June 2003

Adopt-A-Family Service Project Update

As we approach the end of another MOMS Club fiscal year, I wanted to update you all on the progress of our adopted family. I wanted to thank those who have continued to gather items and donate to the family (Kelly Van Wegner and Mia Haller!). Our family has been through a terrible time. The children and are still struggling with the loss of their father, each acting out in their own ways. Kyle has found comfort in friends who have suffered similar losses and the support of her small community where she lives. Their local post office even granted them a free P.O. box rental when they heard what had happened and their bill was due for the next year. There have been so many generous people who have helped make this hard time a little easier on them. Kyle calls me every few weeks and thanks me over and over again for the MOMS Club. She has told everyone in her town about us all (even thinking the whole donation was news worthy) and has even thought about starting her own chapter or volunteering for one that might be close to her (I think I will look into that and see about getting her a membership). All of her friends are so impressed with the generosity and love from our chapter to Kyle and the kids. Kyle is so truly grateful. Some of the things she has been able to do with the money we have been providing her ($100/month for 6 months ending June) is new tires for her car (which a local neighbor gave her a discount), car insurance and getting the car into her name – registered, smogged and tags up-to-date. She has had to handle more paperwork than any of us could imagine (think about losing your spouse and nothing is in your name, no will and bills coming in from all over that you had no idea about). I am proud to say that Kyle is current on all bills, paying everything with pride, current on her income taxes and doing a superb job keeping the family in order. My brother would be proud. Thank you – you all helped her make this happen. I spoke to her just last week and she starts to cry every time she thinks about how you all were so caring and thoughtful. She promises to send another note personally soon – so I am writing on her behalf. A huge THANK YOU!!! The club also surprised her with some Spring tulips for Mother’s Day. From Mother to Mother – there is no better way to celebrate our Mother’s Day but by giving to another. Here are some pictures of the family opening gifts (your gifts) on Christmas morning. You may recognize some of the items!

Ryan

Jamie

Ryan & Jamie

Kyle is reading the heart-felt letter that Dawn Mangan helped compose on behalf of the MOMS Club

The kids in their PJ’s…Jamie is wearing Strawberry Shortcake slippers the chapter, um, I mean, Santa bought her.

These were Santa’s elves that delivered the MOMS Club goodies…my parents, Earla & Jim Quakenbush