OneSmallWish

Another successful year!

2011-12-28T04:15:00.001-08:00

I will freely admit...I was not sure I was going to run the "adopt-a-family" program this year.

It's hard...I have so many kids, and this year added a part time job to the mix. I wrestled with it for a few weeks...but, in the end, as the EM's started to roll in, I couldn't say no to any of them. People were in need and I was in the position of helping them.

So, OSW went into action a little before Thanksgiving...in the beginning it was all under control. As the families in need rolled in, so did the volunteers. I matched as I went along. Then about 2 weeks before Christmas, it exploded. Most days I was getting 2 to 3 families in need DAILY. I was not sure how it would all pan out, but as usual, God came through and sent us generous volunteers to cover all our needs. I am happy to say, we got to everyone! I still have not sat to count the exact number of famiilies of children we helped, but I can say that we EASILY had over 200 covered.

AMAZING....

I am happy to say 75% of the deliveries were made by the volunteers (or "elves" as I fondly call them), but the other 25% ended at my house and were delivered by myself, Rich, or mostly our manager ("Mrs. Claus") Robin Kisylia. In the last couple of weeks I am not sure how Robin dealt with my early in the morning/late at night phone calls. I know I would have gone insane without her. (They say behind every Mr Claus, there is an amazing Mrs. Claus..... :p)

We heard many heartbreaking stories of woe. Husbands who left wives with bills and children, and no money. Wives who left husbands with young children, never to be heard from again. Single mothers trying to get by, but barely making the bills. Sick parents who are hanging on by a thread. Abused mothers, who ran with their kids from their homes with nothing but what they could fit in their small car.
One of our volunteers got to a home with no Christmas tree, only to find out that woman was afraid no one would show up with gifts so she did not want to put the tree up...
People who could not afford Christmas dinners.
Families serving our country, with just enough money to get by, nothing extra for gifts.
People who got flooded out of their homes the last big storm we had, and lost everything.
On and on it went, it was hard to read, but exciting we could help just a little bit....

Here are just a few pics of the gifts, my house was a sight to see. Every morning, my hallway had bags filled with gifts to go out that day, and every evening it was empty, just to be filled the next day.

This is one family's gifts (2 children!)

This is what it looked like once it went into garbage bags (that is how we delivered all gifts, to be discreet in case there were kids home...)

One days deliveries.
Another days deliveries.

Robin having to peek into gifts and rewrap some of them because there were no name tags on these gifts (note to self...next year remind everyone to tag gifts as well as wrap them!)

She was almost done, this is for one family.

Another family.

1 days delivery.

This was our last family. Robin did this delivery ON Christmas Eve Day.

A huge thank you to all our elves, who made Christmas happen for so many families, Because of you, hundreds of children woke to presents, where there would have been NONE.

A bigger thank you to my family, who sacrificed a whole month of ME, so that I could do this.

Thank you to Robin, without her, I would not have done it this year. Knowing she was with me, I took this on.

The biggest thank you to our ever faithful God, who put this "bug" in my ear, and gave us the means to help every single person who came to us.

It's that time of year!

2011-11-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Here we are again....'tis the season to worry about others having enough food, warm clothes and kids who are able to wake up to the joy and fun of Christmas!

The OSW team is at it again. We will be doing our Adopt a Family program again. I have had some ask what it is about, so I decided to explain it in detail.

What happens is: we have families that come to us in need. They fill out a form on where they live, what age kids they have, what their needs/wants are, and they also have to explain their situation. These families have anywhere from 1 to 6 kids (the most we have had so far).
We then get families who want to adopt other families. We match them up to a family who lives near them and fits their criteria. (Small vs bigger family).
The volunteer family then shops for their adopted family and then delivers before Christmas. Usually they also buy them a Christmas dinner. (Just a note here, it is easy to pair up with a friend or 2 to adopt a family!)
Very few families do not want to meet the ones that bought them the items (usually due to embarassment), in that case, one of our staff delivers.
I like to have the adopter family deliver because there is nothing like meeting the children you are buying for. Their little faces are adorable and so innocent. And there is nothing, absolutely nothing like meeting a grateful mother. Some are outright grateful, some just have the look in their eyes you will never forget.
It is an amazing feeling to GIVE. To know you have done something for someone else.

The other way we supply gifts, is we hold a toy drive. This year Robin Kisylia will be doing all the collections (and she will be delivering as well). Her EM is: RKisylia@aol.com If you want to donate a new toy, please drop it off at her house unwrapped and we will make sure it goes to a family.
We ALWAYS have last minute families we need the toys for.

We stay in NJ and help local families. We hear over and over how the charities are all full and no one can ever get through to Toys for Tots, so this way we help people in our own backyard who have run into a brick wall. :(

The last way to help is donate gift wrap or a gift card. Any amount is good! Never underestimate a $10 gift card to a grocery store! Or a $10 GC for gas. It might mean the difference of going to work that week or not. Or feeding your children milk, eggs and bread or NOT.
More than that, it is a sign of HOPE. And never ever underestimate HOPE!

You can reach us at: onesmallwish2010@gmail.com to be enrolled in this program. Or you can check us out on FB under One Small Wish, and send a private message.
I do ask that you be patient when waiting for an answer. I do have 10 children and a part time job, so I might not get back as quickly as I would like to.

I hope everyone has the happiest of Thanksgiving. May we all be grateful to be ALIVE, it is an amazing gift.
God bless.
Seegal

Success. :)

2010-12-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to say we did not turn anyone away this holiday season. Somehow, we got to everyone in some way. Even the last minute families were taken care of.

Thank you again for everyones help and prayers!

We will continue to help people in need at the end of January. I am going to take the next 2 weeks to spend with my family, and then I am leaving for Israel for 2 weeks to spend time with my father and the rest of my family out there.

Please keep those in need in your prayers. It is so cold out and so many are left with no heat or worse, no homes.

God bless and we at One Small Wish hope everyone has an incredible New Year!

Humbled

2010-12-23T03:35:00.000-08:00

Guess how many kids will have meals and gifts because of One Small Wish and all its volunteers? 91!!
91 children and their (42) families!!!

I will admit, after months of planning and working, yesterday I was overwhelmed and very tired. Today I awake to numerous EM's from families all over NJ who were excited and happy and for the first time all year had HOPE.

Yesterday I witnessed lots of tears, but have not cried yet, I was in work mode.
But reading all these amazing words made me cry this morning and gave me new resolve.

If anyone EM me with last minute requests, I will not turn anyone away.

Because, after all, THIS is what it is all about.

People, we have made a difference. A huge difference.

A VERY merry Christmas to all, thank you so much for showing everyone that there IS HOPE and there IS HELP!

God bless you all!!!!!!

Today is the day!

2010-12-22T05:28:00.001-08:00

Most of our deliveries have been already made 41 families as of last night, not including 2 out of state ones. I just got another today with 4 children, so that makes 44 total.
Today I will be out all day making deliveries and last minute pick ups.

I want to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and the happiest of new years!!!!!

God bless!

PS- like I said we just got a family with 4 girls, if anyone has any toys to givem it can be dropped off at my house, I will be meeting them tomorrow. :)

All over NJ...

2010-12-18T14:53:00.001-08:00

One Small Wish families are all over NJ today, tomrorow and Monday. Today many gifts were already delievered and many more to come! I have had quite a few bring bags to me filled with goodies for families for me to wrap and distribute too. Our own personal santas are delivering their gifts to the families they have adopted.
While my heart is warm orchestrating all this, I also hurt for those we cannot help. Please keep them in your prayers, there are so many. :(

I am still getting families all the time. There is still time until Christmas eve to adopt a family and give the gift of hope to a child. EM me at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com to help others.

God bless and happy holidays!

My wish

2010-12-13T18:35:00.001-08:00

As we get close to the wire, we are getting more and more families that need help. Just when I think I have it in control, it all spins way out of control!
Please pray that we do not have to turn anyone away. I cnanot bear the thought of someone having no Christmas dinner or children to wake to nothing under the tree.

I just wish to help all who come to us.

Thank you to all who are helping, we could NOT do this without you!
If you want to help with a toy or a gift card, please do not hesitate to EM me! onesmallwish2010@gmail.com

God bless!

We can use help!

2010-12-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say we have matched many families and everyone is busy playing "Santa"! I love hearing the enthusiasm in my families voices. It warms my heart that everyone wants to help so much!

We do have a couple families that have not been matched. I am also sure we will get last minute families that waited to see if by some miracle they could make it without help, but found themselves stuck.

Right now, we need gifts for children. Any toy will do, for whatever price. Gift cards can ALWAYS be used too. We can pass then along or buy more gifts with them. Any store is great.
The children that we need right now for are:
13 yr old girl, 4 yr old boy, 4 yr old girl, 5 yr old boy and 7 month old girl.

Please EM us if you can manage to get a toy or gift card.

Thank you SO much!!
Signing off,
Santas helper :)

Matching!

2010-12-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

I have spent most of this day matching families in need of Christmas to their "Santa" families.
I still have families who need their heros. If anyone wants to adopt a family, please LMK. Most of these families are 1-2 kids. I have 1 left with 3 kids. Maybe a group of friends can adopt them?

EM me at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com for information on any of our waiting families!!

Lets make some wishes come true!
God bless!!

The more you help, the more the need...

2010-11-22T02:50:00.000-08:00

Holidays are at hand. Needs are overwhelming.

Yesterday my friend Heather got to see first hand how much a family needs and does not get support. With her help, we delivered a much needed dresser, clothes and a chair for a special needs child. This 3 yr old has CP and the only thing given to him was a BROKEN wheelchair he could not even sit in! Heather managed to find a special very expensive chair that this child could finally sit comfortably in! It was so fancy and had all the bells and whistles. Yay!!
In the meantime, I just found out the husband was let go 2 days ago from his job. They are now in jeopardy of losing their home and their kids. They are trying SO hard but who knows what will happen.
When people tell me homeless people are in that state because they put themselves there I want to choke them. Sometimes life is really unfair.

Another family we have is a family in West Virginia. Their home and all their belongings burned down. Even the urn their fathers ashes were in burst and the ashes are everywhere. They need desperate help, they are all living with an aunt in a trailer. I don't know where to turn, as I do not live there. The mother is very close to losing it, the daughter is afraid she will lose her mother too in this tragedy. :(

An out of work couple who work part time cannot get food stamps because they make a few dollars too much, Really?! A single mother in school struggling. An older couple, the husband was let go of his long time job and cannot find one because of his age (older 50's).

I could go on and on. We need help. We need more elves, we need money, we need God to send us some angels!!!!

People thank me for what I do. I hate it. I don't do it for thanks or for praise or anything like that, I do it because i have been led to do so. I truly feel like God is using me as a puppet. Kind of like today when someone EM me for a table. Wasn't sure where I was going to find one, and the very next EM was someone wanting to donate one. It was Gods hand, of that I am sure.

Please prat. Pray for families who are worried and struggling. Pray for all of us at OSW to get everyones needs taken care of!! And if you are an elf or an angel, please let us know, we need you!!

A huge thank you!

2010-11-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

We need to thank Basket Brigade for donating turkey baskets to our needy families this holiday season.
All baskets will be delivered tomorrow to the families homes!! I am so excited to have such a huge blessing!!!!

We are very busy getting Christmas requests. Right now we are matching families. We will let everyone know when what we need once the families are matched! :)

On another note: for those on our FB page, you know we are looking for people to help a very devastated family in Oak Hill, West Virginia. If anyone knows anyone there, please EM us ASAP!

Thank you!!

The important fine print

2010-11-19T02:58:00.000-08:00

I thought I would clarify a bit more about what we need this time of year. Please EM us at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com if you can help.

1. Turkeys, hams and the fixings. If you have those free turkeys from the stores, and you want to donate them, please LMK! We have lots of families who need Christmas dinner!

2. Clothing. Unlike the past where I ask for whatever you have, I will be posting specific sizes for specific families we have right now. Whatever used items you have is great, but please mark the bags with what size and gender it is.
I know that is alot of work, but I am so busy right now I can't sort through clothing.

3. I need families who want to adopt other families, We have small families and we have larger ones. You can easily team up with friends to buy for the kids. Used stuff is fine, but we do ask you buy at least 1 new item per child. Remember, most of these kids have no idea what it is like to get something new, and every single one of these families is struggling ALOT. You will get a sheet of what the kids like or want. You don't have to buy it all, whatever you are comfortable with would be great. If you can buy them a Christmas Eve meal that would be great, just please LMK so we don't duplicate. For most of these families, you CAN be the one to deliver the goods to them! I cannot tell you enough how rewarding that is. Most charities don't allow that, but we ask all of our receiving families if it is OK, so far all of them have said yes. It is a valuable lesson for the kids to wrap these gifts and incredible feeling to be able to GIVE the parents what you got them!

4. We will need volunteers. The matching is not hard, but as I found last year, alot of families wait till the last minute to ask for help. This is because they hope and pray they can do it themselves. They don't *want* to ask for help, they are very embarassed and prideful! So, once all the families have been matched and delievered I will be asking for items (do not have to be new) and asking for volunteers to help wrap and maybe even deliver. This will be the 2 weeks before Christmas. if anyone remembers me last Christmas, knows this is not easy, but it is necessary! All volunteers will be graciously accepted and community service hours will be given to students!!!

5. The last thing I ask for is prayers: For our families. They are struggling. They feel alone and they are scared and sad for their kids. PLEASE remember them in your prayers!!! This is the most important thing you can do for us.
I would also covet a few myself that with everyones help, Robin, Carol, Rich and I can get to everyone in need. That we find the time in the day to do this work and we find the HELP to go on.

In this season of "thanks"giving, I want to thank our faithful followers for always being there when I call for help.
God bless!!
Seegal

Here is the plan, Stan...

2010-11-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming very fast and we are getting requests for help.
We need families who want to help others who are less fortunate than us.
Most have just fallen on hard times and they really don't want to help, but they can't bear the thought of not giving their kids Christmas!
SO, if you want to help (or you are a family in need), please EM us at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com

For the families that are matched: You can choose a family size that fits your budget (or team up with a friend to pool your resources and buy for a bigger family!) You buy each person at least $25 gift. You can do way more if you like, but that is the minimum. You can also buy that family a Christmas meal (raw turkey or ham, stuffing, potatoes, corn and a bottle of soda). This is NOT mandatory!! You will get a "wish list" with the childrens names and ages. If you want to get the parents a little something, that would be great.

For those families that have not been matched, we will be collecting toys/games/clothing and wrapping them (I need volunteers!) and distributing ourselves.
:)

In need!

2010-11-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

We need clothing and any baby items for a 2 month old boy ASAP. parents are in dire need of many things, but the baby has nothing.
Please EM us at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com if you have anything.
Thank you!

If you have EM us...

2010-11-16T04:13:00.000-08:00

I am now caught up with EM that have come in (finally). If you have EM us about getting help and you have not gotten an EM back, please do so again.
Christmas assistance forms will be going out very soon and families will be assigned within the next 2 weeks.
God bless.
Seegal

It's that time of year.....

2010-11-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

It's getting cold and people need coats and blankets.
Holidays are coming and people cannot afford gifts for their kids.
People need to pay extra to heat their home (if they are lucky to have one) and they can't afford to eat.

We have started getting calls for Christmas help.
This year we will be matching families that need help to families that want to give help.

If you are interested, whether you are a family in need or a family who wants to help, please Em us:
onesmallwish2010@gmail.com

Thank you and God bless!

Happy Fall! We're BACK!

2010-09-11T04:32:00.001-07:00

I sincerely hope everyone had a fabulous summer!
Now that the kids are back in school, we are back in "business".
We already have some requests, I posted them on our FB page.

Here is the deal: We will accept items we ask for all the time, however, please do not drop random bags off at my house till after September 20th! My house is full of items and we need to get them out of here first.
We will only be accepting fall and winter!

On September 18th, I am having a garage sale, I have tons of summer clothes left and no room to store all of them, so I will sell them off VERY cheap and whatever money is made from the sale goes straight to One Small Wish. We CANNOT run without some kind of money, so it is desperately needed! If anyone has summer stuff they want to part with, you can bring it to my house for the sale. Anything left over, will go to the homeless shelter.

Now onto current business: we need drivers to drop off items. I no longer can do it all myself. If you are interested, please message me at FB!
We are NOT doing furniture anymore. Unfortunately, it was too much work and we spent tons of money on UHauls. Rich also got hurt the last time we delivered furniture, as he does it alone. For obvious reasons, this is not an option anymore :(

I will not be updating the blog as often, due to time. I WILL be updating FB as often as needed.

All these changes are important as it will allow us to keep running.

God bless, and lets keep helping families in need!!!!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

Wanted to take this time to wish everyone a happy 4th of July! We are very lucky to be living in a country of so many freedoms.

Thank you so much for your encouragement, love and support of One Small Wish. It has been a wonderful journey thus far! Right now, we are "closed" for the summer to reorganize and to dedicate our time with our families.
We will "reopen" in late summer and will be ready for the onslaught of the holiday season!

God bless!

Update (May)

2010-05-28T06:26:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,
I am so sorry for the delay in this post, we are still here and still working.
There have been quite a few changes and more to come...

First off, Jenn from South Jersey needs to "retire". The work that we do is very time consuming and she needs to spend time with her children. Understandably, we are upset to see her go, but we know how hard it is. Thank you for all you have done Jenn, we will miss you!
She will be doing her last delivery today!

Kyle, is still working in North Jersey and we will be getting updates from her :)

As for Central Jersey...Seegal, Carol & Robin are still here. :)
We are getting a TON of furniture needs and donations. Unfortunately, we have no one to deliver such huge items. My husband, who has done it till now is in busy season of work, he holds 2 jobs and is no longer available to be the "shlepper" as we fondly called him.
And so, with sadness, I must announce that we will not be picking up, or delivering furniture anymore. From now on, we will only be dealing with food, clothing, toys, and any items that fit into cars.

As summer approaches, we will be slowing down quite a bit. With children home from school, it is hard for us all to do this work. Anyone that comes to us with needs will not be turned away if we have the items needed.
We also need to rest before the busy fall season comes. Christmas is always the neediest time of year. We already have tons of new items for adults and children stored, and will be asking for more as the season approaches.

Please do check in with us, we will still be around, just busy with children and life! :)
This would be a good time to announce that we (Seegal and Rich) are welcoming another child into our family. We have started the adoption of a special needs precious orphan in Eastern Europe. We will need to travel there to pick him up. We are very excited for us and for him, as his future is quite bleak where he is.

Thank you all for being a part of One Small Wish. We are not going away, just slowing it down a little. :)

God bless!!!!

Fundraiser and a new OSWer!!

2010-05-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the gap in posts, I have discovered that blogging and actually doing the work sometimes doesn't work. :)

I would like to announce the arrival of our new co-ordinator, Carol Ericksen! Robin and I have known Carol a very long time and I am very confident she will be a fabulous addition to One Small Wish! All the help we get makes it easier to actually do the charity work.

Our first fundraiser is coming up fast! In case you have not heard...it is on Sunday, May 23rd at St. Anthonys church in Red Bank, starting at 9AM, ending at 2PM. We will have MANY vendors selling really cool stuff!!! You'll find jewelry, flip flops, housewares, clothes, candles, pocket books, make up and so much more! We will also have hot dogs for sale and of course baked goods!!! We hope you come out to meet us!

Most of our families we are working on need furniture or just someone to advocate for them. Right now we have everything we need, but will post when are looking for items.

Thank you for hanging in there with us...we are already planning for Christmas, so we might be taking some down time this summer as we know we are coming into very busy season.

Blessings from us all!
Seegal

Now THAT'S paying it forward!!

2010-04-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest mottos of One Small Wish is "pay it forward". We love giving and we love helping others give. I have heard many times that people want to do for others but they don't know how.
Today was such a great pay it forward day!! First we got a call from someone who was emptying out her storage space and needed to get rid of her furniture. I called a family who needed it and they went directly to the storage space and picked up their many needed items! When they got to my house to pick up the rest of their stuff, I asked them if they would make a delivery for me. I have a single mom who needs a bedroom set for her son. I have located the set but have not been able to get it to her. The couple that came today said they would gladly "pay it forward" and deliver the set to her with their friends pick up truck!
2 families needed items, 2 families had them and were able to directly give their stuff to someone who needed it. How awesome is that?? !!
I also got a call from someone who heard us on the radio yesterday, who wanted to donate tons of brand new baby clothes. Since she does not live near any of us I asked if she could hold on to them and deliver them herself when I located a family who needed them. She was overjoyed.

The thing I take pride about the most with our foundation is not just that *we* help people, but that we help *people* help *other* people.
And THAT is what it is all about!! The whole world is one big family taking care of each other. It's a beautiful thing. :D

Today!

2010-04-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

OSW is on the radio! http://www.nj1015.com/pages/5874162.php

Very excited about that. I finally figured out last night....to date we have helped 115 families since Dec 2009, 85 since january 1!
Lots more to come. :D

God bless!

Busy times ahead...

2010-04-25T04:33:00.001-07:00

I want to remind everyone that tomorrow is the day we will be featured on the radio station 101.5 :) http://www.nj1015.com/pages/5874162.php

We have alot of requests this week. We are getting more and more Emails asking us for help.
Please check the sidebar for things we are being asked for.

Our first fundraiser is well under way. If there is anyone that has items to be donated to sell, please let us know. We welcome ANY vendor to sell their items if you donate a portion back to us. We are not charging anything to have a table!
The fundraiser will be on Sunday May 23rd from 9 AM till 2 PM, at St. Anthonys church in Red Bank, NJ.
We are in desperate need of monetary donations at this point. Rich and I have put out about $1000 of our own funds to make OSW happen and we are now limited to where we can go and what we can do for our many families. So there is my appeal (LOL).

Hope everyone has a FABULOUS week!!!!
Seegal

Quickie update!

2010-04-23T03:25:00.000-07:00

Wanted to put a request out there for bicycles. We get many parents looking for them. Any color, size or condition. If anyone has any, we will pick them up!

We are putting together our first fundraiser, set for May 23rd. We are doing many deliveries in NJ, but being low on funds, we are limited ot the areas we can deliver to. Gas, renting UHauls and operating costs have taken its toll on our pocketbooks, unfortunately.

We will have the families we are helping up next week posted on Sunday. There are many new ones!

God bless!

BIG news!

2010-04-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a big week for OSW :)
First and foremost - we welcomed a new North Jersey coordinator, Kyle Sanzone. As soon as we get her all the information, she is sure to be very busy up in North Jersey!
Second huge news is that we were contacted by the producer of the radio station 101.5! They are doing a show on "What’s So Great About the Garden State?” They wanted ot deature us and we said yes! Our Robin gave the interview and it will be aired next Monday the 26th!!
Lastly, we have decided to do our first fundraiser. It will be in St. Anthony's in Red Bank on Sunday May 23rd. We will have fabulous stuff to sell, handbags, jewelry, candles, tupperware, baked goods and more! We are very excited about this! More details to come!!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!
Seegal

Changes at OSW :)

2010-04-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

One Small Wish continues to grow and change every day.

We are working to get a North Jersey coordinator and we're hoping to find someone to help us with the bookkeeping.

Our sad news is that Christie stepped down from being VP. Neither one of us expected OSW to catch on so fast and to grow as big as it did in such a short time. The time that must be put into it is sometimes overwhelming. With her 2 very young kids, it was impossible for her to do any of the daily tasks.
Christie will be staying on in a small way and hopefully will take on more when her older son goes to school next year :)

The good news is that Rich, who has given WAY more time, money and heart into this than he ever thought, has stepped up as Vice President. It was a natural choice since he has done almost as much work as I have. :)

Robin, our manager is a God send. I truly could not do what she does, taking care of all the back end work.

Jenn is continuing to do all the work in South Jersey, along with her volunteers Holly and Pam.

Finally, here in Central Jersey, we have been very busy trying to organize all of our inventory. Rich also hurt his knee and has not been able to do big pick ups. SO....we have been concentrating on needs closer to home, and a suspended making long trip deliveries. We took on so much so quickly, and worked so many hours, our family time took a great hit.

If anyone knows anyone in the Jersey Shore area that needs help, we are very happy to help! Also if anyone wants to volunteer time to make deliveries, we can use the help.

We will also be starting to fundraise. We welcome all ideas and help in that area.

Have a great week everyone! God bless!

Time out...

2010-04-12T04:01:00.001-07:00

Hi all!
Just wanted to do a bit of an update on this week. Rich and I have been working NON STOP on One Small Wish. We are taking a bit of a time out to organize the items we have and iron out some details. (Although we made a small drop off yesterday of a recliner chair and have lots of little donations going on this week anyway, but nothing huge like the past 4 months!)
We will be getting ready for next week too. We have quite a few requests for beds and furniture. If anyone has any, please let us know!

Jenn at South Jersey will continue working and she will update as to what she needs.

Another request...we are looking for someone to be a coordinator for North Jersey. If you believe you can do this, please EM Seegal at Onesmallwish2010@gmail.com. Let me make sure you all know it is alot of work. Much of my personal time goes into this, however, the rewards are great!

As always, God Bless and please always remember to "pay it forward"!!!
Seegal

Our "fire family" has it all now :)

2010-04-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Rich and I loaded up our trailer and our kids and we took the 1 hour long trip to the family's home.
Their story is really sad, after the terrible fire, they got free things from people the mom cleans for, but most of the things don't even work (like their TV). :( The kids are good kids and were so excited!! The older boy rode his bike right away, it was so sweet!
I filled her empty freezer and stocked her cabinets. They are now completely set up for their baby boy to come! We also gave a bike, queen bed, dresser, tons and tons of clothes, tons of toys, DVD player, tons of DVD's, books...by the time we left their house looked like a bomb went off, LOL!!
The one thing I did not bring was toiletries (toilet paper, etc) and we saw they had just the one roll...it bothered me tremendously all the way home. Also, the 8 yr old Stacy, told Rich the only thing she wanted for her bday (tomorrow) was an Easy Bake oven. Rich wanted to go buy her one but the kids really wanted to get home, and it was already a long day...(We had already gotten her a box of new stuff for her birthday).
It took us many hours to load and pack and get there, unload, and we were finally almost home when we saw a garage sale sign. We stopped and guess what they had? AN EASY BAKE OVEN!! AND they had a girls bike which we did not give them, as we could not find one.
Guess what we bought? Yup, the oven and the bike with a helmet!
I called the mom to see if she could come meet us halfway and she was so happy! Rich is on the way there with a bike, the oven in a pretty pink birthday bag, and toiletries with lots of toilet paper (yay!) My husband is the sweetest to go do this, he truly ROCKS.

There are no words to express how happy the mom was. She hugged and kissed Rich and I a few times, had tears in her eyes and was over the moon relieved.
You know what bothers me the most? The dad works full time and she cleans homes for extra money , so they were turned down for food stamps. If they did not have a job, they could get them. Yeah, lets punish those who work and really try to do the right thing and not help them at all. Grrrrrr. I could go on, but I know everyone feels the same. It is so frustrating!

So happy we got to help them. Alas, I am glad this drop off is over, think I will sleep a full night tonight!!!! Whew!
PS- thank you to everyone who dropped off items, I promise you all, it was all needed tremendously!!!

My project this week

2010-04-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have a very special family this week that I am working on. I need all the help I can possibly get!
These parents both work, and have 4 kids. They are due in May with #5, a baby boy.
Their house caught on fire in October and they lost EVERYTHING and have been struggling to recuperate since. They even sold their 2nd car to pay for items they desperately needed.
The father works full time and the mother cleans houses (still...in her 8th month of pregnancy). Just last night her and her 8 yr old daughter put out more flyers to get her more business.
The children have no toys. Any furniture they have has been donated and they have a few items of clothing saved from the fire, but it still smells of smoke :( The mother gives a sicount to the people she cleans for if they give her donations of clothing for the children.
They are truly struggling.

I plan on going there later this week with everything they need (and more). The little girls birthday is this Sunday and I want to make it special for her, as she has taken on the role of 2nd mom to the younger children.

Here are the ages of the children and what they need:
Patrick - age 9. Has autism and cannot read but is in special ed. He is anywhere from a size 8-12 and he is very hard on his clothes so he needs extra. He cannot play with normal 9 yr old boy toys.

Stacy- 8 this Sunday. Size 7/8. She is very mature for her age, the mom could not even come up with toys for her as she has not had any toys in a long time. I would like to get her good books and toys for her birthday!

Romeo- age 6. size 6. Loves matchbox and cars!

Karly - 2 yrs old, size 2T but can range to a 4T. She likes the regular baby girl stuff.

Baby boy due May, has NOTHING. I already have a pack n play, stroller, car seat and swing. Anything else anyone can give is wonderful.

The one thing the mom said is that they all really want bikes. 2 boy bikes and 1 girl bike (and a small one for little Karly :) )

***Added: An adult bike would be great, as they share a car and the dad can use it for work.
Here are adult sizes they need: Mens 32 x 32 or 32 x 34 pants. Medium shirts. 8 - 8 1/2 shoes.
Kids shoes: 3-5 boys/men shoes. 11-1 boys. 8 1/2 - 10 women. 1-2 girls.

Please help! EM us if you have anything for them!
THANK YOU!!!!
God bless!

Blessings on this holiday morning

2010-04-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Most of our population were celebrating this week, One Small Wish was quite busy handing out holiday dinners and fun goodies for the kids, trying to brighten peoples lives, even if just for one day.

Jenn, our south Jersey coordinator, needed help on her deliveries, and brought in a wonderful volunteer, Holly. Holly made the delivery to a family who desperately needed infant items for their premature baby. I asked for permission to reprint part of her letter after her delivery.

Hi Jenn,
I just completed the last delivery to the mother of the preemie baby. With the help of my wonderful husband, we loaded up his truck and I made the delivery. I met both C and the baby's mother at the mother's apt and a bunch of people and children helped carry everything in. They were surprised to see (and said so) how much was donated to them. They were extremely thankful and it was so nice to see the support from all the other people there that helped unload the things. The baby, B, is doing well, is three pounds now and has been taken off of oxygen and is breathing on her own. She'll hopefully be able to come home soon. They showed me pictures of her, she's so tiny and cute. I have to say this delivery brought me to tears. To see that there is such poverty in our own country and neighboring towns is such a eye opener.
It's crazy to see how America joins together to help other countries (ie Haiti), yet ignores what is going on right next to us. We can either help or turn a cheek, and I'm so glad I've found a way to help, even though I feel like I'm not even doing much.

Thanks again! Holly

I am not sure how many times I felt like Holly did. I get to a home where they have to ration our pasta for the week, sleep on the floor, wonder if next month they will have to find a shelter to stay in, listen to their kids pray for mommy to stop crying. It still gets the pit of my stomach when I walk into a home with conditions worse than what I saw in Guatemala.
The experience is upsetting, humbling and full of joy at the same time.

Today, whether you are still celebrating Passover, or Easter, we ask that you pray for those who are having a hard time, right in your own backyard. Lets not turn a cheek, lets keep working together to help our brothers and sisters. Lets celebrate LIFE and all it has to offer, and there is no better way to live than to GIVE to others.

Blessings and a VERY happy holiday to all.
And PS...Holly...do not think for one second that you are not doing enough. You just changed one family's life, they will never forget what you did. Congratulations on that.
Seegal

Perhaps....

2010-03-30T03:34:00.001-07:00

People ask me all the time how I do this. How do I find the time? How do I afford the extra money? How do I deal with the stress?
The answer is, I do not know, I just do. I will admit that some days are very hard. It gets overwhelming, and I do wonder how long I can do this for before I burn out. But then I help a family and it is like a high. I give a family boxes of much needed items and I recharge. I get a grateful hug and we share tears of joy. It is in those moments I know I can deal with the stress, I know that God is moving my hands and filling me with energy.
Perhaps it is because I grew up with stories of when my grandparents were in the Holocaust. They lost their 2 young sons due to starvation.
Perhaps it is because I have seen extreme poverty in Guatemala, the country I love so dearly, my daughters birth place.
Perhaps it is because now that I have seen with my own eyes, I cannot turn away, cannot pretend it does not effect me to the core of my being.
Perhaps it is pure insanity.

What I can say with certainty, is that if I ever doubted that humanity is inherently good, I now know this to be true. When an item is needed, it always seems to turn up on my doorstep. During Christmas, when I sent out one EM asking for items for a poor family, my rooms were filled to the rim. Someone said "ask and ye shall receive".

So, I am asking for strength to keep doing this work. Asking for prayers for all the families who are in need. Asking for perseverance for my friends and myself, that we may keep doing Gods work as long as it is needed.
Perhaps...
No, with certainty...
We are...
Making a difference.

God bless,
Seegal

Thank you

2010-03-27T04:22:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks it seems that One Small Wish is on fire. So much going on behind the scenes, and our growth is truly unbelievable!
I want to take this time to thank quite a few people and organizations.
*As always, a thank you to Panera Bread and NY Bagel & Cafe for donating all their goodies for our families.
*To Cottontails consignment shop for all the clothing they give us at the end of every season.
*A huge thank you to Satellite Storage for their generosity! The 2 storage units are the biggest help and allow us to help so many more families! (and to keep my sanity in my own home!)
*To Tracy and NJ Shore Kids, for reaching out to us and giving us their leftover items that we desperately needed. She has invited us after the next sale to choose whatever we want after the sale is over. She was my Godwink this week!
*To Michelle Farrell, who helped us sort out our accounting issues and helped make us a non profit!
*To "C", our amazing volunteer driver, who wishes to remain anonymous. This person has helped us with so many deliveries, we could not have done without help. Just this week, C brought 2 twin mattresses over to one of our families as soon as he heard they needed them.
*To the teens who have been coming over and helping me sort through an immense amount of stuff. I did not know where to start but they worked their butts off and got it done!
*To our MANY donators and volunteers, we could NOT do this without you!
*To my husband, who has been amazingly patient with me and been a huge part of OSW, even though he had NO idea what he was getting into.
*My children, who are giving up their mommy time. I will make it up to them and I hope they are learning valuable lessons.
*To God. For directing our hands in this work.

I ask for prayers that we can continue to help the families of New Jersey.
God bless and have a blessed weekend.
Seegal

South Jersey is hopping!

2010-03-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

So much is happening in our South Jersey chapter right now...we want to give you a little update!
We made a delivery to a very thankful family this morning who needed food and clothing. We delivered 6 bags of food after some very sweet ladies came to our little pantry's rescue....along with Panera Bread in Voorhees. We are still in the process of collecting clothes for 3 of her 4 children, so those will be delivered next week.

We will be delivering a crib, swing, bassinet, stroller, diaper bag, and clothes to a new mom in Woodbury next week. Her baby girl came very early and will be coming home soon to items they wouldn't have had before our One Small Wishers came to the rescue.

Want to continue growing our South Jersey chapter??

We do have a few needs that we are working on right now. Here is who we are currently helping and things we are looking for:

*we are in need of clothing for a boy (size 8/10, size 2 shoe) and a girl (size 7/8, size 2 shoe)
*we have an out of work mom of a disabled boy looking for boys clothing (size 12/14) and also toilet paper & laundry soap
*we have a little girl whose grandmother is taking care of her and she doesn't have money for clothing (size 10/12 and size 2 1/2 shoes). She is in desperate need of these items, especially shoes

Please keep in mind that we need items to be spring/summer clothing. E-mail us at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com if you can help us with these needs. If you can't, maybe someone you know can! Just pass our website along to your friends. Together, we can continue helping all these families in South Jersey.

Hope you have a lovely weekend and thank you always for supporting One Small Wish!

Desperate Food Need in South Jersey

2010-03-25T13:14:00.001-07:00

Our South Jersey chapter is small and growing, but we still need many donations. We have a small amount of food for a family of 5 (single mom and her 4 children). We need more food donations, especially since we have a little pantry set up and can store items. Please help in giving to this family.

I (Jenn) had the opportunity to work at the Cherry Hill Food Pantry today and it was very eye opening. I really enjoyed helping and meeting the people that have fallen on hard times and need assistance from others. I think it's very brave to ask for assistance, especially with everything that is going on in NJ and our country as a whole. I look forward to working every Thursday at the pantry now because I really think life is about giving back when you have so much.

In addition to the food we need in our South Jersey chapter, we also need clothing for children. We have many requests for bigger kids clothes (girls size 7-14) and boys (size 8-14). If you are doing a little spring cleaning, please give us your items. We would appreciate it and it goes a long way to putting a smile on someone else's face who might not have one right now.

A special thanks to all those that have given to our little chapter. My hope is that we grow and assist the many families all over the South Jersey area that really need us. We received 3 new families yesterday and the need will only continue to grow, so please help us today.

Thanks!
Jenn

This tops 'em all!

2010-03-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

With every day the blessings keep coming our way. I am SO very excited to say that we got a call from Satellite storage , they are donating 2 10 x 10 storage places to One Small Wish!!! They also are giving us their truck for free when we need to move furniture.

This is amazing!!!! The storage issue has become critical, but even more so, we had to put out money evey time we needed to rent a UHaul, so really, this is 2 blessings in 1!

Tomorrow we will be delivering to a few families and picking up a queen size bed and dresser set we did not think we could store. Now it is not an issue.

Truly, God is so good. I am so excited!

Making strides!

2010-03-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Now that we have a fabulous manager, we are getting organized. Robin has taken her job by storm and is fixing our organizational issues, as well as our storage issue. Christie is working on the important stuff, business cards, letterhead, etc. Me? I am busy eating girl scout cookies and staying sane living in my mess of a house. I literally have OSW items everywhere!

Last night we had 5 teens working on sorting stuff while gaining their community service hours. Just a taste of what these poor kids are doing!

Yes, that is my living room. Can you imagine?

Another note: http://www.njshorekids.com/ has reached out to us. They just ended their spring consignment sale and they want to give us the items we need for this weeks families! I have most of the stuff the families asked for, but certain things like an exercauser and 12 month baby boy clothes I was still looking for. Just like that, we have them. What a blessing!! I thank them profusely and will be bugging y'all to go shop with them the next sale they have in the fall!

Sometimes it is as if I can see and feel Gods hands move over our foundation. I am not surpised by it, as I feel He provides, but it does make me emotional and humbled.

Finally, we are growing by leaps and bounds. It is amazing to watch. It feels like watching your baby grow right in front of your eyes. We are so blessed!

Community service hours!

2010-03-21T03:54:00.001-07:00

OSW is proud to now give community service hours to students!
I have already spoken to a counselor at Middletown North and my friend is speaking to the counselor at CBA. If you want your child to give back to the community, please contact me and we will put them to work!
Their time will be spent sorting clothes by gender, season and size. Looking through toys and housewares to make sure they work and they will be cleaning them if necessary. Moving boxes and bags where they need to go (this is physical work, so I will need the OK from the parent). Cleaning up the space the items were in, sweeping, vacuuming. (Don't worry I won't make them do my dishes, unless you want me to, of course!)
They might be making boxes and bags of food and clothing for our recipients.
(Eventually we will have the kids help us with Christmas, we will need tons of help!)
The kids will be supervised at all times and they will be told what this work is about and hopefully they will "get" the fact of how lucky they really are!

So, if you are interested in our "kids outreach" please EM us at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com

I am very excited about this. It was one of my goals to promote awareness to their surroundings and understand how much need is out there!
Blessings!
Seegal

One Small Wish has a new "manager"!

2010-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

As we grow, I find myself putting more time into OSW than I can afford to. I love the work but am too busy sorting and helping the families , and just cannot put the time in to make the calls and doing the things that I keep putting off (for one, visiting churches around here and letting them know who we are and what we do, something I keep meaning to do).

My long time friend, Robin Kysilia, asked me if I needed help last week (HAHA!) so I immediately jumped on it and asked her to check out storage spaces. That led into me asking her today to be our "secretary", or "manager" in my head! (Maybe I should have asked her to be my personal assistant, LOL)
She accepted and I am so very grateful!!

So, welcome aboard Robin, we are SO VERY HAPPY to have you! Central Jersey OSW is quite busy and I know I will keep her busy.
Thank you to all who continue to help us grow!
Blessings!
Seegal

We're official!

2010-03-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

***As of today, we are officially a non profit charity foundation. ***

A HUGE thank you to Michele Farrell, our amazing accountant, for helping me sort it all out! You are the greatest ever!!!

Woohoo!

It always works out...

2010-03-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today was quite the day for Central Jersey. Huge pick ups and a big delivery. Seems every time we need something for a family, it pops up. Amazing how that works...it's that Godwink... ;)
Talking to our friend and #1 volunteer, "C", he commented how anytime you need money it seems to show up. That always happens to us too somehow, I truly believe that God always provides. Now I see it in our foundation all the time. ....When I think I can't possibly fill a need, it "magically" appears.

A special thanks to Carol, for her wonderful furniture that helped a family of 4 today. A huge thanks to AndreAnna, who is moving away from NJ and gave us so much stuff, it nearly filled a UHaul! Also to Brandy and MaryTara, who filled the gaps in that aforementioned UHaul and our truck! To ROBIN, who gave us tons of food (including girl scout cookies, we are going to make some families very happy!)
My living room is filled, as is our trailer and office. I feel bad for Christine and Michele, who are coming tomorrow to help sort and give my husband and I oxygen after this loooooong day!

Huge hugs from Middletown to everyone!! May I say...God is good.

Seegal

It's that "God thing" ;)

2010-03-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

For 2 deliveries this week, I needed 4 things. A toy box, high chair, crib mattress and a baby swing.
Guess what I got today? Toy box, high chair and baby swing (and possible mattress in a few days).
HE always provides.

More later this week...
Seegal

Immediate Needs for 2 Teenage Boys

2010-03-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

In South Jersey, there are 2 teenage boys have been placed with their generous aunt and uncle due to some very unfortunate circumstances with their mom. They were unprepared for these boys and need many things for them.

A note from the Aunt:

For the school supplies, they need book bags, a small pocket dictionary and thesaurus, pens, pencils, erasers, loose leaf paper and dividers for the binders, so for both i am thinking a total of 10 binders (like 1" 1 1/2"), 10 folders, 10 note books. (The 9th grader needs a binder for each class) And if possible maybe a few age appropriate books for book reports(I have a ton of childrens books but nothing for the teenage range)

For the toiletries they need body wash/soap, shampoo, conditioners, deodorant, hair brushes, hair ties(the younger one has longer hair), tooth brushes, tooth paste, lotion, razors, shaving cream.

The boys would like antennas, and converter boxes, they each have a TV, but no cable....this is just something that they would like to have and it is not a needed item.

We really appreciate any help...we were just not ready for an extra 2 people to take care of at this time

They also need L/XL men's size shirts, 34x32 size pants and 8 & 8 1/2 size shoes.
These boys are extra mouths to feed and they do not want to take canned food from the pantries because they have that. They are looking for dinner items and meat.

I will be collecting these items in the next few days and hopefully can make a delivery by Wednesday. Please contact Jenn if you can help out at the One Small Wish e-mail address or on Facebook.

Thanks One Small Wishers!!

Growing by Leaps & Bounds

2010-03-13T05:52:00.001-08:00

Who knew this one act of helping other people would turn into such a big success?! We have continued to grow each week and would like to stay in contact with everyone weekly with a *NEW* e-mail distribution list.

This list will be used primarily to update everyone in their e-mail box about what we have been doing and what we are currently collecting.

If you would like to be included on this list, please send your name & e-mail address to onesmallwishelist@yahoo.com. We are hoping to send our 1st newsletter out next week!

Thanks for following us and helping the families in New Jersey!
Christie, Seegal and Jenn

The mind never stops...

2010-03-13T03:31:00.001-08:00

I wish I could shut off my brain for a few days. After all, My family and I are on vacation. (And ttrust me, the guilt of being here while people are wondering where their next meal is coming from is immense.)

While I watch my children sleep, oblivious to the fact of how lucky they are to be able to GO on vacation, I think of all the ways we at OSW, could help further.

~Last night I gathered up all the little soaps, shampoos, creams and free coffees in the rooms, because of course the first thing I thought was how our families could use them.
~I sent an EM to Christie and Jenn to ask for Easter items on our FB page.
~I did alot of thinking of all those offers to expand OSW into other states (thoughts coming in a week or so on that prospect, we need to iron out more details first)
~Thought about making "managers" for different avenues of volunteering (ie: coupons (Robin offered), holiday needs, advertising, media (Jenn has that covered!), and much more). Christie, Jenn and I work hard but we'll need more help as OSW becomes bigger....
~How to properly match volunteer families up with needy families.
~How to get funding to have a "day out of real life" for our families. Food, fun and a "time out" from worries and stresses.
~How to get that free storage space so I don't have to worry about m house being deemed unfit for human survival. Seriously folks, I am feeling like a hoarder here, LOL
~How to reach out and help more families.
~How to do all this and maintain my sanity, and also not neglect my own chilren.

The brain does not stop...even on vacation... (And all this on no coffee...I need help, LOL!)

Have a blessed day!
Seegal

Pick up of items for Central Jersey

2010-03-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

Good morning!
For everyone I was supposed to pick items up from, I am so sorry I did not get to you this week. As you can imagine my life has been so crazy busy! My apologies for the delay.

I have 2 deliveries today and 3 next week to families who are waiting for donations.
I will attempt to get to all the pick ups next week too. We are going to rent a Uhaul and try to bang it all out in 2 days (anyone have any oxygen for my husband? LOL).

If there is anyone who has pick ups that can bring to me, I would so appreciate it, as to lighten our load (I am in Middletown).

On another note...Jenn is South Jersey had 3 deliveries yesterday. Thank you Jenn! If anyone has food or baby items, please contact her, as she seems to be in need of those items the most!

Have a wonderful day and remember to count your blessings!!!
Hugs to all,
Seegal

We are not home,please leave your message after the beep...

2010-03-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

Both our South and Central Jersey "offices" are blazing! We are always out and about filling needs. If we don't get to your EM's right away, please forgive us, we are trying to do the best we can!!!
Central Jersey has 5 deliveries this week and South Jersey has 2 going on and 2 more this week!

Central Jersey also assisted Reys Of Hope with 2 of their families this week and we have another who needs furniture, which we happen to have.

Things are moving and grooving here in NJ!!

Sunday postings.

2010-03-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Just a few notes on this beautiful Sunday.

*Today, I met with Susan Lasko of Reys Of Hope. A wonderful person inside and out. I was able to give her beds, clothes and food for a family we are helping together. I feel so blessed to be able to work with this wonderful foundation!

*We have been ultra busy this week! Between deliveries to families and deliveries of items to us, I do not know how I have time to go to the bathroom, LOL!

*I am in the middle of transfering all the stuff in the room it is in to a bigger room. We are still looking for a storage space.

*We have hooked up with a realtor who is hooking US up with donations of furniture. Yay!

*I cannot accept any more winter clothing donations (back to that storage issue)...

*Updates on this weeks families to come later or tomorrow.

*Finally...Remember KC...the woman with cancer who we gave a bed to and a whole new wardrobe? She finished her chemo treatment about 6 weeks ago and we were all hoping her PET scan would show she was in remission. Unfortunately, the cancer is back with a vengeance.
I would like to ask that everyone remember her in your prayers. I am so very sad about this. :(

I got the job.

2010-03-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

I want you to all imagine this scenerio...being a self sufficient adult with a good paying job for many years. Then, the unthinkable happens and you lose your (what you thought to be) secure job. You try to get a new one for years, but no luck. You are "overqualified" and too old. Getting turned down wherever you go. Not having enough to eat or get clothes, not even enough to get a pre-owned coat. Sleeping on someones floor because you cannot afford to be out on your own. Surviving on the mercy of others.
Then imagine, one day, getting appropriate clothes so that you can go on interviews properly dressed. The same clothes giving you confidence to sit up straight and look in the interviewers eyes. Not having to hide stains or rips and being able to look smart to fit your personality.

This was Heathers story...A couple months ago I wrote about this woman, Heather. A beautiful human being, inside and out who had fallen on bad times. She lost her job, her apt, her means of survival. She could not afford food, never mind clothing. She was truly freezing and she had no coat... Heather found me and begged me for a coat. Luckily I had a beautiful wool coat in her size and clothing to keep warm...lots of hoodies and sweaters.
She thanked me profusely but was still with no job.
Then, a friend of mine, Gina, gave me some boxes of really nice work clothes in Heathers size. Remembering her, I EM her and asked if she wanted them. She gratefully accepted and I was happy to provide her with nice stuff! She said she had a few job interviews coming up and I wrote her that she WILL get the job, I had a good feeling.

Well, tonight, I opened my mail and found this:

SEEGAL! I GOT THE JOB!

In this EM was written:

Thank you!!!!! I work in ****** full-time now as the assistant to an architect.

AN ARCHITECT!

I couldn't have done it without your help. GOD BLESS YOU SO MUCH.

I just want you to know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

Seeing those words, I cried. I could not help it. I am so happy for Heather, she now has the means to take care of herself and not rely on others. I am also just as happy for myself, as sometimes this work gets overwhelming and I wonder if it is just putting a "band aid" on peoples problems.

However, I will never think that again. We not only fill bellies, keep people warm, give kids toys to play with and give them beds to sleep on. We don't just give hope, but confidence and pride. We change lives.

Truly, my heart is so full of happiness and joy.

Blessings and huge hugs to everyone who has helped in any way at all, I couldn't do it without YOU!

Working together to change lives...

2010-03-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I will be meeting with Susan from Reys Of Hope , as we are working together to help 2 families. The first is a single mom of 7 kids (+ a 4 month old grandson). They are VERY much in need of everything. I referred family "R" to Reys Of Hope last month, but there is still much more that they needed. I found R beds and I have clothes and items for her family. I will be meeting Susan at the home where the beds are located (tahnks Allen!) and I am loading her up with much needed items.
The other family is an expectant couple. They both lost their jobs and are due with a baby girl at the end of next month. Reys Of Hope asked us if we could help them locate items for this family and we did. A crib, bedding, stroller, pack n play, clothes and much more. I will be giving Reys Of Hope whatever we have for them deliver as soon as they can.

I love that we can work side by side, all doing the same work, all having the same mindset.

Thank you, Fr. John and the entire staff of Reys Of Hope, for helping us get started, answering all my questions and most of all, for showing true compassion and love.

It's a Godwink

2010-03-04T03:17:00.000-08:00

I whole heartedly believe in Godwinks (Have not heard of Godwinks? A Godwink is what some people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an experience so astonishing that it could only have come from God. I urge you all to read Squire Rushnell books!!)

I digress.... Our Godwinks of the week (and heaven knows I have had many!) are awesome.
2 days ago my friend told me he had 3 beds to give us. I was wondering how I would store them when I got an EM asking for 3 beds.
Our fellow charity Reys Of Hope was looking for a very needed queen bed, poof, I get a queen bed.
This is not the first time this has happened. Someone offers us a big item, not available easily and the very next day I get an urgent request for that item. I love when that happens!!!

The biggest Godwink, the greatest prayer answered...I have been waiting to file for our 501(c), due to fees, but planned on starting the process today in spite of the fact I cannot afford it. Last night, an AMAZING follower of One Small Wish donated $100. Enough to file our fees.
This is no coincidence. It is a blessing. A well timed sent from God blessing. Our Godwink.

Thank you Anne and thank you God, for sending our answer. Thank you followers of One Small Wish for being YOU, the most generous wonderful supporters!!!!!

(And seriously, read those Squire Rushnell books, they will uplift you in themost wonderful way! :) )

"You can't save the world"

2010-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

When I first started donating (after the Christmas mayhem) I heard many times "What are you doing? Why are you doing this? It is too much trouble and life is busy enough. You can't save the world, you know".
Well, obviously I can't save everyone in the world, but I always think those whoe doubt, should tell the 10 families + that we helped/are helping this week alone (we don't post every situation) that we can't save the world, so we should not bother.

Today, again, someone told me I could not save the world. I told him that through our foundation, we have dozens, helping out in any way we can. Together, we have helped MANY people eat, have warm clothing, be able to lie in beds at night, and put smiles on dozens and dozens of faces. We had a hand in putting smiles back on childrens faces, taking worry away from their parents. Given HOPE.

I want to thank everyone yet again for helping us achieve this amazing feat. One Small Wish is growing in popularity by the day. I am proud to be part of such a giving community.

We may not be able to save the WHOLE world, but we are making a HUGE difference.. ..It is slow but it is happening.

God bless.

A THUMBS UP for PANERA BREAD

2010-03-01T11:12:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post this publicly, as all good deeds should go noticed!

The Panera Bread in Voorhees and Middletown are now One Small Wish donaters. As a matter of fact, when I spoke with the manager, she informed me that it is Panera Bread's policy to donate at the end of the night. The policy is called "Operation Dough-Nation".

While this may seem logical and a no brainer, some companies (like Quick Check and Dunkin Donuts) have opposite policies.

So, a thumbs up to the bigger corporations who care (and of course the smaller family stores like our own NY Bagel and Cafe).

Thanks Panera!

A few more wishes for SJ

2010-02-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

It's only been a few days and the new SJ chapter of One Small Wish is really busy! A blessing is the only way to describe what's been going on down here. Needs are pouring in, so please look over the list and let Jenn know if you have items to donate for families in our part of the state.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity!

**family whose parents are both out of work are in need of baby items for a baby girl due this month
**clothing for a group of 3 kids whose dad got them in an emergency custody situation with just one suitcase between them...clothes needed in size 10-12 boy, size 12-14 girl and size 14-16 girl.
**clothing need for a young mom with very limited funds...clothes needed in size 3T girls

We are making another food delivery in the morning to a mom and her 3 kids. Luckily, we have items in our make-shift pantry to give them, so thank you to those that donated the past few days.

1st Delivery for South Jersey!

2010-02-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hi! It's Jenn...the newest member of One Small Wish! I would like to thank Seegal & Christie for allowing me to branch out One Small Wish to the South Jersey area.

I had the opportunity to help out a family with a large donation of food today. This mother lost her job and her husband injured his back so he is unable to work. They have a small, bright and very talkative 3 1/2 year old son. They live off their unemployment check and it is coming a few days late this month and the mom was worried about feeding her son.

My South Jersey friends were out in full force and find this out. We were able to deliver 8 bags full of fresh fruit, milk, eggs, cheese, frozen meats, breads, soups, cereal, mac & cheese, pasta and a variety of other items so that this family could eat. I had assistance with my friend, Pam, in bringing all the bags to this family..so thanks Pam!

The mother was very kind and gracious, especially after we helped put her cold items in a very empty fridge. We enjoyed this trip of giving and look forward to many more opportunities!

Added by Seegal: Thank you Jenn so much for helping this family.
I just got this EM from this woman:

"Thank you again so much. Deffinately relieved. I wish I could describe to you this feeling I'm having of the worry lifted, but I just don't know how.....Thank you from all of us from the bottom of our hearts. "

Lifting worry off of a family, making wishes (and prayers) come true, helping, even in a small way. That is what we are about.

God bless!

Our OSW family is growing!

2010-02-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

Christie and I were approached with a very interesting proposition and we happily accepted!

I had asked Christie's friend Jenn Bojer, to bring food to a family who lives in her town. Due to the addictive nature of "paying it forward", Jenn wanted to do more! Jenn, who lives in Cherry Hill, asked if we would consider expanding One Small Wish to her area. Kind of like another "chapter". We thought it was a great idea and are now smoothing out the details. We are just happy to have another "base" where we cannot "work".

So, I am happy to announce, the addition of another "One Small Wisher", Jenn Bojer. I know you'll be AWESOME!

On another note, I am happy to say we have quite a few people who want to deliver for us. It is really nice to be able to share this with others!
I am in the middle of sorting out the winter and the spring/summer clothes so that we can store them at Christie's dads house. Storage continues to be one of our major issues.
If I have not answered an EM please forgive me, I am up to my neck in kids and clothes LOL!!

Through rain, or snow, or sleet, or hail....

2010-02-25T11:18:00.001-08:00

Oh wait, that's the postman. Well, that is One Small Wish's motto too, apparently, LOL!

I have to admit I was a bit nervous this morning when the rain was turned into snow. We rented a U-Haul trailer so that the furniture would not get wet, but how were we to travel over an hour in the bad weather? I said a little prayer and so did our angel volunteer, who himself rented a U-Haul to protect the beds and dresser he collected for this family.

And off we went...we did get stuck in a snow bank and poor Rich had to dig us out but after that it was smooth sailing. The other van (and UHaul) was in back of us and we took it easy getting there.

The delivery itself went well. I did what all women do...talk and direct, while the men unloaded the truck (Sorry, guys, LOL!) As my friend Angela said, S and her family had nothing except what was brought to them by Angela's family. We gave them a twin size bed, 2 queens, loveseat, couch, tons of food, kitchen stuff, clothes, toys, bathroom stuff. Everything they need to live comfortably. S's mom lives with them and she did not want the bed, she said she was fine on the floor, but we would not take no as an answer. They truly did not want anything extra. They did not care that the mattress got dirty in the UHaul or how old anything was. I got lots of hugs and gratitude. The thing that got me the most was that the boys got very excited about the toothbrushes we brought....

I also found out more about S's story. Her, her mother and her 2 boys were living with her husband. He was abusing S, but then started keeping food from the boys. He also started locking the boys up with chains in one room. On top of that he is also a drunk. His sister helped her plan an escape. One day when he was out, they got into 2 cars and they drove to where the sister lives (4 hours away). She found them a cute apartment, but unfortunately, they left with only a few bags and the dog. They got there last week and are still settling in. I gave her some info on how to get food. Also, S has MS, so she cannot work. Both boys have autism. She truly is a testament to strong will and bravery!!!

Here are a few pictures :)

This is all we saw on the way there....

The 2 trucks with U Hauls, the other truck has been whited out for anonymity.

Going home :)

It surely is a small world...

2010-02-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

Today a delivery was made to a sick single mom who needed clothing for her little girl. One of our facebook fans, Alison, was gracious enough to offer to take the bags down to Toms River for us. (Thank you so much Alison!) I spoke to the woman a few times on the phone and when she heard I had lots of kids, she said "Hey wait, don't I know you?" It turns out that last summer she had a yard sale and I bought tons of clothing from her to send to Guatemala. She was going to give it to me for free but I did not feel right taking it, so I paid her.
How funny is that? You just never know who you might meet...
And as luck may have it, she has lots of toys that were donated to her that she wants to give One Small Wish for our foundation. Isn't that awesome?

We are just about ready for our trip tomorrow. Rich just went to rent a UHaul and pick up some of the big items. This way we have an enclosed trailer and don't have to worry about the snow. Seriously, what other husband would do this? He is the BEST.
I have been packing stuff all day and Christie is still out picking up a few last minute item, she has been going around collecting stuff today too.
We are all busy beavers!
PLEASE pray for us tomorrow as we make the long trip in the bad weather. I just can't wait to get all the goods to S and her boys! :)

Delivery #1 DONE!

2010-02-22T17:58:00.001-08:00

First I want to thank Angela and her family for driving from PA, 2 hours each way to deliver a table, chairs and many many more items to S and her sons. This was HUGE and I am so very happy she made the trek! They are my angel deliverers!!

I just had a wonderful talk with Angela and she confirmed that S has NOTHING. No furniture, no toys, no clothing, food, kitchen items, nothing. The house was bare. Thanks to Angela, S has a good start with some much needed essentials!
I can barely contain my excitement to go on Thursday and deliver the rest of the goods. We will be completely furnishing S's apt, right down to the tablecloth! Beds, couches, clothes, DVD players & DVD's, toys, books, bathroom set, towels, sheets, blankets and TONS of niceties!! It will be as if they lived there forever :)

S would not tell me what size she was. She insisted she only wanted things for her boys. Angela gave her a coat and she was very happy. I am going to get clothes together for her anyway, she deserves things for herself! Angela assessed her at about a size M about size 5 to size 8.

She also needs food and toiletries. If anyone has stuff, then please contact Christie or I, or EM us at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com .

To everyone that already donated, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We'll take anything we get to her. I love knowing that we are all working as a team to change the world one family at a time!!!!

One delivery tomorrow...

2010-02-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

One of my friends, Angela, is heading over to "S" tomorrow. Her husband and children are accompanying her on a very long trip to deliver the first "shipment" of much needed items (They are coming from PA!). They will be bringing over a TV, a table and 6 chairs, pots & pans, crock pot, vacuum cleaner, cleaning supplies, food and more.
I am very excited that tomorrow night S and her boys will have somewhere to SIT and eat, other than the floor!
Angela, I am so glad our paths have crossed! (We are both adoptive mamas to our angels from Guatemala. )

On Wednesday I plan on collecting the rest of the items from my own house and others homes , so we will be ready to roll on Thursday morning to deliver the 2nd "shipment".
I cannot wait to meet S and cheer her on. She is very brave to stop the cycle of abuse.
Please keep her in your prayers. Let her stay strong and have a wonderful "new" life with her precious sons!
AMEN :)

This is a big one!

2010-02-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

This is one family I want to get everything for! Mom got tired of being physically abused by husband, (black & blues and broken bones were not enough, he tried to kill her with his bare hands), so while he was out, she grabbed whatever she could fit in her car, took her 2 sons and ran. Her family has helped her get an apt, but it is bare down to the bones, as they have no money themselves. They managed to scrape up some kitchen stuff so mom and boys could cook and eat, but they sit and sleep on the floor. No beds, chairs, tv's, nothing.
Her sons are 3 and 5 (sizes 3T/4T and 5). They need everything, including toys.
We already have 2 beds for her and a sofabed. I would SO like to bring her a kitchen table and chairs. Also, a TV (old is fine), a DVD player would be even better!
She also needs towels and blankets (I have some, but can use another set of twin sheets and one more boy blanket).
Basically anything we can give her would be so appreciated.
She fought for her life and her boys lives, she stopped the cycle of abuse! I would love to give her a good start and show her there are people out there who care :)

It is about an hour and a half drive for me, so I will be packing my car as full as I can and heading to her, hopefully next Thursday (PLEASE snow, don't come again!!!)

She did not ask for anything for herself at all. She said she is fine, if anyone has anything she might like, it is not necessary but it would be great :)
If you have anything, please EM me!!

Homeless man needs clothes

2010-02-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

2XL. Warm clothes would be great, but we will accept anything. Also, toiletries are needed for him. He has nothing and lives in a tent.
Thank you and God bless!

Sunshine in gray clouds

2010-02-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

Today I had the opportunity to do something truly wonderful and uplifting. Myself, my husband and a volunteer driver, (who prefers to stay anonymous) delivered 3 beds, bagels and tons of clothes to deserving people. One of those people is a woman named KC. KC is 6 ft tall and a large person. KC also has Non Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 3. She went through chemo, but only 2 months after she finished the protocol, the masses are back.
KC was taken in by friends, so thankfully she is not homeless, however, the only clothes she owns are rags (literally old stained ripped rags) and she sleeps on the floor. She had a futon but it broke under her weight so she made the best of it and thanked God that she had somewhere to stay.
Thanks to my friend Phyllis, we were able to give KC 5 big garbage bags full of beautiful clothes. Pajama sets, robe, coats, jogging sets, sweaters, jeans, you name it, it was in there. KC could not contain her excitement, like a child with a bag of new toys, she opened the bags and kept pulling out stuff, putting them near her body and saying "OMG! I have a sweater!" "OMG I have a coat!" "OMG I have a robe!!", on and on it went. (She hung the robe up over her door and kept touching it). She hugged her flannel sheets and would not let them go. I tried to mask my tears, I could not be more happy for her! She showed me around the apartment and was proud of her little room. Her roommate exclaimed that they were throwing all her clothes out immediately. I wish I could have been a part of that parting, LOL. Then the bed arrived and my husband carried it upstairs. When she saw it she jumped up and down (all 6 feet of her!) and clapped "I have a bed! I have a bed!"
If that doesn't warm your heart, she called me later and said " You brought sunshine to my gray skies".

I wish I had better words to describe the feeling. The smile has not left my face all day. For my birthday I think I am going to make deliveries all day, now *that* would be a gift!!

SO excited!

2010-02-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

After weeks of postponment due to illnesses and snow, we are planning on delivering a bed, sheets, clothing and bagels to KC, the woman with cancer. I just spoke to her, she is such a sweetheart and oh so grateful. She has stage 3 Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. She has a PET scan soon as she has another lump in her groin and under her arm :( It has only been 2 months since her last chemo. Having had Hodgkins, I can feel the terror she is going through.

I cannot wait to go tomorrow. My friend Phyllis has bags of 3x clothing for her and I bought her some outfits too so she will sleep well and have nice stuff to wear!! So happy!

I love doing this work! God is surely guiding me. :

Single mom truly in need

2010-02-15T18:51:00.001-08:00

There is a single mom I have been helping in Millville. She lives far from me so I paypal her money and send her grocery gift cards. However, she has one child, left the father as he was abusing them and she just found out she was expecting again. :( She plans on letting someone adopt her child but she is desperate need of $150 to get current on her rent. If anyone wants to donate money to her, I will send you her paypal address. Every $1 helps.

Please EM me at onesmallwish2010@gmail.com.
Thank you and God bless!

Thinking ahead...

2010-02-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

As I am starting to put away winter clothes, I am putting the Christmas dresses/nice outfits seperately. I know we'll be swamped next Christmas for toys and clothing, but I would love to give everyone with young kids a pretty dress or nice outfit for their kids to wear.
So, when you are putting away your winter clothes, if you see something festive your child won't fit into anymore, please send it our way so we have something for every child!

We are taking in spring and summer. Please let us know if you have anything.

For the expectant couple due in April, we have a crib, bedding, stroller, bottles, pacifier, some toys, clip on high chair and some clothes. We need lots more clothes, a swing and pack n play. If you have anything, please LMK!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Homeless Outreach Ministries

2010-02-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today I met a man named Harold. Alongside his wife, Joan, Harold ministers to the homeless community in Lakewood NJ. If you want to read about the colony, click on the following link: http://nymag.com/news/features/63047/, it will take you to the story of how it came to be and how it is all run. I have seen many poor people in the last 2 months, but homeless? If you sit and think about it for more than 5 seconds, you get this panicky feeling....it can happen to ANYONE! Heaven knows, my own family could have easily been there after our health crisis. Scary. Sad. Devastating. RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACKYARD.
I met Harold today to give him a stuffed hugs bag of coats for men. Thankfully, no children live in the colony, and the women have services to get them what they need. But the men are, well...out in the cold.
Thank God for people like Harold and Joan. And for people like you guys who donate items so we can help each other.
After all, that is what life is all about.
God bless.

2010-02-05T13:08:00.001-08:00

The wonderful people over at http://reysofhope.blogspot.com/2010/02/please-read-baby-clothes-needed.html have asked us to help them with a family that needs baby girl stuff desperately. The mom is due at the end of April. Both parents are out of work and all they have are crib sheets. I have already located a crib for them, and i have a crib set, but if anyone has anything else we can use it. I have some baby girl clothing, but will need more.

Coincidentally, we also have a family expecting their second baby girl. They both got laid off n December and are expecting in June. I have already given them food and clothes for their 14 month old, but could use girl summer clothes.

Please EM us if you have anything to donate!
God bless and have a great weekend!

Fire at homeless colony

2010-02-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

One of the "projects" we are working on is getting into the homeless colony to give out food, coats and supplies. It is quite hard to get in there, I called the Minister who helps and also an outreach program called STEPS. No one calls me back apparently they prefer cash donations.
One of the women we have helped goes to school with a man who lives in one of the tents. (The state is paying for him to go to school, thankfully). I have been slowly getting info about what they need.
This man is willing to meet with me and take me into the colony...I was told that just this week his tent caught fire and he lost some of his blankets and clothes.
The friend I have is trying to help him through her church, but I will be taking donations of XL clothes to him. Any blankets would be great too. Unfortunately I am out of those as I donated everything I presonally have and all donations to Haiti.
If you have any blankets, please let us know! I will also put a list up of anything else I find out they need.
Thank you!

Slightly different direction

2010-02-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

We have alot going on here at OSW.

We have been alerted to a few people who are in need of beds, clothes and food. One of those people is a woman named KC (I have been given permission to use her name), KC has cancer and is living with a friend. If not for this friend, KC would be homeless. Unfortunately, KC has no bed and has been sleeping on the floor. This has gotten me mighty upset, not just because it is unacceptable but because, as most of you know, I battled cancer myself. I cannot imagine not having a bed to curl up into when sick from cancer and the side effects of chemo. KC is 6 ft and a big woman. She barely has any clothes as she cannot afford to buy any (3x is very expensive) so she wears bed clothes most of the time. We have located a very good bed, I have bought new sheets and I know someone has a comforter for her. I will be buying some clothes and making some food. We will take care of KC in this time of need, so, if anyone has any clothes in 3x or has anything you want to give her, please EM us!

We have some other families we are working on, but Christie and I have been discussing where we want OSW to go. Mostly any family we hear of is helped in some way. However, we would like to focus more on families closer in proximity to us, that have either lost their job due to crappy economy, medical issues or military families in need. We won't turn away any family in need that comes to us, but we won't seek any more out. (Hope that makes sense! My mind has gone to mush since being home with the tummy creepy cruds that is slowly making my way through my house!!)
We are still hoping to hear back from churches we have reached out to. If we can't connect with one soon, we might be seeking out non profit status on our own.

Christie and I will continue to learn and change in order to help more families in our community. We appreciate you all tremendously for all your donations and kind words!
God bless!

Talking about ....food

2010-01-29T17:38:00.000-08:00

I have a informative long post to write, but need to get some details worked out first, so I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about the depressing lack of food families in our community are facing.

We love giving out clothes and toys (and bigger things such as beds!!), we are helping so many families keep warm and have the things we take for granted.
Regretably, I have found that the thing most needed is the bare neccesity of life. I am so appreciative to NY bagel and Cafe for the amazing bagels they give us. What a generous gift and something so needed. We also have some canned foods we have gotten for our families in need. Both Christie and I buy extra food for our "pantry" as often as we can. I pick up gift cards constantly, in case we have a family that needs it and I can't drive there right away (they are easy to mail). They are also easier to store than alot of food. More and more I hear of food pantries not being able to help or having to severely ration out, giving out very little, barely enough for 2 days for a family of 4. Food stamps don't go far and there is not much help out there anymore. It breaks my heart to see children go without food. :(
My plea this day:
If you can get an extra can or two of anything, that would help us so much. A GC for $10, or even $5. Sugar, pasta, rice...anything at all! No amount is too small. we will accept anything at all and make sure it gets passed out to the neediest of families.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and the bottom of their stomachs.
God Bless.

And the show must go on....

2010-01-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

Last night while thinking about the many things I had to do today, I started feeling ill. Not 10 minutes later, a stomach flu hit me like a tsunami. After 1/2 hour of denial, I finally admitted that all plans for today must be changed. I was quite upset...how was I going to get the tons and tons of bags to Edison for the Haiti relief? What about a drop off in Woodbridge of food for a hungry family? The twin bed that was supposed to be picked up? The 5 pick ups by families of kids clothes?
After hours of nastiness (I will skip the TMI details to spare you all), I started into "get it done mode". Planning it all out in my head, my plan went into action first thing in the AM. Christie took care of the bed pick up (more on that later), a wonderful volunteer, Jennifer, did the Woodbridge drop off of food, my husband took care of all the rest of the pick ups. That Haiti drop off was postponed for Monday. I may be down but we are not out! The pick ups went great. Jennifer was able to successfully bring much needed to food to a hungry family and I even spoke to another one of our volunteer drivers to arrange for bed drop offs for next week (more on that in the next post)!!
The bed pick up...odd is the best way to describe it. The woman drove 2 hours to pick up a twin size bed for her grandson. On the phone she surely sounded desperate and grateful. He was sleeping on a pull out kids chair. She arrived here and took bags of clothes and sheets for the boy, a dollhouse and vanity for her 2 yr old granddaughter. She was sweet and very appreciative. Then Christie drove her to where the bed was and she quickly declined. After all I have seen I was shocked when Christie told me. I tell everyone nothing is new, and it is all donated by generous people. Not sure why this happened, but I feel bad that Christie's first experience with meeting one of the recipients was not what I have experienced till now. Hoping her next will be better!
Anyway, the day was a successful one, even though it was re routed, thanks to people who have big hearts and want to help. That is what we are all about, working as a team for our community!

My next post will be wabout what we are doing next week, stay tuned, it's a biggie!

My day exploded!

2010-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

When I awoke this morning I thought I would have a pretty boring day as far as OSW goes. I had planned on using the next few days to organize, today being the pivotal beginning. At 9AM I was on track and ready to kick some organizational ass! I even had my 3 yr old help by putting things here and moving things there. Little by little I was seeing some improvement, and by about 1PM I actually saw my floor! The cleaner it got, the more I was motivated.
When I took a lunch break I found some requests from families in my inbox who were willing to pick up at my home. I was busy getting their bags ready for them when I got the call that the woman who needed the bed was not able to come. That is when things started to rock and roll. I now had to get the bed out of the house it was in ASAP to Asbury Park. A wonderful volunteer piped up that they were able to take the bed to Asbury. My friend who had the bed gave me a time to come and I started preparing bags of clothes that the family asked me for. While on the phone back and forth (this all came about very quickly), the brother (who is mentally slow) happened to answer their phone and told me how he loved the bagels I brought last time. When I spoke to M, she said that yes, they all loved them and they were out of food, all the food pantries were empty and they were out of food stamps (If I had a dollar for each time I have heard that this week I would be quite rich ::shaking head in sadness::) I literally dropped everything and ran to NY Bagel (I had 10 min to closing!) and grabbed a bag of their bagels. John, the owner, God bless him, also gave me a bag full of milk, butter and strawberry milk. To stress how fast this all happened, I left the house with no make up on, my hair a disaster and remember I was cleaning so I had a dirty t shirt on with no bra (and if you knew me you would understand how dangerous that is!!!!) After grabbing the goodies, I sped home, grabbed the bags and threw some more food into another bag, leaving for my friends. This whole scenerio was quite funny looking back as it was happening very quickly with so many people involved. It is amazing it all came together so well!!
I got to my friend Kathys home (the one who supplied the bed), the volunteer was there to pick the bed up and I arrived, the mess that I was, ready to put it all together. All the while, very grey skies threatening to soak us all and more importantly, the mattresses!
In the end, all went well. The bed got to its new owner, along with the bags of clothes and food.
I was able to come home and meet 3 families who came and picked up their own clothes.
SUCCESS!

A full day of giving, and so many to thank for it. It truly was teamwork at its best.
As for my room...it is slightly better. I now have a path to walk and it is somewhat organized. Loong way to go, but it is getting there. I already have more families who are going to pick up this week.
Who would have thought this boring day would be so much fun!
Off to bed to recharge for tomorrow!

Just a quick one..

2010-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

Wanted to keep everyone updated. The meeting that was supposed to happen yesterday with a family of 5 (dad and 4 kids) had been postponed to today and now it is tomorrow. The grandmother who arranged it all, is sick and she really wants to come. They are getting a twin size bed for the boy and lots of clothes for all the children. I am especially excited about this one as my friend Kathy has the bed and she will be meeting the family. It is the first time someone other than myself will be there to witness the wonderful feeling!

This week will be a lighter one, I do have some families, but will only be working out of my home. I cannot deliver this week, and I really have to get the room in order. Right now I have boxes, bags and bins *everywhere* and cannot find any thing to give out.

I want to end with this..an EM I got from one of the families we helped...

"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for the items you brought to me yesterday and also the baby items for my friend were all great. Her baby slept in the bassinet last night and has warm clothes to wear. God will surely bless you, your family and your friends. Nobody has ever gone out of their way to help me like you have and myself and husband surely had a wonderful night sleep for the first time in months. Soon I hope to have no more back pain from sleeping on the floor. I finally have clothes that fit and food to eat this week. Thank you so much. God bless you Seegal!!!!!!!!!!"

You can't top that. (insert big smile!!)

I could fill a jar...

2010-01-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

From all the tears we have collected. Tears of despair always turn into tears of gratitude.

A few days ago a woman came to my home to collect clothes for her daughter. She lost her job about a year ago due to health conditions and they cannot live on her husbands salary. They are losing their home and moving back in with her father (at the age of 40). They had no money to clothe their 7 yr old, what a terrible feeling to not be able to provide for your child. No sooner she walked into my home and saw the bag of clothes, she sat down and started bawling. She told me her story and said that she did not think anyone cared anymore. Saying over and over again "you have no idea...just no idea what this means to us..." Of course she walked away with tons of hugs and tons of fresh bagels :) At that point I think I would have given her the shirt off my back if it made her stop crying. Being the sap I am she had me crying along with her LOL (what a site to see!)
Yesterday, Rich and I made a delivery to 2 families in Asbury Park. 1 disabled couple who had no bed in their home. They were evicted from their first apt and they barely have anything in their tiny apt. They were so grateful, the husband (who has CP) could not stop hugging us and thanking Rich. No one should have to sleep on the floor! They received a full size futon, sheets, blankets, towels, tons of clothes for themselves and her mentally disabled brother who lives with them. (And of course lots of bagels and canned food).
Another family needed a bed for their 1 month old. They now have a wonderful bassinet and lots of clothes and essentials for a baby. She no longer has to sleep between them on the bed.
Sometimes I wish I could take pictures of the recipients faces to show you all. It warms the heart when you can fulfill their needs (or wishes ;) ), it is quite the experience.
No words can describe it properly!
God bless all of you for the prayers and the donations. We truly are changing the world, one family at a time!!

Recharged

2010-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

I said in my last post that I thought I would have a slow week, and was looking forward to a bit of down time to regroup and organize.
Today again, I was thinking that I may put off some deliveries I had this week. Then I got a call from one of the women I was planning on meeting. She was so wonderful and so grateful, Her grandson was finally getting a bed that he needed and some clothes for him and his sisters. She said she thought I was fake as she was shocked there were still people who cared. I am actually excited to meet her and so happy we can help! I happily told her of all my friends who donated and how I started this work. When I got off the phone I was uplifted and recharged. Then I logged on and found an EM from someone I am supposed to meet on Thursday. She is pregnant, has asthma and is sleeping on someones floor, as she has no home. She was trying to find a bed so she could at least sleep on something. Just about 2 hours ago, my sons friend told him to tell him that her mother has also has a twin size bed she wants to donate!! Anyone who knows me, knows I don't believe in coincidences. God has intervened once again and I am excited to bring her a bed to sleep on, along with the clothes and food I have for her. She has a friend who has a month old baby girl and needs baby stuff. My friend Alison dropped off tons of baby girl stuff 2 days ago! A perfect match!!
I have been reminded why I am doing this.
God is so good!

A slow week? Haha!

2010-01-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Last night I was thinking that I might have a slow week this week so I can take some time to organize all the boxes of "stuff". I made a list of the families I have and found it won't be all that slow after all..LOL! To see the families, please look at the sidebar of families we are helping this week :)

If anyone has or can get $10 gift cards to any grocery stores, they are wonderful. I realize $10 does not seem like all that much to us, but to a family struggling, it means milk, bread, eggs and 2 boxes of pasta. It is a Godsend! So, if you have any GC laying around with a few dollars on them or want to buy a $10 GC, we will hand them out!

Yesterday we made a big delivery to a family who are losing their home due to foreclosure. It was quite the experience. The house was full of kids, big and small. They got lots of baby boy clothes, pack n play, swing, bouncer and a full bag of bagels donated by my favorite bagel store NY Bagel . I still have a crib and crib bedding to get to them when I have an empty van. This family could use our prayers!

Lets keep our prayers (and donations) going to the people of Haiti. This is one time I wish I were terribly wealthy so I could rent my own plane to help. Sigh.

As usual, if you want to help by donations or time, please EM us, onesmallwish2010@gmail.com.
God bless and have a great week!

Whoa... BUSY!

2010-01-16T05:24:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to start a new week with new needs! Tomorrow we will be delivering many baby items to a family in Edison. They are facing foreclosure and have a baby in the hospital. He should be coming home this week and thanks to many donations will come home to a crib, swing, bouncer, pack n play and lots of clothes. Someone who shall remain nameless (Lori R. oops, did I say her name?) handed me money to put in my gas tank, but I decided that it would serve better in diapers and wipes for this precious little boy. Lori- you are THE BEST.

We have a DIRE need for XL and XXL in mens and womens clothing for this coming week.

This is where I need a volunteer: I need someone to travel with me to Asbury Park. There are quite a few people who need items and I do not want to go there alone. No kids please, I do not know these people personally yet, and would feel more comfortable if no kids were with us.

I will update "items we need for this week" in the next couple of days.

Another exciting update: http://www.new2youkids.com/index.html has agreed to donate some of their leftover items from their bi yearly consignment sale to our organization. If you h ave not been to their sale, you HAVE to check it out!! Thank you Katryce!!

In closing, a quote from someone we gave winter clothes to:
"Thank you so much for helping me through this winter. I now have a shot at staying warm while I survive."
Priceless.

Just the beginning

2010-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to pick up bagels and bread from NY Bagel and wrapped them all, getting ready for today. They gave us (ready for this?) 48 bagels, bread and muffins. I was so excited to hand these out! Wow!

I added the bag to our "pantry" of food, look at all this stuff (you can't even see some of it!)! So many of us (including Christie and I) went to ShopRite and took advantage of their Can Can sale. I bought 2 full carts of food, half of it to donate. I love me the Can Can sale!!

Today was the big day, I met a few families near me.The look on their faces was enough to make me melt. You could see and feel the gratitude. I wonder if they understand how lucky *I* feel to be able to help them!

I am finding the same stories over and over...disability is barely enough to cover rent, lost jobs for one or both partners, cost of living is too high, credit card debts have overtaken their lives (and incomes).

Then there is Heather. Heather has been struggling for almost 3 years. She had a great job, which she lost and has been doing odd jobs since then, hoping for full time work. She needs a warm coat and maybe some warm clothes. She is sharing a room with someone and has resorted to begging for whatever she can get. I am going to use quotes from her EM.

"I need a large coat. I'm a woman but a man's coat is fine. All I have is a thin jacket and I can't afford a coat. Not even one at a thrift store. It's getting colder. Please help." "I hate to beg like this... but it's the truth. I am desperate."

"Thank you so much for helping me... you have no idea how something as simple as a coat can actually change a life... now I won't get sick or - who knows - even die - because of this winter. I thank you SO MUCH, you have no idea how much you have helped me today."

Her words tore at my heart. I wish I could give her a whole wardrobe right along with a coat. She is dying to work full time, she would give anything to be able to afford to eat full meals again.

From the donations we got, I was able to give her a coat and sweaters (Vicki D., she has the beautiful blue wool coat you gave :) ) Heather could not afford to come to me (she has no car so she needs to take public transportation), and I could not travel so far so I sent her the box of clothes.

Today, we changed lives. That is HUGE. Read her words and see what you all helped accomplish.

God bless all of you. Prayers for the people of Haiti and their families.

Wednesday food outreach

2010-01-12T05:05:00.001-08:00

I am making Wednesday mornings the day for families to pick up food. It will probably be the same families every week, and I am sure we will pick many up as the time passes. Right now I have 3, maybe a fourth. I believe I will be meeting families somewhere public, not too far from me. My friend Robin suggested going to a public storage, they might be able to give us a space for less money and write it off for taxes. Hoping a church comes through for us, so we can use a room there. For now, it will be in a parking lot :)

So, if you have any non perishable foods, please contact me or just bring them to my house!

Also, I have a family who REALLY needs baby boy infant items. They need everything. I am going to see this family this weekend, so if you have anything, please bring them over! (Clothes, lotions, diapers, wipes, anything!)

God bless!

Winds of Change

2010-01-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Lots of changes happening around here...

As you can all see, our blog has gotten a makeover, done by my very good, long time friend, Lissa. Not only is she a great friend, but amazing blog and childrens book writer, mother to 6 beautiful kids (that she homeschools!) and all around terrific person. Thank you Lissa!

Keep checking the blog, things are being added daily!

Christie is currently working hard in getting us to non profit status. There are several options for us, so she is busy thinking it through and making the proper calls. Once it is done, we will be able to hand out receipts for donations in case those who have and will donate want them for tax deductions :)

We have been tossing ideas around. The first one is having volunteers help hand out to families. Right now we are OK with just myself doing it, but as we grow, it is apparent we will need help and I would love others to meet some of these grateful families. It is so rewarding and eye opening.

I am also going to get kids involved. This week I will be recruiting my 15 yr old and his friends to help make sense of all the boxes and bins in my office. I need them sorted out better!
When we get bigger, I will be making a meeting point for ourselves and families and handing out much needed food. I am hoping to get older kids to help out with this too.

Another thing that is rolling around in my head is thinking ahead to Christmas. Yes, I am planning even now (seeing as how crazy it was last Christmas!)...Since that is the busiest, neediest time of the year, I am hoping to start working on the season late summer, trying to match families who want to donate to families who need. A sort of "adopt a family" program.
We used to do this for many years, but stopped when the kids were asking for such things as X-Boxes & expensive sneakers....

This week will be a big one for babies. We have 2 families in desperate need of baby boy items. Anything from cribs to pacifiers and EVERYTHING in between. I also have a man I am collecting for. More families and details to come.

God bless!

A good FOOD day

2010-01-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

OK, really excited....My friends Vicki & Brian, brought over a whole bunch of pasta and jars of sauce for us to give out. Vicki also brought over 2 large sized womens coats! I am so excited to deliver them tomorrow!!!
Also, I would like to let everyone know about a fantabulous new bagel/deli store around here! It is called NY Bagel http://www.nybagelcafe.com/502/. They are on Rte 35 in Middletown, NJ. Not only are the owners absolute SWEETHEARTS but their food (especially bagels and bread) are to die for.
New York Bagel has offered to donate food to our families in need! Today they gave me 2 bags full of goodies.
I feel so very lucky to know these generous people!! So many more families will have food thanks to this wonderful store and wonderful local friends.
Please check them out, their food is delicious!

So you guys know the best part of this all? Well, OK, obviously the best part is giving these families warm clothes, some food and some hope. Seeing the happy tears and the smiles.
But the next best thing...having so many people want to help. Everyone wants to do *something*, give in *some* way. It is just so....amazing. People coming together to help others. I am so blessed to be able to organize all this. I truly feel LUCKY. :)

Stories from the "field"

2010-01-09T03:58:00.001-08:00

From: Seegal
My partner Christie is more of a "behind the scenes" girl. She orchestrates alot of the donations and is now trying to raise money for our organization. She is looking for a room to rent so that we can have a scrapbooking crop one day. She might have found something, but if anyone around us knows of a room to rent for very cheap (or better yet, free), please EM us!

I thought I would take some time describing some families I have met so you guys have a better idea of what is going on out there, and those who you have helped so far.
The first family was a mom who is raising her son by herself. Certain circumstances left them homeless. Thank God a friend took her in, but she is living in a horrible (tiny) house, on an air mattress in the tiny living room with her son. The person she is living with is also poor and they buy stale food to get by. Social Services told her they could not help her during Christmas. The need is too great this year. She had NOTHING for her son, all she asked for is a card for him. She tried to call every type of service there is, no one could help.
She is currently looking for a studio apt for them but she is extremely limited on money and can't find anything. Very soon she will truly be homeless.
M sends me a thank you card every week since I have seen her.

The next family, as we all know from my first entry was a 19 yr old mom of 6. She took in her 3 siblings when her mom died. They live in true poverty. Conditions that you see in third world countries. I can go on and on,nbut I spoke of them alot, so I will go to the next family.

S, a disabled vet, his wife, 2 kids and his grandson. Lives on $1100 a month and $138 food stamps. His rent is $900, so they are facing losing their tiny accomodations. S cried when I gave him gifts for Christmas for his famiily. I also was able to give him a ham and a box of canned food. He has told me since that that is the only way they were able to eat this last month.

Another sinlge mom with 2 kids could not afford to give her kids anything at all. A friend of hers donated a tree to her and one small toy for her kids. She got a box of toys, and a box of food to get her by.

A couple in the military with a special needs 4 yr old son (who I met). He is getting ready for his 9th heart surgery. It has wiped them out and they are living day to day, not being able to afford clothes and simple necessities. I had them come to my house and they chose certain toys that he is supposed to have for PT. The boy is very sweet, and has some severe special needs.

Another man asked for anything small for his wife, for her birthday. He could not even afford a card for her. I gave him some candles, perfume, a fancy shampoo kit. He started to cry. His wife is 52 and they have been together for almost 30 years, this is the worst year they had.

Garman family, who are losing their 2 sons asked for medical stuff for their almost 11 yr old son who wants to be a Dr, because he wants to heal children who have the same affliction his brothers do. They have no money to buy him birthday gifts as they are so broke from medical bills.

A woman who just lost her only child. She is depressed and can't go out because her boots are so worn out and she has no coat. Thankfully i had a pair of boots donated in the car that was only one size too big so she could wear them

A single mother of a 10 yr old girl. Has no money and no food for them. She is waiting to be approved for food stamps but needs food for the next month. They have been rationing out boxes of pasta.

A 19 yr old couple in school with 2 young children. She asked for bra, used underwear and shoes. Hers were 3 years old and they were so cheap to start with, they were completely disintegrated. What a sweet couple. We were able to give her sneakers, boots, new underwear, socks and a bra donated by someone. (And lots of clothes for herself and her kids)

I could go on and on, but the worst is yet to come. There is a homeless colony not far from here. They live in tents. Right here, in an affluent part of our state, and this devastation is going on. I am collecting warm coats and blankets for them (and as always, canned food).

A family of 6 who had to leave their home as the bank came and locked the doors. They left all behind and need every day necessities.

This is what i see day to day. I have to admit it gets to me. It is a bit overwhelming and very sad. My views are a bit skewed at the moment.
I have vowed to go on as long as I can. I cannot turn a blind eye!

With the help of your donations of items and canned food, we can help families and make a real change. We already have!!

Please check our current "needs" and feel free to donate items any time, we promise to use them ALL. Cash donations will either be used for gas to get us from home to home OR will go directly to families that need it.

God bless!! We are truly all so lucky.

Thank you and another request

2010-01-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for donating. All the families previously mentioned are taken care of. If you still have donations, keep them coming, for every family we help, there are 20 more that need....

Right now we are looking for 2 ladies coats. 1 large and 1 extra large. They are in desperate need! If anyone has any old coats they can donate, that would be great.

While I am on the subject of coats, any size coats are great, I (Seegal) will be visiting the homeless colony not far from us, and they need coats and blankets, as you call can imagine...

Also, we have a soon to be mom who is having a baby boy and needs *everything* from a crib to clothes. Please EM us and let us know if you have anything.

Thank you so much, stay tuned, we'll have more families up soon.

2 more families

2010-01-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

Family J- Single mom needs girls size 5-6. Boy size 10. Anything is great for them, they are very needy.
Family FM- need boy size 4 desperately.

Thank you!

Families we are currently helping

2010-01-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Family K: Father, mother, 17 yr old son, 18 yr old daughter and 9 yr old grandson.
They have nothing, father is disabled and they need anything and everything.
Specifics of sizes: boys/men 32/34 36/29 38/30 pants large/med shirts
women......9/10 11/12 13/14 pants....x-large/large winter shoes size 4 1/2-5

Family G: 4 sons, younger 2 have incurable diseases. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshuagarman/mystory
Richard is 10, turning 11 on January 10. His wish is to be a Dr, and for his birthday he wants items and books that are Medical related.
We already have items to send to Richard. If anyone wants to passon some old medical books, please bring them to us by January 4th :)

Family R: Very small girl. 4'll" , wears size XS or S. Pants are usually small. Shirts- xsmall,medium,small Pants- small, not really jeans, as they are always big. Desperate need of underwear, size 5 or small. And bras im a size 32 b.Shoes a size 6-7. i really need boots. NOTHING HAS TO BE NEW. used is fine.
(From R:Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED.Thank you all so much and God bless).
R also needs toddler bed sheets (for girl, but will take anything) and Queen size sheets.

Family M: Collecting for her friend with 4 kids:friend is married with 4 kids ..both of them got their hours cut, she works in a day care center, he works at a bakery ,his money is only his...she filed chapter 11 bankruptcy, they were forced to leave their home andleft had to leave a lot of things behind, she only have a small car. She is the kind of person that will help someone else before her needs.
Girls: 2,9,11. Boy: 7.

SIZE 18 MONTHES-2 FOR THE 2 OLD GIRL.....SIZE 12-14 OR SIZE 0 FOR THE OTHER 2 GIRLS...10-12 FOR THE BOY

Family D: 6-9 boys clothes, does not need toys. Just warm clothes and a coat. Nohting new, just gently used!

The dollhouse that started it all

2010-01-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

From: Seegal

A week before Christmas I remembered that we had an extra dollhouse in our attic. I decided to put an ad out for a free dollhouse, in case a mother of a little girl was out there looking for a free Christmas gift for her daughter.

Instead,a mother of a 9 yr old son (who I will call "M") reached out to me, as she was homeless, but staying with a friend and she could not afford one toy for her son. All she asked for was a Christmas card. Finding this unacceptable, I offered up a toy or 2. She insisted a card was good enough but I would not budge. What would a 9 yr old boy do with a card? So, after some prodding she agreed to tell me where she lived and what he liked. That Saturday, during a snowstorm, we bundled the kids up and drove an hour and a half away to deliver 2 boxes full of gifts. To my shock, the living conditions of this mother and her son opened my eyes to a world I did not think existed in the US. They were homeless, but staying with a friend. Her and her son sleep on an air mattress in a small room. There is barely room for anyone in that house, and bags of stale bread they eat for mealtimes. They lived out of a couple of suitcases.

This is the type of living conditions I experienced in Guatemala, a third world country, not in MY OWN COUNTRY, never mind MY OWN STATE! Needless to say, M was so very grateful and I cried almost all the way home. What was wrong with me? How could I live in such denial? Here I was giving money to kids around the world who were starving and people wanting to adopt, when I have starving children in my own backyard??

Unacceptable.

So, with a few days before Christmas, I put an ad out for that dollhouse again.
I had families contact me. One family in particular, a young mom named Ashley with her 6 kids (yes, you read right). 3 babies of her own and raising her 3 siblings, as her mother died recently.

I decided to send out an "SOS" EM to my friends for some clothes and toys for her family.

What happened in the next few days astounds me even now.
My friends, a day before Christmas Eve, came out in DROVES!! Bags and bags of clothes, toys, food and gift cards (and even a Christmas tree!!!). My house literally became the North Pole. Along with friends help, we got busy sorting, wrapping, packing and dividing.It was the best Christmas I ever had, I found a whole new world. Something *I* could do for others. Something that truly made a change!

My friend Christie, who I have known for over 10 years, kept calling and coming with money, gift cards and more bags of needed things. At some point she mentioned wanting to always do this work and so the idea sprouted. An iota of a thought in our heads became an undeniable reality.

As for Ashley and her family, they got a Christmas they will never forget. My family loaded up yet again, and brought the family of 7 more food, clothes and toys they ever dreamed of. That Christmas Eve day, we witnessed what poverty truly meant. A one room apartment with no stove, and 3 bare mattresses on the floor. Yet, the people living in it were so happy and so grateful. The smiles on their faces told the story. They could not dwell on their horrible conditions, but they looked with hope to the future.

When I got home on the Christmas Eve day, to a mess in my house and no dinner even remotely being ready, I had 2 more families come to my home to pick up food and toys for the little ones.

Our own dinner was late and cold (and I did not have half the staples I usually have), but we got something much more...We got the gift of our eyes being OPENED.

As Maya Angelou once said: When we know better, we do better.

And so, Christie and I brainstormed and came up with One Small Wish.
Helping NJ families all year round.
And that is the beginning of our story....

Just a few snapshots of my house the day before Christmas Eve. It was truly unbelievable!!!