Day 1: Our recipient developed an infection in her spinal cord and within one week went from being a full-time working mother to a C4 Quadriplegic. She is currently at a rehab center learning how to function in the world as a wheelchair bound person. Her nominator writes, "Most people would be depressed and mournful as they adjust to a new kind of life. She has been optimistic and working so hard throughout this ordeal. She is positive she will work her way to walking again, and we are sure she will as well." Our gift today was Christmas presents for her three children, so we could at least take that off of her hands this holiday season.
Day 2: Due to a disease, today's recipient has become disabled. Therefore, mowing yards and tilling gardens for his job has become much more difficult - which limits the amount of work he can do. His nominator writes, "He still buys small gifts for friends at Christmastime to show appreciation for them helping him throughout the year. Even though he isn't able to do many things, if I ever mention a problem, he always tries to figure out a way he can help me." Our gift today was a grocery gift card to help with the expense of groceries.
Day 3: Today's recipient is a mother and a paraprofessional at West Middle School. Her nominator writes, "This nominee is a single mother who goes out of her way to make sure her child has everything she needs." She was described as the type of person who puts her family, co-workers, students and friends first before taking care of her own needs. We gave her a shopping gift card to JC Penney so she could treat herself with new clothes and shoes. We also purchased Christmas presents for her daughter.
Day 4: Today's recipient tragically lost her granddaughter this year. She was nominated by her daughter who writes, "When we lost our daughter this year, she helped us pick up the pieces of our life and deal with the situation at hand without blinking an eye. She is the best mom you could ask for, and I wish us kids could do something special for her." Our recipient received a spa day package so that she can do something nice for herself. We also felt that our nominator deserved a gift as well. She has also had a tough year losing her daughter, but chose to be selfless and nominate her mother. We chose to gift her with a spa day as well so that they could enjoy a day together.
Day 5: Today’s recipient is a security guard at Great West Casualty Company. His nominator writes, “Fred is long past retirement, and I have been told that he only works to pay for his wife’s medication. Fred is always looking out for everyone who works at GWCC. He is the first to help if you need a tire changed or a dead battery jumped. He has a friendly smile every time I see him.” Our gift to Fred was a $500 VISA giftcard that he can use to pay for his wife’s medication or other items his family may need.
Day 6: Today's recipient developed a severe case of pneumonia in November, which put him in critical condition fighting for his life. He was in the ICU for multiple days and the doctors weren't sure if he was going to pull through. We are happy to report that he is now back at home recovering. Our recipient and his wife were nominated by various members of their family. They write, "They have always been there for us. They would do anything for anybody, and they are always eager to help in any way they can. They both have hearts of gold. They are really in need of help right now." We contacted MidAmerican Energy and paid off their electric bill as our gift to them.
Day 7: Today's recipient lost her daughter earlier this year. Her nominator writes, "Her daughter was a year old and the light of her life. I know that this has been a hard year for her and if anyone is deserving of a little help she is. I have heard her talk about her car and how it needs work done. I think helping her out with her car would give her a little bit of joy this holiday season." Our gift today was $1,000 credit to go towards her vehicle repairs at Knoepfler Chevrolet.
Day 8: Today's recipient has suffered great losses in her family over the last few years, losing her son, husband, daughter and a brother. Her daughter writes, "She will always be there for anybody no matter what she is going through! She is the rock that holds our family together and the holidays are always a hard one and I would love to see that great smile on her face for the holidays!" We heard that she is a big country music fan, so our gift today was tickets to the Kelsea Ballerini concert and a gift card to SOHO! We hope that she has a wonderful time!
Day 9: Today's recipients have a daughter with a rare brain cancer which requires a lot of care and multiple monthly trips to a specialist in Omaha. Their nominator writes,"Their daughter is an 8 year old brilliant little girl with a big, loving heart. I can tell you as a Pediatric Cancer Advocate working with a few hundred families, this family BY FAR touches my heart more than most because of their humble and honest life. I really can't think of a another family that would be more worthy of help." We found out that they were in need of new tires on their vehicle, so our gift today was new tires so they can safely get to their daughter's appointments.
Day 10: Today’s recipient is a mother and grandmother who loves to cook for her family. Her nominator writes, “She needs a new refrigerator because the one she has is having problems and too small for a family of six. She is helping raise her daughter’s kids and goes above and beyond for anybody in need. Last month her mother-in-law was critically ill and she spent her savings money so her son and husband could travel to see her. She was left with nothing to get her new fridge.” We surprised our recipient with a new refrigerator! Thank you to Kollman Appliance for the help!
Day 11: Today’s recipient is a hardworking mom who will have 3 boys under the age of 3 in February! Her mother-in-law writes, “She is a selfless person who doesn’t complain. She is raising the boys, pregnant, keeping the house and working as a nurses aid in a nursing home to help pay the bills. She is a good mom! She would be thankful for anything, but they could use bunk beds for the older boys.” Our gift today was bunk beds for this family. Thank you to Mozak's Furniture & Flooring for helping us with this gift!
Day 12: Today's recipient is a hardworking, single mother who was in desperate need of a different vehicle. Her current one was running on its last leg. Her nominator writes, "Emily is a loving, caring mother who could use a different car. Lately it seems like she cannot catch a break. She needs a reliable vehicle for transportation to get to work and to take her daughter to school. The mechanic told her her current vehicle is not safe to drive out on the highway as it could break down. She is really struggling and a car would be nice, but honestly anything would help her out to brighten her day." Our gift today was a pre-owned vehicle for Emily and her daughter!
