Any Ideas on Gesture to Neighbor with Home Fire?

Hi J....
Unfortunately I speak from experience... What I appreciated most was a gift card to the nearby Walgreens or CVS. This lady will need new shampoo, deodorant, not to mention medical prescriptions refilled.
You are very thoughtful and the world is a better place because of people like you.
Merry Christmas
B.

I would ask what she would like. I know one thing about house fires you lose everything and gain terrible stress. One thing she may need most of all is someone to talk to about the past memories. I know one woman strated to go blind after her fire. I think really getting to know them might help must. Ask what really needs and tell her you mean it.

I actually help people when their homes burn down. I would suggest a restaurant gift card as she will be eating out alot. If she has any questions on how to proceed, please give her my info. She is lucky to have a neighbor like you.

M. Collazo
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Restoration Coalition
Restoring Sanity After A Disaster

You're a very generous and caring person. After a fire, she'll need so many things, you really could do anything. I would suggest bath towels and washcloths, or something along the lines of things people use every day. She is bound to get more picture frames and collectibles, etc. and the clothes will be sent to a cleaners that specializes in this sort of thing (been there, done that). It's the every day stuff that's gone and you have to run out and replace ASAP. Act as if you're shopping from a bridal registry and you see all the novelties new brides put down and think to yourself "what you REALLY need is...."

All of the ideas you mention sound wonderful. I'm certain that anything will be appreciated. I would lean toward robe/slippers and Christmas cookies or a gift card and cookies.

Hi, just you thinking about it is wonderful. My Mom & Dad just recently had a house fire, and lost sooooo much stuff due to the fire or water damage. I cannot believe how generous some people are. Not only clothes, coats, and tons of checks, gift card, etc. It is soooo kind. I went out and bought the staples of things for her (tp, kleenex, paper towels, etc., etc.). Any ideas would be great. The one thing that someone gave her which was her favorite because she really is so depressed was a Christmas Tree with the ornaments and lights and everything! She also got a tree for her porch! Or maybe even a wreath for where she is living!

And a card with a nice note sure does go a long way.

Happy Holidays. Again, this XMas I am so thankful not only for my parents being ok, but for also for so many people who have prayed for them, and given them gifts, etc. Tis the Season... Amazing!

God Bless and Take care!

I think given her situtation she would be greatful for anything. It is a very kind gesture, and I don't think you could go wrong with any kind of offer.

Another idea wouuld be get a big box, and do a flyer to everyone on the street to contribute whatever they wish and deliver her a whole box of goodies, food, household items, clothes, etc... Kind of like how people collect for food pantries.

My aunt and her family had a tornado that leveled their home and all those little things you don't think about that you use and touch every day - pens, paper (for lists - I'm sure she'll have a ton of lists), even paper plates and disposable utensils, shower curtain liners. She also really appreciated quilts that were made for her and her family. Just make a conscious effort one day to take note of all the things you touch and don't think about it and make a gift basket of those things.

Ask her SIL what size she wears and if she needs a robe and slippers...they may have picked up some things this a.m. She may need a winter coat (reasonable at Marshalls or the Coat Factory) or pants, etc. It's extremely generous of you to give. Bless you honey.

When my girlfriend's house burned a few years ago, it was the little things that were the most annoying. She had to buy makeup, socks, pens, paper, stamps, that sort of thing. You might consider a stationery pack, warm socks, books, lotions. Just a small gesture to let them know you're not intruding, but hope you can help.

How about just getting them a gift card to Walmart, Kmart or even the local grocery store and let them decide how to spend it. Even if you don't know them very well this is a gesture from the heart and not because you are close friends with them. I say gift card...

S.

God bless you for your kindness! I'm sure any gesture you make will be appreciated.

J.....I would give her a x-mas card with some cash or a check in it. This way she can maybe replace her make-up or use it to get her hair done etc. At this time people are already giving her gift cards, clothes, food etc. And since she will stay with her daughter next door that is covered. And if she doesnt want to use it for her hair or make up she can use the money anyway she wants to and doesnt have to use it at just 1 store. With these kind of things I rather give money then a gift card for these reason especially since you really dont know the taste of this women or where she likes to shop ect.

What about a gift card/gift certificate from someplace like Target, that has a huge variety of goods? So that way, if she needs clothes, or new dish towels, or a new clothes hamper, or whatever, it would be in that store, and your gift certificate could go towards it.

Or a gift card for either gasoline, utilities, or a grocery store are always appreciated.

I think your concern for your neighbor is very kind, and remind us all what this season is really about.

Merry Christmas!

J.,
How very thoughtful of you to want to do something to help her. I think the robe/slippers idea you had is perfect! I know a few people who have had bad fire damage to their homes, I cannot imagine having nothing but the clothes on your back. That's a great idea - I would go with it. Merry Christmas! L.

Having lived through this 2 years ago, I would suggest a gift card. THere are so many needs after a fire and so much devestation, Christmas cookies are a nice gesture too. I know people cooked us meals which was so helpful as well.
Just some thoughts, but your neighbor is lucky to have a caring person like you!

Dear J.,

Back in June there was a apartment fire. So my kids and I did a food drive. I had the apartment complex help me with the food drive. But I told every one about it. The people in the fire were so grateful. It took me ours to organize the food for the different families. We even had some people donate gift cards and furniture. I would maybe try a food drive or give her something nice that she could use something she needs.
B.

I would recommend a gift certificate to Target or any other store where she can do an array of shopping from clothes to home accessories as well as any other everyday need she may have lost in the fire.

Dear J., I think anything you give them will be appreciated. Maybe something like a Visa gift card would be nice that way they can spend it on whatever they need. I think that would be very nice of you even if you don't talk to them that much. People should be more like you and the world would be a nicer place. Good job!!!

All the responses you've received thus far are so awesome. Another idea might be to contact one of the local agencies or not for profits (in Sandwich they have the Franklin Mall Project that brings holiday care packages to those in need). They usually get lists weeks in advance and might not know this woman/family could use the help this year.

God bless you and all of us.

Along the lines o what others have suggested, what about a gift card from Jewel or Dominicks? I'm sure her family will be needing extra food and that will help defray the cost of restocking and taking care of meals not eaten at restaurants.