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I don't know what was posted on the other board but I will just list some thoughts.

I am sure that this womans mind is on overload right now. She probably needs someone to help her organize the bills and all the mail that comes into her home. My mom has been learning for the last two years about everything my dad had going on that she didn't realize before.

She should also make contact with the county to see what if any help there may be for her there. I hope that her dh had life insurance or some benefits through his job.

She ofcourse will need help with childcare and meals.

As she is checking into all the possible help there may be out there she should have someone with her to be a second set of ears. That person will hear things differently and remember them better than the woman in need.

Have her check to see if on any of her bills they had purchased the disability or death insurance that allows them to delay payment of bills or pays off the balance incase of death. This can be a wonderful asset in her situation.

I think going to the grocery store and bringing bags of basic staple items would be nice. Don't make her make the decision on what you buy. Just shop and deliver it.

I hope this helps out a little. I am drawing from things we did with my mom when we had to fianlly put my dad in a nursing home and he wasn't able to communicate about the finances to her.

mom to:
Ryan 32 The Lawyer
Jason 30 The Chief Meteorologist
Chris 30 The College Student
Tim 30 The college grad

I love hearing their versions of their childhood memories!!

As far as fund raising goes you can always try a car wash. The stations usually will donate the water and sometimes the soap. VFW's are a good place to try. If you have someone present a request at one of their meetings. They usually have gambling funds that they have to donate back to the city. VFW's also will allow you to host a pancake breakfast.

Do you have a product testing organization that you could set up with. You supply the taste testers and they pay your group. The one in MN is the Bureau of Family Opinion. I don't know what the names would be elsewhere. A group can usually bring in about $1,000.00.

You could arrange a silent auction with donated items.

Some states allow raffle tickets with cash prizes to be sold. You have to check with your local gaming board to see if that is legal.

Candy bar sales are always a great fund raiser. You make 50% on your sales.

There was just a huge blood drive at our local middle school to raise funds and I guess they did awesome. I just heard the results but wasn't involved. One of the students there was diagnosed with cancer.
They actually had to set up a second day because of the awesome turnout.

Look for places that sell pulltabs, such as local bars. Those funds have to be donated back into the community. Find out what group owns the pulltab booth and request for a cash donation from them.

You can always solicit donations by putting an ad or article in your local community newspaper.

I know she will appreciate anything your group can do.

mom to:
Ryan 32 The Lawyer
Jason 30 The Chief Meteorologist
Chris 30 The College Student
Tim 30 The college grad

I love hearing their versions of their childhood memories!!

Don't forget to check and see if the children should be able to get social security survivors benefits.

A call to the local Cooperative Extension Services office (same group that runs 4H programs) should be able to enlist her the aid of a Cooperative Extension Services Agent who will know every program available that can assist her.

MTM - mom to Michael(84),Stephan(85), Thomas, Matthew and Kathryn - born 12/27/99 at 32w 0 days