Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I have a friend  who has had some tough luck last few years. It is a long story that involves a very low paying job, an unexpected pregnacy, a husband who left her, major surgery with no insurance, losing her job, going on public assistance,  a teenage son feeling abandoned, and then as a final blow, the husband divorcing her and taking the teenage son to another state. She did not have money to purchase milk, much less, fight for custody of her oldest son.

As she was recouperating from surgery on both  of her legs, she realized she needed to do something dramatic. She decided to attend a health care school so that she could attempt to make a better life for her family. She accepted a loan from the school and a grant from the school. It would take her 3 years to finish the courses needed.

She has worked very hard accepting any part-time jos for money. Her neighbors and friends have chipped in to help with child care.

She is afraid she will lose her home - she is about 9 months behind on her payments. Her car was repossesd on the first day of class this semester.

For the past 2 years, I have collected money to purchase grocery and department store gift cards and mailed them anonymously to her from "Santa and the Gang." She has no idea who they are really from.

When she called to tell me her car had been picked up, I knew that I did not want to ask friends, family and clients to give money again.

Instead, I am now organizing a huge community Garage Sale. The entire proceeds will go towards a used car. (My husband is great at finding a good used car. )

I am excited and worried, but I think it has helped me feel like I can help her. I do not have money, but I am a hard worker and want her to know we are supporting her hard work and determination.
She only has 1 year till she graduates. She is tops in her class.

I will let you all know how it all ends up.