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Braie Tysiak hasn't added a story.
For the holidays each year, I adopt a family in need and buy them what I can. This year, the family became known to me in a unique way and all they really want is a washer and dryer so they can stop cleaning the clothes by hand.
I'm a third grade teacher in Phoenix, AZ. Where I teach is the lowest economic area in the city. This request is not for myself. I'm trying to help the family of a student.
Update: I'm not sure enough money will be raised to buy the family what I really wanted to. However, I will give every penny to the family. I will try to buy a used washer and dryer. If not, I will just buy the one they will need most. Any left over money will go towards buying other things they need like clothes and maybe some toys for the kids.
Short Version:
I will respect the time of those who are busy and say that this is for a family who recently had their mother die and they wash their clothes by hand.
Long Version:
Alex is an eight year old, ray of sunshine. He is always smiling, very polite, and tries his best each day. As his teacher, I can tell you that manners and dedication are rare qualities in most kids these days. These qualities are even more rare in the hardened attitudes for the rough area where I teach.
When I met Alex's father at a parent-teacher conference, I could clearly see that he gets his positive attitude from his dad. For this reason, I was truly shocked when Alex's father shared with me about the recent death of Alex's mother.
During the school year, I have had the opportunity to learn about Alex and his family. His dad works very hard to support Alex, his 5 year old sister, and their baby brother. The family now lives with grandma and grandpa so dad can work more, now that mom has passed away. My heart breaks for this family. They are so kind, polite, and loving; despite their tragedy. Their whole family gives me hope that good people are still in this world.
Each year, I "adopt" a family in my community for Christmas. As a teacher, I may not make much money but I know there are people in this world who need much more than I do. This year I chose Alex's family. I called to ask Alex's Grandma what the family really needed, knowing if I called his dad I would be told they will be "alright" and "not to worry."
Grandma talked about the kids needing clothes and we went over sizes. When I asked about Alex's dad, she told me how proud she was that he lost weight. She told me how he said, "I'm the only parent my kids have left. I need to be here as long as I can for them." He changed his eating habits and lost 60lbs. Because of this, he could also use new clothes.
When I asked what she, being Grandma, and Grandpa could use, her voice caught in her throat and I could hear her holding back tears. She said she was so blessed with seeing her son and grandchildren each day that she really didn't need anything. I pressed, knowing that there must be something I could do for her.
After a long emotion filled pause, she began to cry. Through the tears she told me what they really need is a dryer. She explained how they wash and dry the family's clothes by hand. She said she doesn't mind but now that it is cold out, the clothes do not dry very well. She cried because the children only have 1 or 2 uniforms and sometimes they are still wet in the morning when they dress for school. She hates sending them out in the winter cold with damp clothes. I told her I would try to help.
To be honest, I can't afford a washer and dryer. I am a school teacher after all. I really want to help this family but I could only do it if other kind people help out too. I appreciate any support you can give.
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