Enough is enough. Our government is playing games while real people are suffering. WIC Programs have been shut down, babies and foster children are left without formula, families are left without food. Head Start programs are being kept open through the end of the month only as the result of a $10 million dollar donation from a private Texas couple. Our government is grossly failing us, but we are America, by the people for the people, and we have each other.
I think of the Holiday Miracle that Jenny Lawson was able to enact via her site a few years back when things were dire, and I know that this is one of those instances when social media can help us overcome a lack of proper leadership.
If you are in need as a result of this shutdown, if you have lost access to WIC, or any of the other programs that are so essential to daily life for so many (something I know from personal experience) or if you have been furloughed and find yourself in a bad position as a result, please leave a comment on this post sharing your need. Comments can absolutely be anonymous, but a valid email address will be necessary to connect you with relief. It will not appear on the site, and I will share it only with your sponsor.
If you have a surplus and would like to sponsor a family being affected by the shutdown, please leave a comment on this post as well. You may also be anonymous, but please leave a valid email. Once I’ve matched you, I’ll connect you with the email of someone in need.
I’d like to suggest a minimum donation of $30 for those who would like to sponsor a family to ensure that at least some key needs are able to be met, but I encourage you to give whatever you can. I know $30 isn’t going to pay for a month of child care, but it might keep some bellies fed in the meantime. Amazon gift cards are a great way to send funds to an email address without sharing personal information and many necessities (including milk and formula) are available for next day delivery.
I know we can help each other through this.
6 Replies to “Let’s Be Americans”