FAMILY IN NEED

I received an email from my sister in law Allison Perkins. This is what is said:

Hello,

This year 2 friends and I are trying to do something pretty big for a family in need. Attatched is a letter my friend wrote about the family. I know it is a hard time for alot of people, and some of you have probably already decided who you are wanting to help this holiday season. If you can and would like to help it would be great. You can call me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Allison Perkins


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope your homes are warm and cozy filled with the sounds of the season and the smells of holiday baking. What a joyous time of year it is, a time to reflect on the blessings each one of us has been given. A time to remember our Savior Jesus Christ and what he has done for each one of us. I know with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season we all need to take a minute to slow down and let the spirit of Christmas touch our hearts. I hope you will take a quiet moment now and let it touch yours.

I have a story to tell you --- it started with the simple observation of a kindergartner. After a busy day of school he returned home to fill his mother in on all of the new experiences. He talked of the rules, the letters they practiced, sang her a color song about yellow, near the end of his stroy he innocently announced that the boy who sits across from talks funny and only knows how to scribble on his papers. His mother became curious of the young boy and during her time in the classroom she noticed he did indeed struggle. Her observations of the boy grew. He has two other siblings, young in age as well. She noticed his mother's solemn face that never seemed to smile with pale while skin, dark hair, very simple clothes and a growing belly... a baby bump indeed. Living in a small town she began to see this family more and more often. Their car -- a poor sight to behold, the paint worn away in most places, the interior roof upholstery was hanging so low, it almost touched the children on the head. How this car was still running was unbeknownst to her.

She often would see this mother in the car just sitting in the Show Low school parking lot; though school was no near time to be out. During her visits to the public library the boy's mother with her youngest child by her side always seemed to be there. She thought perhaps it was the mother's only access to a computer or maybe just a little time by herself while the older children were in in school.

With Christmas time fast approaching she wanted to give some Christmas cheer to a family in need. The boy's family was at the forefront of her mind and today as she drove her child to school---once again the boy's mother caught her eye. She followed her at a distance in hopes to discover the doorstep where she might leave a little Christmas cheer---as the boy's mother pulled into what she has to call home, devastatoin filled her heart. There would be no box of toys and fun for the kids because there is no room for them to play.

Now she knows exactly why the boy who sits across from her son only knows how to scribble---there is no room at home to spread out and color. Now she knows why the mother spends most of her time at the Show Low library or sitting the in the open air in her car because the place she has to call home is about 8 feet wide and 18 feet long...a travel trailer with its muted tones of yellows, oranges, and creams that was clearly built decades ago. Tires missing, propped up on simple cider blocks--an open invitation for every cold winter breeze wanting to spread its chill. In her moment of devastation she began to visualize what life would be like to live with her own children ini such a place. Where would they store extra food for those hungry tummies? Where do they play with their toys? Where does the energy of a young child stuck inside on a cold day go when there is no room to run? No room to jump? No room to explore? No room to build an imagination? No room for a tired mom to get a much needed quiet moment?

This is the place where the boy and his siblings go home to everyday. This is the place where she will bring home a precious newborn baby. I do not know her personal story or what circumstances have led her to this point in her life. What I do know is that we can help. You and I together have the opportunity to change the lives of these young children and perhaps rekindle a glow to his mothers face.

As I sit here writing this to you I know you ocan do a greater good this holiday season and bring back life to a broken family. I am not usually one to ask for help, but in this case I cannot do it on my own. Our goal is to raise enough money to provide these children with a place to play, a place to invite friends over, a place for that new baby to learn how to crawl. Please stretch your budget and donate whatever you can. Please don't just stop there. Make as many copies of this letter or send as many emails on to your family and friends as you see fit. Sadly in this day and age there are schemes out there that may cause you to question if this is realy or leave you wondering where your money is actually going.please let your family and friends know exactly who I am and how you know me. Please call me with any questions you may have.i assure you every penny donated will be spent on this family in need.



If you would like more information you can email my sister in law. I don't think I should display her phone number on the internet.
alli-perkins@hotmail.com