charlotte, who will be turning 3 at the end of May. Thank you for all of your contributions to Christina’s family and all the others. I know it’s a hard time for most.

Riley/Hedinger amazon wishlist

2.) The Baltzer Family ||

The Baltzer family was blessed to become pregnant after months of trying to conceive right as everything escalated. Dealing with loss of income on both sides this husband and wife duo is doing everything they can to provide their 20 month old with consistency as they tackle the first half of this pregnancy feeling alone. Blessing them with some household essentials would take such a burden off of them during this time. Thank you!

amazon wishlist for baltzer family

3.) The McCloud Family ||

This list is for the McCloud family consisting of Kim and her young daughter. Kim is a super mom, the kind I only long to be and she does it all on her own. Kim was a long term temp at a school district so now that they are closed she can only get unemployment which is not much and has to pay for her benefits out of pocket. Kim’s daughter has autism and the home school struggle is real. She is looking for things to help her daughter with creativity, social skills, sensory seeking behaviors and home learning. She also needs snacks for her daughter to “earn” by completing school activities. Kim is applying non stop to jobs and needs a good interview outfit for the places still open. I have also added a few things I think would make them smile during this difficult time 🙂

McCloud amazon wishlist

4.) The Smith Family ||

Shay is a the hardest working person that I know and could use a little help during this time. She is a single mama to a spunky 7 year old girl, is putting herself through ultrasound tech school, and works as a waitress to make ends meet. At this time, her restaurant is closed & she is making zero income. Even with the additional stress, the only thing she wants to know is how she can help you. I’d love to help the one who is always helping others 🙂

smith amazon wishlist

5.) Aramis & Jamison ||

I am nominating my dear friend who has been going through a lot these last few months. She is a single mama to a 4 year old boy who is the light of her life. Her son Jamison is the sweetest little boy I’ve ever met. They’ve gone through many changes recently that have caused a lot of stress and struggle for them. She finally was able to leave the abusive relationship she endured for so many years and now that she has, everyday life isn’t easy. He left holes in the wall, her bathtub completely destroyed, and a lot of her stuff missing or broken. On top of that, she works full time and takes care of her son while being 100% financially responsible. Now with everything going on with Covid-19, she’s lost hours at work and she’s struggling to keep up with the bills, rent, groceries, daycare, etc. She is the best mom I know, always puts a smile on everyone’s face, and works really freaking hard. These past few weeks have been really tough on her, and I’ll never forget her calling me crying yesterday wondering if she’s doing enough or if she’ll have enough to get through this month. She is never one to ask for help, and she is someone who always puts her son first no matter what.

Aramis amazon wishlist

6.) The Dealca Family ||

I would like to nominate my friend and coworker Sheryl Dealca. She is a mother of two kids ages 18 months and 4. She is 35 years old and lives in Northern California, Bay Area. I have worked with Sheryl for almost 9 years now. She is by far the sweetest kindest soul that I know. I had no idea people like her existed. She has chrones disease. She has always had serious health issues since I have known her. That doesn’t stop her from being a mom and working to support her family. She is originally from Michigan, where she moved out and has been on her own since she was 16 years old. She didn’t have the best childhood, but moved to California to find a better life for herself, even if that meant having zero family or relatives close by. As I have grown to know her, she really is on her own. No family connection. She is married and lives with her husband, kids and her mother in law. They live in a small one bedroom apartment (rent here is ridiculous!!!) and she works her tail off to support her family. We were all “laid-off” during this crazy time. No one in her household can work. She was already struggling to support her family but now more than ever they need all the help they can get. My co-workers and I have picked up diapers for her when we can but I know it’s not enough. If there is any way you can help me help her and her family I would be forever grateful and I know she would too. From her childhood to now, I feel like she is always dealt a crazy hand and I don’t understand how much pain and stress one person can take. She is strong and resilient and deserves this.

dealca amazon wishlist

7.) Liaigre Family ||

Our family, like so many others, is facing recent hardships as we have gone from one income to none. As the family business revolves on event planning and large gatherings, an end this is far in the distance. The timing of a new home has made this extra difficult for this family of 4. We are ever grateful to all who are able to help.

Liaigre amazon wishlist

8.) The Pacheco family ||

Krystal and her family like many others have found themselves in uncertain times. Krystal got furloughed from her job on March 20,2020. She hasn’t heard back from unemployment, she is uncertain of where or when her next paycheck will come from. She would literally give her shirt off her back to anyone and never complain or look for acknowledgement. I’m hoping someone can help her family it would be a blessing to them.

Pacheco amazon wishlist

9.) The Castiglione Family ||

Jessica has been going through breast cancer treatment since last May and was unable to work for 8 months. She and her husband, Mike, care for their 3 year old son, Henry and 2 dogs, Nellie and Rocco. Jessica recently started running her home daycare in January but is not working again due to COVID-19. With medical bills and little income they are struggling to afford everything.

Castiglione amazon wishlist

10.) The Jenkins Family ||

I wanted to nominate my friend Macie. She has an almost one year old daughter. She works so hard to provide everything they need and want. She was a server of a family owned business so they completely shut their doors. She does everything to help other people out when she has it , i just hope some day it can be returned to her. She’s so genuine and loves everybody.

Jenskins amazon wishlist

11.) The Walsh Family

My brother has been out of work since the beginning of covid, the family lives paycheck to paycheck and was unable to stock up on basics and now the stores are out and they cant buy what they need. My brother’s family deserves this because they are the type of people always looking to help and are too proud to admit when they need help or are in above their heads. My sister in law usually puts together a Walk MS team for our local area along with a picnic and never asks for a dime from anyone, this year it has all been canceled. They have not been able to see my sister in law’s mom pr grandpa since all of this started because they are both immune compromised, i know she misses them and so does my nephew. This is an amazing opportunity to help life some weight from their shoulders.

Walsh amazon wishlist

12.) The Stahl Family

Thank you for supporting the Stahl family in our time of need, Maddy has been in critical condition since January 22 and we are still displaced away from home in Seattle at the Ronald McDonald House hoping and praying for Maddy to get stronger so she can be listed for a heart and kidney transplant. It has been an extremely rocky road. Our full story: gf.me/u/xfuqpp

Stahl amazon wishlist

13.) The Pagan Family ||

Brianna is a stay at home mom to a 2 year old boy, Ward, and is pregnant with her second little boy who is due in June. Her husband has a thyroid condition requiring daily medication and was furloughed without pay from his job. They have applied for unemployment, and only have one more paycheck that they are expecting from his job. They have their normal bills and expenses, but also are needing to get some baby items before the new baby boy arrives. With social distancing, we won’t be able to have a typical baby shower…but I thought this would be a beautiful way to show her and her family how much they are loved. My sister is the best mommy, sister, daughter, and aunt…and this would alleviate so much extra stress for her during her last couple of months of pregnancy.

pagan amazon wish list

14.) The Sawin Family ||

Unfortunately, Lacey and Jonny lost two of their babies before they had the chance to meet them. They were very traumatic losses, physically and emotionally. Right before Lacey was set to begin fertility treatments, she had another positive test! I remember finding out and being SO excited for their sweet family to grow and thrive. So far, her pregnancy has been going very well, and baby Rosalie is due next month. Unfortunately, right when things began to look up for their family, COVID-19 spiraled their plans yet again. Because of mandates in Washington state, Jonny is currently not allowed to work, and may not be able to return until June or July (if that). Even after returning, it’s likely that many people in the area will cancel their fishing trips due to fear of the virus or financial strain themselves. This means that Lacey and Jonny are currently one month away from bringing their daughter home with absolutely no income, and a savings account that was drained by a year of autoimmune medication, fertility appointments, vet bills for their pup’s new conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Jonny has always found great pride in being able to provide for those he loves, and Lacey would find it such a blessing to take that worry and burden off his shoulders in some way, allowing them to enjoy this new season of parenthood.

Sawin amazon wish list

15.) The Dyson Family || LIST IS FULFILLED

I am a swim coach and have had the pleasure of coaching two wonderful, but very timid and shy kids; Lucas and Lucy. Their mom, Amber, has been battling Breast cancer for some years now. She is a wonderful mom. She has four kids. The type that is truly THERE for her kids. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. She listens and truly cares. She’s so compassionate towards others.
She just found out about two weeks ago, that the cancer is back and has metastasized to her bone marrow and brain. She’s in hospice care now at home with her children (I believe the ages are 19,9,8, and 3)and navigating her children’s lives being turned upside down by the pandemic along with preparing them for her death….I can’t even wrap my mind around this. I can’t type this without sobbing. She’s a single mom, works as a respiratory therapist (which I have heard she is truly amazing at her job) and as far as I’m aware, her mom is going to be taking custody of the kids.

Dyson amazon wishlist

16.) The Schneider Family || LIST IS FULFILLED

I wanted to nominate a family in Florida that is close to my heart. Their 20 month old son, Max had a heart transplant in August. He recently started to go through rejection. They have been in and out of the hospital trying to reverse it during this awful pandemic. Cristina(Max’s Mom) and Max are home now but Max’s father might have been exposed to Covid due to someone he had worked with. Due to this, they are living separately to protect Max and their 3 year old daughter, Maddie.This is such a stressful time for all, but adding, rejection, possible covid exposure, being alone, medical bills, getting to the store, essentials….etc. please help.

Schneider amazon wishlist

17.) The Galindo Family ||

My name is Christina, I live with son Nathan and husband Douglas. We are currently living in the city of Lake Los angeles which is about 25 min away to the nearest market and an hour an half away from the San Fernando area. We struggle a lot to get to places since our car is having issues and it’s on its last run ( its going to stop working soon ) . I can go on about the struggles we face on a daily but who does not!? After this Corona Virus hit California it has completely turned our life around and not in a good way. We both lost our jobs his job was more important since he was the sole breadwinner. With both of us out of a job and a no good car leaves us to having not many options for work or to have any income come in. We sadly live paycheck to paycheck. Our bills have piled on us enormously that we are scared for our future and with the quarantine in play makes this situation harder on us to go out or find jobs. Time is killing us slowly and I’m scared for us as a family what our future holds. Soon we will need essentials and the bills will be getting higher and it’s a lot to process. I pray everyday for my family and others. What keeps me sane is I know someone out there is having a harder time than me and all I can do is pray work harder and stay positive.

Galindo amazon wishlist

18.) The Byne Family ||

This family is in need of help, due to Mom of the family recently having open heart surgery and Dad previously drove a bus but is now out of work, due to the COVID19 pandemic. Their older children are able to do some babysitting and yard work, but right not finances are unstable. Dad is working hard to do what he can to pay for and keep insurance so that Mom can have additional procedures. Anything is greatly appreciated during this difficult time for all.

byne amazon wishlist

Tell Me What You Think! leave a comment...

Laura says:

April 9, 2020 at 3:45 pm

Thank you for highlighting the needs of these Families and using your platform to help them in such difficult Times.

lizette says:

April 18, 2020 at 5:53 pm

Thank you for this! blessings to you and you’re family for doing this sweet GESTURe. this is very nice for you and everyone INVOLVEd to be doing this for the families in need.