Help.
Such a simple word. Such a non-complicated concept. Such a lovely act. Just to help.
Last week I posted about a housewarming shower our church gave for a single mom who, after leaving an abusive relationship, was starting life all over again in Manteo with her young son. (One thing I neglected to mention in that original post is that “Julia” is a military veteran who served for seven years in the Air Force.)
Much to my surprise and delight, that blog post inspired many of you to also help. Monetary gifts and clothes for Julia’s son have been arriving . . .
and I’ve gotten several emails saying that even more contributions of all kinds are on the way.
Amazing. Simple. Help.
One of those helping-hearted people sending clothes for Julia’s little boy is a long time Smithellaneous friend, Courtney Hurd. Courtney is the director of the Hendrick Marrow Program.
They recently held their signature fundraiser and raised $1.37 million to benefit the Hendrick Marrow Program, Levine Children’s Hospital and the AARP’s Drive to End Hunger.
Courtney is all about helping–it’s not only what she does all day long in her job as director of this amazing program, but it’s also what she does when she reads a blog about a little boy who needs clothes.
She has a helping heart.
We are all aware of the tornadoes that have hit Oklahoma and Texas. Last week we found out that one particular family of seven whose home was destroyed is originally from Manteo; in fact, they still have relatives still living here.
Well, we are definitely finding out that Manteo takes care of its own! Word has gone out to the churches and people have been arriving from all corners of the island with clothes and gifts and supplies to put on a semi truck and send to our Oklahoma neighbors. (Although most of the items are for that one particular family, there are also being things sent to help out with general needs)
I dropped some things off at the truck earlier this week and was touched to see the flurry of activity going on as items were received and sorted and loaded.
It makes me happy two know that the pants I dropped off at that truck will soon be worn by a woman whose whole wardrobe got blown away on a violent wind.
It makes me happy to know that a little boy here in Manteo will get up each morning and have plenty of clothes to choose from because some blog readers had helping hearts.
It makes me happy to know that in a complicated, chaotic, sometimes selfish world, people still believe in helping other people.
Because at some point or another, we will all need help. And it will be at times like those that we’ll be especially grateful for people who have helping hearts.
Yay the box came. Please do a post for each of them when their birthday is. I think they deserve some sweet birthday gifts. Will you ask them to make a list of stuff they would want but won’t actually buy. Maybe they could each put down 5 things. I’m pretty sure your readers could come together and buy them a sweet gift. Julia deserves something nice. Us moms never make a big deal out of our birthday no matter what our circumstances. The storms are devastating this year. Heartbreaking to watch and hear about the loss of lives, homes, schools, etc.
Rachel,
You are so sweet to want to help! You’re so right–we moms don’t always make a big deal of our own birthdays but we love to help other people celebrate. It’s part of “momdom” I guess. 🙂
Sent my gift to the church. For Julia and son. Sorry so late. Had a car accident and well got a little sidetracked. I know it is not much but hope it will help a little. God bless them.
Catherine,
So sad to hear about your accident; glad you’re okay! And thank you so very much for your gift to Julia; you have always had a very compassionate heart.
Such a season of violent storms. Just rode several out in the basement here in St. Louis last night with my daughter, Greyhound and cat. Much damage to communities around this area again. Now, many areas are dealing with flooding. Thank God my family is safe and dry, including my daughter and grandson in Champaign, IL – I did get a report from my grandson this morning that they were in the basement because they had a “tornadio.” We are all good but too many are not.
Mary,
So very glad to know you have all weathered the storms safely. It’s hard to comprehend the trauma those people are experiencing who have been hit so hard. Prayers continue . . . hugs being sent.
Thanks for the shout-out to the Hendrick Marrow Program! Caleb and I are incredibly blessed and our parents taught us that to those who much is given, much is expected. And it is always more fun to share! THank you for giving your readers the opportunity to love on this amazing woman who is changing her life for the better and making a great future for her and her son.
Courtney,
Thanks for having a giving, sharing heart. You and Caleb are a blessing to so very many people.