Grandmother gets much needed winter wear

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2010-01-19T18:49:11Z

Winter wear like boots and coats are crucial to health of young children. It is great to see Eddiemae and her grandchildren, who she takes care of, able to keep warm during the harsh Chicago winter. Reason to Give was also able to provide a $250 holiday gift certificate to Eddiemae so she can prioritize her family's needs.

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2010-01-20T22:44:21Z

Eddiemae receives boots for her two grandchildren and winter coats for herself and her two grandchildren.

Grandmother gets much needed winter wear

2010-01-20T23:36:59Z

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10_Bennam_Eddiemae_Success.mov

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2010-01-20T20:48:23Z

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2010-01-19T18:42:06Z

In December of 2009, Araceli received winter coats for her four young boys and herself. Additionally, the boys received new boots, hats and gloves to combat the winter cold. To help Araceli through the long winter, Reason to Give provided the family with a $250 holiday gift card. This will allow her to prioritize what the greatest needs are for her family during the often difficult winter months.

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2010-01-20T23:23:16Z

Areceli's four young boys were very excited to receive new winter wear including boots, hats, gloves and winter coats.

Single mother of four young boys receives winter wear

2010-01-20T23:36:59Z

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2009-10-06T17:32:49Z

In September 2009, Reason to Give delivered Cynthia and her family their first success story. Thanks to our generous donors, Lawrence was able to enter sixth grade with all new supplies! Shanta will be able to go back to college to study to become a veterinary technician with all her new supplies as well. Even Cynthia, who asked for very little for herself, received a much needed toaster and can opener. In December of 2009, Cynthia received winter coats for the whole family and a $250 holiday gift card which will help out during the difficult winter.

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2009-10-07T19:33:10Z

Lawrence and Shanta were ecstatic to get all new school supplies this year and their mother received some things for the kitchen too!

Mother receives school supllies for her kids, new kitchen appliances and winter wear

2010-01-20T23:36:58Z

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2009-10-06T18:04:00Z

In September 2009, Reason to Give delivered Vanesa her first success story. Thanks to our donors, Vanesa received a new blender for herself and all new school supplies for her grandson Nathan. Nathan is excited to go back to school with everything he needs. Since then, Vanesa has received many items, including a microwave, coats for the three children and shoes for two of them. In addition, Vanesa has recevied a $250 holiday gift card to help the family through the lonf Chicago winter.

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2009-10-07T15:58:33Z

Vanesa receives items for her grandchildren and herself to help during the wimter months.

Grandmother continues success!

2010-01-20T23:36:58Z

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2009-10-06T18:14:38Z

In September 2009, Reason to Give delivered book bags stocked full of new supplies for the kids. Shevon's four children had a blast sifting through their new bags and supplies. The video says it all for this success story! The 2009 holiday season was successful for Shevon: she received crucial winter clothing (hats, gloves, shoes and coats) for all of her six children. Shevon also received a $250 holiday gift card from Reason to Give. These items will go far to help this struggling family through the harsh winter.

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2009-10-07T19:21:19Z

Shevon receives school supplies for four of her children, as well as shoes, hat and gloves for all six children, coats for the whole family and a $250 holiday gift card.

Mother of six gets all needs fulfilled

2010-01-20T23:36:58Z

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2009-10-06T17:54:52Z

Denise called Reason to Give in August because she was very worried about not being able to provide her two children with all the necessary school supplies this year. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Denise's worries were eased. Jasmyre and Da'Juan received an abundance of new supplies. Denise wanted to share a few words with everyone who supports Reason to Give. "I just wanted to take these few words and say thank you so much for being there for my kids in this tough time for me. You really brought a smile to their faces with all the school supplies. I am really struggling lately financially and emotionally and you all are helping keep balanced! God bless everyone of you." Denise was also excited to tell Reason to Give that she finished her nursing degree. We now wish her luck on her final exam! In December of 2009, Denise received winter coats and boots for her whole family. The family also received a $250 holiday gift card. These items will be crucial for the cold weather ahead.

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2009-10-07T20:06:00Z

Denise was so grateful to be able to send her children to school with all their supplies this year, as well as winter coats and boots for the whole family.

Mother receives new school supplies and winter wear for her son and daughter

2010-01-20T23:36:58Z

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2009-03-04T23:57:34Z

The story: Pasquala came to Reason to Give because she and her husband were both out of work. They have two daughters and a new baby due in just a few months. Reason to Give was able to help Pasquala prepare for the new baby with an array of neccessities including: blankets, clothes, passifiers, and a bouncy seat. All unisex since Pasquala and her husband want to be surprised! Pasquala also received a new comforter and sheet set, along with fluffy pillows for her bed. Reason to Give wishes Pasquala and her family all the best in the next months as they prepare for their newest addition! In December of 2009, Pasquala received new winter coats for the whole family and a $250 holiday gift card from Reason to Give. This will be a great help for the difficult winter months.

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2009-03-04T23:57:24Z

In the winter of 2009, Pasquala received baby supplies and a comforter and sheet set as well as winter coats for the whole family.

Mom receives baby supplies and new bedding; winter wear for family

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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2008-11-13T18:07:18Z

The story: The first time we met Irma, she told us her stove was broken. Without a working range, oven or microwave, every meal her family shared was either fast food or eaten cold. She said her kids didn’t even ask for toys or clothes, they just wanted hot meals and simple comfort foods like baked goods and cookies. Thankfully, Abt Electronics sold us a brand new oven at cost, delivered it and removed her old one for recycling—all with the comforting courtesy of a bilingual delivery person. Our pals at Tipsy Cake (who know all about sweets and ovens) contributed to the donation too. Thanks to them for helping to give this family a more functional kitchen. A few months after delivering the stove, Reason to Give surprised Irma with a stroller and car seat for her new baby. The generous donations over the 2008 winter holidays provided Irma with a blender and the DeLeon children with new clothing. The oldest boy was nice enough to help his younger brother try the clothes on, and all the children had a blast showing off their new outfits. In May 2009, Reason to Give visited Irma and her family with a new high chair and toaster. We stayed to assemble the high chair and to see baby John test it out. In September 2009, Reason to Give delivered Irma her final success story, a new comforter and sheets set for their bed. Irma and her family are so grateful for all the help they have received from our generous donors.

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2008-11-18T20:10:32Z

Thanks to all our donors, Reason to Give delivered a stove, kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding and items for the new baby to the DeLeon family.

Family of six is given new kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, and baby supplies

2010-01-20T23:36:55Z

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2009-03-05T00:37:45Z

The story: Aurea came to Reason to Give because she needed help caring for her two sons and grandson. Her disability makes it difficult for her to get around and she cannot work. In February of 2009, Reason to Give gave Aurea and her family all new shoes. Her sons needed shoes for work and her grandson wanted to be able to play soccer. Aurea loved her new shoes and was sure they would help her to get around more comfortably. We are happy to be a part of making their days better.

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2009-03-05T00:37:39Z

Aurea receives work shoes for her oldest son, tennis shoes for her younger son and grandson, and orthopedic shoes for herself.

Loving mom and grandma receives shoes for family

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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09_RTG_PerezAurea_Success.mov

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2009-06-17T17:31:46Z

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2009-06-03T20:38:59Z

When Carmen first came to Reason to Give she was pregnant with her fifth child and her husband Alex was out of work, so they were surviving on her income alone. Carmen was most concerned about the well-being of her family and told Reason to Give that what her children really needed was new clothes. In May 2009, Reason to Give delivered new clothing for all five of the children. They had a great time sorting through the bags of clothes and trying on their new outfits. Carmen and her family have moved away from Humboldt Park and are no longer in the program. However, her husband Alex and the older children praised the program after it has helped their family survive through these tough times.

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2009-06-08T17:27:45Z

Camen and Alex receive new clothing for all their children, including the new baby!

Family of seven has their wishes fulfilled!

2010-01-20T23:36:57Z

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09_RTG_VelasquezCarmen_Success.mov

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2009-06-05T22:41:00Z

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2009-02-26T20:11:32Z

The story: Marina and Julio came to Reason to Give in the winter of 2008. Although their needs were many, the family's main concern was keeping warm through the coldest months. Marina and Julio were in need of insulation for their windows to keep out winter drafts. Reason to Give is delighted to provide window insulation along with boots for their four children. We hope Marina, Julio and their family will stay warm this winter!

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2009-03-04T23:37:36Z

Reason to Give brings clothes and boots to Marina for her children. Marina and Julio also received insulation for their windows to keep out the cold winter air.

Insulation for windows and boots help one family keep warm.

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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09_RTG_AvilesMarina_Success.mov

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2009-06-05T22:29:20Z

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2008-11-21T20:20:06Z

The story: Chicago winters are notoriously brutal. A good winter coat is essential, even when school is just a few blocks away. Victoria's priority is her children, and keeping them warm in the winter is a must.  Battling the bitter winter is something all Chicagoans can empathize with. Donors must have had this in mind because 'Coats for the Romero Family' was the first item purchased. Leftover funds from a large donation allowed Reason To Give to get a bedside lamp for the youngest Romero, Amy, who's now 6 years old.  Victoria also asked Reason to Give for new sheets and dress clothes for herself and her husband, Rafael. We are happy to report all of Victoria's family's needs have been met. The Romero's continued to work with Reason To Give throughout their time in the program: Victoria stayed in constant contact with us as her family's needs changed. Checking off all the needs on Victoria's list is an important step for Reason to Give because Victoria has been a part of the program since its inception in the 2007 holiday season.

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2009-03-04T23:44:30Z

Victoria Romero is a determined woman—determined to do the best for her children. Through Reason To Give her family received new winter coats, new sheets, dress clothes for the parents and Amy, the youngest, now enjoys bedtime stories lit by a pretty pink lamp.

Our first family has all their needs fulfilled!

2010-01-20T23:36:55Z

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2008-11-13T18:03:12Z

The story: Reason To Give met Zoila in December of 2007. We were awed by her passion and vigor despite her situation. In the summer of 2008, after generous donation from a Firebelly client, Reason To Give delivered Zoila and her daughter, Janise, a brand new twin bed, complete with sheets, pillows and a comforter. Janise, a curious but shy 5 year old, slowly opened up to our Reason To Give volunteers as we set up her new bed from IKEA—by the end of our visit she was laughing and helping plump up pillows. The entire afternoon was a fun bilingual communication experiment with little Janise aiding our translations volunteer in conversation between her mom and Reason To Give staff. As we left, Zoila quietly pulled our translator to the side and conveyed through tears just how grateful she felt. Reason To Give is happy for the opportunity to help. Bearing needed items again, Reason to Give returned to Zoila's home in 2009, this time with a brand new microwave, plus coats and boots for each Zoila, Janise and Darlene.

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2008-11-18T20:10:52Z

In the summer of 2008, Reason to Give gave Zoila a brand new twin bed and helped get her 5 year old out of a crib. In winter 2009, Reason to Give visited again with a microwave, boots and coats, completing Zoila's cold weather needs.

Mother of two receives new bed, microwave, and outerware!

2010-01-20T23:36:55Z

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2009-05-28T16:41:14Z

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2009-03-29T22:10:26Z

<div>The story: Armando was among the first Reason to Give participants, interviewing with us in December 2007. From our first meeting, his genuine and selfless desire to provide his family with warm clothes and shoes inspired us. Thanks to the generous donations of Reason to Give givers, we were proud to meet with Armando's wife Sonia, in winter 2009, equipped with armloads of clothing, new coats for the entire family, and boxes of boots.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sonia and her children received coats, jeans, new shirts and winter boots. The emotion in the room, as clothes were passed around and boots tried on, was palpable. Smiling children and a happy mother, what more could we ask for? Reason to Give is honored to fulfill Sonia and Armando's wish to put their children in cozy new clothes and warm winter boots.  </div>

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2009-03-30T18:24:15Z

Armando and Sonia worked diligently with Reason to Give to provide their children with new, warm clothing.

Parents receive clothing and winter gear for their three children

2010-01-20T23:36:57Z

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2009-02-11T19:17:25Z

The story: When Reason to Give met Josefina, she was clear that her greatest desire was to provide her daughters with a computer. That was back in February of 2008—Josefina's eldest daughter Vanessa had been accepted to Northeastern University and is now in her second semester taking her GenEd requirements as she works her way through a Criminal Justice major. Choosing Criminal Justice was easy for Vanessa who lost her brother to gang related violence and wants to be a part of positive change in Chicago by making the streets a safer place. Josefina told Reason to Give that she still can't fully believe her family has received a computer, and that she sometimes wakes up hoping it isn't a dream! These days, functioning as a college, high school or even middle school student without a computer means waiting in lines for hours at public libraries with limited computer availability. While this is a reality for many people, it can surely be discouraging. Reason to Give is so happy to fulfill the wishes of Josefina and her daughters by supplying them with a computer and printer that is truly needed. We wish Vanessa the very best at Northeastern and applaud her desire to help stop street violence and her pursuit of a Criminal Justice major. We know Josefina and Stephanie will benefit from access to a personal computer as well; Stephanie has already begun using it for school and Josefina is excited to learn.We have so enjoyed getting to know and working with Josefina, Vanessa and Stephanie—we're so glad we could help make this dream come true!

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2009-03-17T21:31:33Z

Vanessa explains to Reason to Give that a computer has become a basic need for current college students. Vanessa, her mother Josefina and sister Stephanie are all supremely grateful to Reason to Give for their new Dell laptop and Canon printer.

College student gets a new laptop!

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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2009-03-05T18:34:24Z

The Story: Margarita called Reason to Give on the morning of the Art & Science Day of Beauty; Reason to Give moms and their children were scheduled to enjoy relaxing day at the salon's Wicker Park location. A family emergency would keep Margarita from being able to attend the festivities. Reason to Give presented Margarita with a gift certificate, donated by the Art & Science staff, so that she would still be able to pamper herself with a day at the salon.

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2009-03-05T18:34:16Z

Margarita was unable to join Reason to Give and the other participants at the Art & Science Salon for the Day of Beauty, so Reason to Give surprised her with a gift certificate.

Mother of four gets a day to relax

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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2009-02-26T20:01:03Z

The story: When Nancy shared her story with Reason to Give, she wanted to convey the difficult nature of raising three kids as a single mother. Gang violence and danger only increases the hardship. Reason to Give gave Nancy and her three children all new, sustainable clothing.

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2009-03-05T18:15:07Z

New clothes for her children are gratefully received by Nancy during difficult times.

Family of four receives new clothes.

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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2008-12-23T19:51:19Z

After a generous outpowering of support this season, Reason To Give was able to issue $275 in gift cards to each participating family for the purchase of groceries for holiday dinners and toys for their children. We also delivered several items like new winter coats, warm boots and kitchen items—all purchased by Givers using Reason To Give as an alternative to traditional gift exchange. With a hefty year-end delivery from <a href="http://www.shopecko.com/home/index.jsp">Ecko Unlimited</a>, we could even surprise several young people with cool new clothes from one of the most recognized streetwear brands. It was an all-day affair but of course, the coolest part of what we do at Reason To Give. Thanks to everyone who gave. Happy Holidays!

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2008-12-23T19:58:48Z

On December 18th, 2008, three Reason To Give staffers delivered gift cards, clothing and household items to a dozen Humboldt Park families in need.

Holiday Gift Deliveries

2010-01-20T23:36:56Z

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2008-12-23T20:30:15Z

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2008-10-07T21:11:10Z

The story: After meeting a Reason To Give volunteer in a local Humboldt Park food pantry, Simone's grandmother, Nancy, asked Reason to Give to help her provide Simone with warm clothes for the winter. It was clear from the start that Nancy was selflessly concerned for her granddaughter's wellbeing. Simone needed a new coat, new boots, a hat and gloves - Nancy wanted her to be warm! With Simone's favorite color pink in mind, Reason to Give set out to make Simone and Nancy's wish come true. Thanks to the generosity of multiple Reason To Give shoppers, Simone received a brand new (puffy!) down coat, boots, a hat, gloves, and long underwear all from <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/home/index.jsp?OPTION=HOME_PAGE&assetid=1704&slc=en_US&sct=US">Patagonia</a>, an environmentally responsible outerwear company based in Ventura, California. In Simone's words, Reason To Give "thought of everything!"

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2008-11-18T20:10:16Z

Struggling herself, Nancy amazed Reason To Give with her desire to do what she can to make others lives better. Turning Nancy's wish into reality, Reason To Give provides Simone with a new winter wardrobe.

Granddaughter stays warm with new winter wear

2010-01-20T23:36:55Z

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2008-11-13T18:10:08Z

The story: Leaving everything she knew and owned in New York to escape an abusive relationship, Edith moved to Chicago with high hopes of settling in and finding personal peace. Unfortunately, life didn’t work out as Edith planned and she ended up alone and without any work. As soon as Reason To Give received enough donations, we surprised Edith with a brand new bed, sheets and super-comfy pillows. Everyone at Reason To Give felt Edith’s emotional response as she thanked us over and over and went so far as to offer her time as a volunteer translator! We accepted Edith’s offer (although we paid her for her skills) and employed her services to get many of our video interviews translated to English. We’re happy to report she no longer works for us because she’s found a steady job as a nanny and is making enough money to make ends meet now! We wish her health and happiness in the future and are so glad our program helped her out in her time of need.

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2008-11-19T19:06:16Z

Edith arrived in Chicago in the summer of 2008 searching for a safe and stable fresh start. Without any furniture of her own, Edith was sleeping on a loaner bed from her landlord until Reason To Give delivered a brand new platform frame and mattress.

Deserving woman gets a new bed and a new start

2010-01-20T23:36:55Z