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From our ActiveRain family to theirs - Let's help a family in need

ActiveRain adopted a family for Christmas this year. We want to see if you will help us give them the best Christmas ever.

We actually adopted a little girl and her family through the Seattle Children's Hospital. Zorra is the little girl and she lives with her five siblings and their mom. The family is facing significant financial stressors, like many families across our country, that will prevent them from obtaining needed items during the holidays. Beyond the items they need, we also want to raise the spirits of five children in our community who will not have a Christmas if not for the helping hands of our great network.

Zorra's mother described how the family has lived in battered women's shelters and has faced homelessness on several occasions after she and Zorra's father separated. The mom and her six kids, ages 7-17, have been exposed to domestic violence in their home. While the family now has a stable home, the financial stressors are such that having enough food in the house is a challenge. Mom isn't able to work because several of her children are high needs, medically complex kids requiring a high level of supervision and frequent medical appointments. Mom does everything she can to make ends meet for this family. She feeds her kids each month with donations from the food bank and she was hoping that the family would be eligible for a holiday program otherwise her kids won't be able to open presents on Christmas.

The thought that there are kids, not just these six but many, who won't have presents on Christmas is heartbreaking. Here's why this hits so close to home for me.......

I grew up in a single parent home. My parents got divorced when I was 8. My dad used to beat up my mom. One day my mom decided enough was enough and loaded all of us up and never looked back. I have three younger brothers. My mom worked her butt off to provide for us when we were growing up. I can't remember one time looking back where I felt like I didn't have everything I needed. There may have been times I wanted something and didn't get it, but my mom made sure we got everything we needed.

So Zorra and I have something in common. I was raised by a single mom and I was exposed to domestic violence. But by the grace of God our family had our health. Let's give this family something to look forward to on Christmas.

They need everyday things that many of us take for granted. Paper Towels, laundry soap (can you image how much laundry 6 kids produce?), shampoo, bars of soap, pillows. I'd venture that very few people reading think twice about any of these things. The kids need things like underwear, socks, shoes, pajamas, rain coats. We would really like to get them a few things beyond this as well so that when they wake up Christmas morning they can experience some of the same joy that my son and your son's and daughter's get to experience on Christmas Morning.

If everyone just gave $5 or $10 we can really make a difference in this family's life. So if ActiveRain has helped your business this year, I'm just asking that you take a minute to donate what you can.

I need you guys to come through for me so I am going to offer a free year long Localism sponsorship to anyone that makes a donation of $50 or more. We really want to make this a special holiday for this family.

Do you care what I'm doing and thinking? (I can not for the life of me imagine why) If you do, you can find me on some of these places........but remember, if you are offended by anything you see or hear, I didn't force you to follow me!!:

Posted by Bob Stewart - ActiveRain on 12/15/2008 10:50 PM

Comments (107)

Adopt a Family in the ActiveRain Channel

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107 Comments on From our ActiveRain family to theirs - Let's help a family in need

DEC

Hi Bob - I am happy to help Zorra's family. I just went to paypal and donated, ActiveRain has helped me this year and I have made money due to it so I am happy to give back. This is truly a very thoughtful idea for this family in need, thanks for sharing their story and yours. KM

Thank you for coming up with a plan! I know exactly where you and her are coming from. there are so many people out there nowadays that need people to help them and even though this has been a rough year for almost everyone there is always room to give - whether it spiritually or materially - either and/or both is important and can help at least one person. I did make a donation for them on Paypal as well (I hope I did it correctly - never used paypal before)Merry Christmas! (p.s. your comment counter can't count?)

Wow, Bob, what an awesome idea to do! You are right, there are a lot of families in that situation and is great when we can help out!

Hi Bob...Active Rain has done so much for all of us. I'm more than happy to help a family enjoy Christmas. Thank you for making this possible.

Kate

Last week I shopped with the Kiwanis. They took 260 local children shopping for coats, shoes, gloves, etc. The girl I was paired with asked me for underwear and bras. Broke my heart. I've never "needed" these items. If I wanted new ones, I bought them; same with my children, they have never given a second thought to clean underwear or having some that fit. . . Glad to help this family Bob. Thanks for giving us the chance.

Bob - I help a similar family here in the Austin area. I will donate some money via PayPal to help out.

Who can say "no" to an appeal like that? ActiveRain has been a source of business throughout the year and, of course, I'll participate.

Done. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. I hope it is the best ever for Zorra and her family. Good for you all for having a big heart.

Bob - You are the man! I am happy & grateful to have read your post; I am also headed to PayPal now.

Thanks from your Charleston, SC friends.

Bob - what a heart of gold you have! AR is a wonderful place and I KNOW this family will have a blessed Christmas! On my way to donate...

Thanks I hope the little bit we sent will help. Have a great holiday.

Hi Bob, I went into donate and there wasn't the usual little picture of a lock to show that I was in a safe site

This is a great thing you are doing. I found out this year that more families are affected by domestic violence than are affected by breast cancer! It's a shocking statistic. I'm so happy that your mom had the courage to move on and I'm happy for you that the cycle didn't continue. Let me know if you think it's okay to donate even though it didn't look like a secure site.

I'm doing a food drive this month to help stock the food banks locally.

Bob,

Wish I could give more. God bless you and your family this Christmas and all throughout 2009.

Susan,

Weird, I got the https when I went in. If you don't see it, I wonder if maybe you are not logged in to paypal. My guess would be the credit card page will have it when you click through if it wasn't a paypal donation. Maybe once you log in to paypal the S comes up......?

Very cool thing to do. I am soooo re-blogging this. You have got to get a Pay-pal link set up for them. You've got a huge group of e-bay users in AR. Pay-pal will make donating a lot easier for people worried about their card numbers. :-)

C Tann - I've never reblogged but I think it's a great idea.

Bob, now I know who taught you your work ethic and why you are so passionate about your family!

I admire you for sharing your story and for taking responsibility for those around us who need a helping hand. It is my pleasure to give...and I'm also going to reblog this to get the word out. Give your mom a hug for me and tell her what an amazing job she did. ~GBU~

Paypal is screwing upfor me right now.

But I will try later.

Thanks for doing this Bob. This is my favorie kind of giving.

Bob.....what a great idea and especially in the holiday season.

Bob... I am happy to help... I am sure many of us are... and I hope Missy got a hold of you in regards to another project... thanks

jeff belonger

Bob, what a great idea! Awesome!

DEC

Bob ~ Thank you for reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas. I'm sure that your kindness will result in many good things for this deserving family.

Bob, Thanks to C Tann-Starr's reblogging, I just make my donation and appreciate all you are doing

I'm glad to see the AR community doing something like this, Bob. Is there any chance that we can continue it throughout the year?

I'm hoping that so many people contribute that you can actually add another family (or two) to the "Let's give them a Christmas to remember" list.

Done! I just made my donation Bob, and think this will be one of the best gifts we give this year. Thanks for doing this for Zorra's family, it really is better to give than to receive.

Bob, done! Thanks for organizing this. I usually coordinate an adopt-a-family in my neighborhood. This year, I adopted a little boy sponsored by our gym and I am coordinating a food drive in my neighborhood for the local food banks. With the economy being what it is, and don't we all know it, the food banks are at an all time low.

I made a donation. If just the 686 Online Now made a itty bitty donation that would be huge. Merry Christmas Zorra and family. Merry Christmas ActiveRain.

Maureen's tweet (right above me here) brought this to my attention. Happy to help. The need is so great.

Hi Bob! What a story--thank you for sharing such a personal part of yourself with us. When I get to my desk, I'll go out and donate too! Our Rotary club, as well as a group of our friends here in Charlotte both do the adoption thing at Christmas--it's honestly the best part of the holiday for my family and me. My boys have done this for their entire life and will tell you the same thing--they LOVE taking the gifts and food over to the family each year. This IS all done in the spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Bob!

Bob, count me in for $50.00. I will send a check you know what happened to my Pay Pal Account and I am not using them anymore. Can you put the new address for the AR Headquarter in this post. Thanks!

Bob, i'm in. Making my donation now. Let's show everyone the power of the rain. Great job!

Bob, it is my pleasure to help a needy family for Christmas. Hopefully, Active Rain will make it the BEST one yet for this family.

Bob, I just made my donation. I too, can relate to this story from my childhood. Mine was a bit different, but still a story. Many of us have those, it seems. In the end, it makes us all better. Here we are, coming together as one to help those in need.

I hope you can get these children much more than what they just "need". Let's make it their best Christmas ever, as you stated.

Someone commented above, that without Active Rain, we would have the extra money to spare. I agree. Active Rain has brought clients AND closings my way this year and I feel so blessed to have AR and the extra funds to be able to help others.

Merry Christmas Active Rain. You all are the BEST!

Bob,

I just donated. Merry Christmas and thanks Active Rain. Keep up the great work you are doing.

Yes, this is what the true meaning of Christmas really is, giving, not recieving.

We have adopted a family as well -- also lots of food for the food drive, donations to the vets and of course, some presents for the seniors who often are home bound and forgotten. Glad to know that everyone is in a giving spirit even though things are tighter than before.

Bob,

What a great thing you are doing. $50 donated to your family.

I too had a single mom, but we always had what we needed even if all of our wants weren't met. Big difference when you think about it.

Bob,

I am so glad that you put this together! It looks like the ActiveRain community will be a real blessing to this family this year.

(I just made my donation)

Excellent idea Bob!!! Count me in. I also think this is something we should do year round. You know maybe we can adopt some children through Worldvision.com. With this many members we can ceratinly make a difference.

Thanks for Sharing Bob.

You can count me in as well.

Donated, Reblogged, Twittered and ReTweeted!

Thank you for doing this. We need to do what we can to help. We are called to lead by example and donating for a worthy cause is one of them.

WidowMaker...

I'd rather not make a donation on a Credit Card. Please tell me where to send the cash. Cash is King right now :)

TLW...ROAR!

Bob, Paypal and I have issues, can I send a Walmart gift card?

What address?

HO HO Bob,

No doubt you're making your own Mom proud. Got it, done.

This is a great way to give back to those less fortunate. Thanks for sponsoring this, Bob! I have made my contribution and wish Zorra and her family all the best during this holiday season!

Glad to help out make their holidays a happy one to remember!

Paypal sent!

You guys are awesome! Thanks to everyone who has donated thus far. I know Zorra and her family are going to be so thrilled. Here is an address you can send donations to:

(the first time we have ever published our new address in fact, to the best of my knowledge)

11332 NE 122nd Way

Kirkland WA 98034

I am so impressed that you thought of AR to do this. ENDLESS possibilities!

Done! I am also running to Costco to stock up on some stuff for the snow - let me know if you want me to pick anythign up and drop it off somewhere in Seattle...

PS - I was a single mom too for a long time and know exactly how hard it is with only one child let alone that many!!!!!!! Let us know what you get and what the numbers look like - like I said I can add to it with some of those basics from Costco if you need it on top of the Paypal I did. Love you guys!!!!

Bob, thanks for making this personal....it's personal for me as well. I took my kids from an abusive environment....and we struggled...but we made it. It was so much better than living "under the rock". Such a joy to do this. Thank you!

Bob -

Sue and I are happy to contribute!

Happy Holidays to your family, and to Zorra and her family.

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Bob--

Glad to help!!....I am a fairly new member at AR but I am sure we will all benefit in the next year just as most have you this year. last saturday we had the privelege to donate 11 Bicycles to kids that never have had the opportunity to own a bike, (markreynoldsfund.org) I also am a Kiwanis member that is adopting 2 local families, there is so much need this year across the country. Merry Christmas to this family.

13 reblogs! Nice, I didn't read all the comments but I hope this is raising a great sum of money to help out Zorra's family. :-)

PAY IT FORWARD!! I will also be helping out this family! Thanks for a great post! Merry Christmas!!

Bob...DID IT AGAIN, FORGOT TO LOGIN.....I DONATED

DEC

I just made my donation. I hope that you might get enough to help other families as well.

Count me in!

Bob - This story really touched my heart ! I was a single mother for 9 years before I met my current husband. I left my ex because I was his punching bag day in and day out. I saw this growing up between my own parents and made a promise to myself that my children would never see it. So one day I left and started a new journey with just my son and I ( my oldest has some disabilities as well ). It was a hard road. I always worked at least 2 jobs and although Christmas was my favorite Holiday I dreaded it each year in fear I would not be able to provide for it. Somehow I always managed with Gods help. I will be making my donation. Also, can you email me the childrens age and if they are a boy and girl ? I have a 16, 7 and 6 year old who have been cleaning out closets and toy boxes. I have cloths, toys, winter jackets etc and planned on taking it all to our local Good Will store. Do you think they would like any of this stuff as well ?

I also want to do something special for Mom. Can you please send your address so that I can get some of this stuff out ? I am leaving Saturday for Florida so need to get it done quickly.

I just donated, and even did the $50 ... so now I have to learn about the new Localism as I've been off creating other blogs and just getting active back here.

Bob, our office adopted our own local family for Christmas but I still donated $10 to your cause. If I was smarter (or quicker?) I would have beaten you to the punch with my local family :)

Great inspiration and post - keep up the good work!

Ask and ye shall receive! Thanks for this inspiration!

Tina in Virginia

We had an Angel Tree at the YMCA where my husband and I "adopted" a little girl. It felt so nice to buy for someone who's in need at this time. I will be glad to donate to this family too.

Great idea -- Our church group of 12 members in Plano, TX decided to do this as well. We served Thanksgiving dinner at a local church in one of the poor sections of the city and later asked the Pastor to refer a family in need to us. He referred a family of 9, 3 adults and 6 children, ranging in age from 1 to 18. The home has no heat, no ac, stove did not work, one of two fridges did not work, washer would not drain properly, shower (only 1 bath in the home) would not work, etc. We organized handymen and ourselves and bought a new stove and fridge, got the washing machine fixed, having the furnace fixed and purchased over 120 gifts - ranging from pots & pans to winter coats to movies to games to clothes. This will be a Christmas to remember for this family.

We need more of this type of effort.

Bill Sayers, Keller Williams Realty, Plano, TX

wksayers@gmail.com

Hey Bob, Our office did the same thing this year. My only thing is this, if you get enough money donated, adopt a second family. We got so many gifts that we couold have had two or three families and there would have plenty for all. Merry Christmas to everyone!

I have a friend in a similar situation. Her kids are healthy and she can work, but the bills are getting too much and they will not be getting presents this year. Her ex stopped paying his half of the mortgage so to keep current she has to figure out a way to come up with the extra. What you are doing is a great thing. I am happy to give.

thanks for giving us this opportunity to make a difference.

Bob- thanks for doing this....sometimes, in the craziness of the Holiday season, we forget to think of others less fortunate.You've made it easy for all of us!

Thanks again and everyone, have a wonderful Holiday!

-Amy

Bob,

You know...that cocktail dress for yet ANOTHER party doesn't seem quite so important now. Donating right away.

I understand more than you know:)

Bob,

Thanks for letting me know. I'll be glad to help.

Bob-

I have not been on AR that long, but I must say it is a great community of folks..least of whom is you! I have not made much this year, as I am just becoming full-time in real estate, but I HAVE MADE MONEY, where there are many breadwinners that cannot say they are! I am happy to make a contribution to this cause, and inspired to look for a family to adopt in my area of suburban Chicago. I am a firm believer in paying it forward, and perhaps the trend will be contagious! It's a great feeling and also, in the spirit of the holiday, GIVING IS GETTING :)

Bob,

What a great thing you are doing for this family! Wow! So proud of the Rainers who are supporting this SUPER cause. For these children and Mother who have been victims to violence, these gifts will bring hope, knowing that people are good and they do care! Awesome! I will be sending a package to your mailing address, God bless you for your great effort!

Nice Job Big Guy! Don't forget to wrap up an A/R tee shirt for each of the kids....

Nice to see a local project like this with 100% of the contributions going to the family rather than the "World" type organizations where some of them take as much as 83% of the donation for administration purposes and as little as 17% of the gift goes toward actually helping someone.

ActiveRain....thank you for underwriting the admin expenses on this endeavor.

Rob

I am happy to give! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Hi Bob,

What a great thing! This hits home for me as well. I was a single mom, who raised my daughter, went to college worked 2 jobs, and sometimes, we had rough times, but somehow made it. When I graduated from college, I became a social worker for abused children. My heart poured out to them. I wanted to take them all home! After 6 years, I was a little emotionally drained, but no regrets! I changed careers into real estate, but still help out in every way I can.

For every bad person in this world, there are atleast 1,000 good people! We can make a difference! I am a newbie to AR, but not to real estate. Just in the 6 months on AR, I have felt alot of gratitude, for the endless amount of help on AR! Lots of good people on here. This is how the world changes!! God Bless You! Just sent you $50 on paypal!!

Kelly Anderson

Bob...God's Blessings!!! On my way to donate!

Bob -

Thanks for your wonderful blog. We do the same for a family here and in addition, our kids instead of getting birthday presents for thier party we ask all their friends to bring canned goods - last year my son collect 365 pounds of food for Project Mana. My kids love giviing and hopefully we are instilling in them that giving is not just for Chirstmas but all year. Thanks for doing this.

Tracy Suanders - Distinctive Homes Sotheby's Intl. Lake Tahoe

I just read you blog and donated through pay pal. Thanks for doing this. We are also doing stuff through our church and if you log on tow www.TheGiftRevolution.com you can see all the stories of little and big things that everyday people around the world are doing to help those in need. We have numerous churches around the world participating but we started the "Revolution" here! Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

Gail Cruz

RE/MAX Premier Associates

Weston, Florida

Count me in, was going to donate the $10 spot then re read it to my Hubby and noticed the localisim part. You bet buddy, count me in. Also, this hits a spot for us as my current Hubby helped me raise our 3 kids after a very volitile abusive relationship I was in. 4 months after the last kid left home, we took in 2 wee ones, coming from a broken home, currently 3 and 4 and I dont think we will ever be alone. LOL

Hi, Bob - As a former single mother and victim of the same, I am proud to submit my donation. I do hope that our little gifts add up to a significant amount to help this family.

You guys are so great!!

To everyone that has donated, I really can not say thank you enough. We started the shopping today and have been able to get all the 'needs' taken care of. We are still a little bit away from being able to get at least one 'want' for each kid. I know we'll make it though. We have an estimate of what the cost will be and once we hit that goal (minus the ActiveRain contribution), I will turn off the donation portion of the post.

To all of you that have shared your personal stories, thank you!! Someone above made the comment that growing up with domestic violence is often hard on kids and showing them that there are people in this world that care can make a tremendous difference......I could not agree more. I was fortunate growing up to have some very strong role models in my life that really had a positive impact on me. I can't thank them enough.

I'll be back to update before long......

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help someone out this Christmas. My donation has been made.

Robert - Thank you for the opportunity.

Bob, Thanks for the opportunity to help this family. "Peace on earth" begins at home.

Hope this helps- it seems even though the economy is down people are being more generous this year than ever. Maybe it is hitting closer to home.

Rita Tayenaka Coast to Canyon Real Estate

WHAT AN INSPIRING STORY. I JUST DONATED, I WANT TO ADOPT A FAMILY AS WELL NOW. GOOD JOB, HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. THERE SHOULD BE MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU.

THANKS,

ISABEL.

DEC

Bob, I'm putting a check in the mail to you today. I'm making it out to AR but will put the Zorro family name in the comments.

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to be part of an organization that cares about others. I haven't made any money from AR yet but my time will come. I look forward to getting to know each of you. I appreciate your efforts and the time you give to the members.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

You go, Bob!!!! Awesome job!

Hi Bob,

This is a great way to show the ActiveRain spirit. I will join the others that have donated. However, I'm not licensed yet. Can I give the Localism sponsorship to one of my clients?

DEC

Better late than never... I think it is great that there is so much Active Rain Spirit... You guys have been great!

DEC

Hi Bob, thanks for organizing this. It's a wonderful cause. What is the update so far? How much has been raised for this family?

JAN

Hey Bob.... Just noticed my credit card was charged for the monthly sponsorship fee. Do we need to submit something to notify AR bookkeeping that a donation of $50 was made ?

FEB

Um, I just noticed the same thing, Bob. Please let us know what's going on. You haven't posted back on this article since 12/16/08 and people are asking questions :-)

FEB

Yesterday I saw my credit card was hit again so I used the "Contact ActiveRain" button in the bottom right corner. Filled out their form and hit send but today I got a notice that my submission was flagged as spam! Time for a TEE'D OFF TUESDAY post.....

Dan - I just sent Bob a message through AR about this too. My husband brought it up last night. You must both be on the same wavelength.

I will get all of you that donated comped here shortly. I will also issue a refund for the two months that your cards have been hit.

You all did a marvelous thing and the family had the best Christmas ever!!

First step done:

Everyone who donated $50 and who was charged for Localism the last two months, you have been issued a refund for $18. (The cost of your free city/community for two months)

The next step is to get everyone comped moving forward........Those of you that already have sponsorships, I will comp one of those. Those of you that do not have any, I will be reaching out to you to figure out what you want.

Bob, is it too late to donate to this particular family? Are you still able to get funds to them? This was a great way to show your concern. I would have enjoyed reading a follow-up post. Did you do one?

FEB

pssst ... I told myself at first that I just imagined this part of it of Bob's post "I need you guys to come through for me so I am going to offer a free year long Localism sponsorship to anyone that makes a donation of $50 or more."

It looks like I donated $50. I got the refund on February 10, 2009 but I am NOT currently sponsoring communities on Localism. At first I thought the refund was a partial refund of the January 7, 2009 fee for 4 communities that I sponsored (I had a 5th for free,) I deleted my sponsored communities on January 8,2009 when goaded to by Rich J in comments on this post. "Is anyone from ActiveRain twisting your arm and forcing you to pay? Are we holding your family members hostage in lieu of your monthly sponsorship fee? If you don't see a value in something, don't pay for it....."

I believed the sponsored communities would stay up through the month that had been charged to me the day before. Or were we paying at the end of the month was the January 7 billing through Jan 7? When they came down immediately I used the Contact ActiveRain to to ask for a refund. No response.

Maureen,

Here is a comment I left a few days ago:

"First step done:

Everyone who donated $50 and who was charged for Localism the last two months, you have been issued a refund for $18. (The cost of your free city/community for two months)

For the next step, I have a minor roadblock. My comp tool on my admin console is broken. The developers are doing a bunch of work on Localism to get it ready to launch to the public so they are trying to hold me off to upload the fix for that admin issue at the same time they do the upgrades. Once I have that, everyone will get the chance to let me know what area they want comped as part of their donation. I have you all on a list and will contact each of you to find out what area you want comped.

The beauty of it is that my comp tool has no 'end date' feature. So when I do get the comps in place, they will essentially be lifetime comps instead of just a year. (because I am too scatterbrained to put it on my calendar to go back in a year and end the comp.)

MAR

Hi, Rich - looks like it didn't work. I got charged again.

MAR

Geez, I was charge the $50 for my donation on 12/15/08. The good news is I wasn't charged for the Localism sponsorship fee; the bad news is I didn't get the promised Localism sponsorship in the first place. Can you take a look at that and correct it, Bob? Thanks!

I'm terribly sorry, I have this little admin console that allows me to comp people and it has been broken for about three months. I have been battling with our developers to fix it and they are trying to get me to wait until the opening up of Localism for the public to contribute. Which is coming soon.

I have everyone on a list with all your email addresses for those that contributed and just as soon as that little console is fixed I will be taking care of you all, probably more that I promised.

You da man, Bob...you da man.

MAR

Bob, I just found this post. Can I still make a donation to this family?
I know all about domestic violence and I'm a single Mom myself.
This brought tears to my eyes.
Let me know if I can still help....

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