FamtoFamily

A U.S. Army soldier stationed in Kandahar (Afghanistan) contacted us a few months ago with a wonderful idea…  His unit was nearing the end of their deployment, and had loads of unused personal care items and books that had been shipped to them by well wishers back home. With a mind to making sure it all didn’t all go to waste, he offered to ship everything (at his own expense) to the communities and families we help.  The results have been amazing… As of August 13th he had sent 47 boxes of supplies and gently used books to our Thoreau, New Mexico, and Montrose, Arkansas communities… with more on the way to our partner in Lemmon, South Dakota.

Included were electric fans, new socks, hand warmers, all sorts of personal hygiene items including toothbrushes and toothpaste… and books galore!

We’re happy to join forces with ECHOage — an online children’s birthday party gift-giving alternative — and support their efforts to bring the spirit of empathy and giving to a child’s special day.  Through ECHOage, children donate to a charity of their choice as part of their birthday celebration.

A truly memorable “One Book At A Time” moment….. Earlier this month two of our One Book pen pals had the opportunity to meet… in person!   During a family vacation to Hawaii, donor Alison M. and her daughter Ruby stopped off at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii and met their One Book recipient, 9 year old Chantel.  Chantel and her mother greeted the visitors with gifts of leis, and the two girls, who’ve been writing to each other for a year, chatted away.  One Book At A Time continues to grow… To date we’ve linked 188 children living in poverty with 188 sponsors.

We’re thrilled to announce that Family-to-Family has topped 1.7 million meals provided to families in need!!!

We are very lucky to hear stories of generosity and kindness every day here at Family-to-Family, but we don’t often have time to acknowledge or share them.   One story that moved us comes from a woman in Medfield, Mass. who sponsored a Hurricane Sandy family with her church group several months ago.  With money they’ve raised, the group just bought “their” family a new refrigerator, range and washing machine! Bedding and tableware is on its way as well. The sponsor writes, “She lives very simply with her aging mother…It was hard to get her to tell me her needs….She is a proud woman and used to being self reliant but she is no longer able to work due to MS….She’s a brave woman and so appreciates our help and prayers! Thanks for connecting us.”

Thanks to so many of you, approximately 2,500 new children’s books have arrived in Moore, Oklahoma to be distributed to the youngest victims of this spring’s devastating tornado. If you’d like to join our effort to bring some comfort to the children of Moore, consider purchasing and sending new children’s books!!  Learn more.