In reading the news for the past few weeks, I have come across several wonderful stories that shows the warmth that humanity still has to offer. I hope everyone enjoys these stories and takes into consideration what they can do to help out others who are in need.
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------QUOTE said:Anonymous Donor Gives $40K To Local Food Bank
NEW HOPE, Minn. (WCCO) — Christmas came early for a Twin Cities food bank struggling to keep up with the growing number of hungry families this holiday season.
The Emergency Foodshelf Network in New Hope stocks and serves more than 230 food pantries in Minnesota.
“We are running leaner than we have probably run in years,” said Executive Director Lori Kratchmer, who says this year donations are down at least 20 percent. “Across all suburbs around the metro area so, it’s really broad, the need, and it continues to be greater and greater.”
But Wednesday, a Christmas miracle arrived in a plain white envelope. Up front, administrative assistant Carol Deters opens up the mail. She just had a hunch.
“I said, I just love these mysterious envelopes because you never know what little goody you are going to find on the inside. And we opened it up and it was a check for $40,000,” Deters said.
Deters says $40,000 can purchase 37,600 meals.
“I was just so excited and we were running around and yelling, needed it,” she said.
There was no note, and when the staff tried to call the person whose name was on the check, the number was unlisted. The donor wanted to remain anonymous.
“I think I’d be lying if I said we weren’t jumping up and high fiving after receiving such a generous gift like that,” said Kratchmer. “So we put our faith in the community and they really come through for us.”
A new report out this week shows many Minnesotans are still struggling this holiday season.
Hunger Solutions Minnesota says currently the number of people visiting emergency food shelves is up 62 percent since the economy crashed in 2008.
That’s 1-in-5 families going hungry over the holidays and all year long. In September of 2010, Minnesota had 454,513 people enrolled in food support programs, which is a 66-percent increase since September of 2008.
The Emergency Foodshelf Network staff says like many food banks and food pantries all across Minnesota, they still need donations.
They can buy more food with cash donations, but also accept donations from food drives. Visit their website for more information.
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QUOTE said:Generous Giver Leaves A Nugget Of Gold In Army Kettle
CORAL GABLES (CBS4) -Lorraine Momberger has been a bell ringer with the Salvation Army for three years.
She says for the most part folks are pretty generous around this time of year.
But the generosity of stranger today caught her by surprise and left her breathless outside a Publix grocery store in Coral Gables.
“At first I thought It was like candy or chocolate and then as I’m investigating the thing I realized what it was and I’m, oh my goodness,” says Momberger
That thing shoved into Lorraine’s hand was this gold nugget in plastic bag.
“In the zip lock bag there was a note that says this gold nugget is a family keepsake please use it’s value to help those in need with the Salvation Srmy, signed a friend,” says Captain Bruce Williams.
“You always hear about something like this happening but never witness this or know people it happened to so this is a wonderful thing that’s happened today and we’re very happy that they donated it to us,” says Lorraine.
Captain Williams is Lorraine’s boss and says the gold nugget weighs 2.2 ounces and is worth $2850.00.
“It’s going to help a lot of people,” says Lorraine.
Captain Williams says “the gold nugget couldn’t have come at a better time. Donations have been down this year and they’ve been struggling to help those in need.”
“This is a blessing, we don’t know who this person is but just like to give them a heart felt thank you and god bless you and Merry Christmas,” he says.
Christmas made even more special this year through the generosity of a stranger in this season of giving.QUOTE said:============================================================================
QUOTEMother Gives Daughter Gift Of Life For Christmas
Just days before Christmas, a local mother is preparing to give her daughter a gift that is priceless.
Kai Jackson explains that for the second time, she’s giving her the gift of life.
Jamie Conway and her mother Valerie Eigner are getting ready for a special day. On Thursday, Valerie is giving Jamie one of her kidneys.
“My mom was a match for me, so I’m getting one of her kidneys,” said Jamie.
Jamie is getting it in the nick of time. She has lupus, an auto-immune disease that attacks the body. In her case, it’s worn down her joints and kidneys.
Since February, Jamie’s been on a grueling schedule of working 40 hours a week and going to dialysis nine hours a week.
“I’ve seen a lot of what she’s going through, and at times wish I could change places with her and take that burden from her,” Eigner said. “I’ve lived my life at this point very well, and she has a lot more living to do.”
After watching her daughter struggle, Eigner volunteered to give her a kidney. Testing determined she was a match.
“She’s always very giving,” Jamie said.
Jamie is 30 and has been married to husband Brian Conway for six years. They conveniently live across the street from her parents.
The family’s Christmas wish is simply to have Jamie healthy and Valerie recover.
Doctors say there’s a risk for both recipient and the donor.
“We never ever want to think of hurting one person trying to help someone else out,” said Dr. Matthew Cooper, transplant surgeon. “We have to be certain that the work up for the donor is as thorough as you can imagine.”
“I know the risks of going into surgery, what can happen, and I’ m willing to accept that,” Eigner said.
The woman who gives you life “gives you life again,” Jamie said.
The surgery is expected to take several hours to complete. These days, doctors will make a small incision in both Jamie and her mother Valerie. Although Jamie will have to take anti-rejection medication, doctors told her they do not expect her lupus to reject the new kidney.
Valerie is expected to be home by Christmas day. Jamie is expected home next week.
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