User post: How would you help a friend in need?

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  Posted by jen Fri Nov 6, 2009 10:00am PST

  Probably helping her out around the house would be a huge help, especially if she's just had surgery with a long recovery. I'd say home cooked dinners that are easily freezable, mowing, handyman stuff. If she's out of a job, that might be especially important. And just the general shoulder to cry on!

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  Posted by Sarah Y Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:43am PST

  It's hard to know what to do. I think bringing over hot meals every other day is nice. Then, she doesn't have to worry about cooking (or paying for as much food). Maybe you and some other friends could create a meal rotation. At my church, we take new mothers a hot meal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We trade off, so that we each only end up bringing a meal every other week. You just need five other people to start a rotation. I really hope her situation improves soon. I have a couple of family members that are unemployed right now. It's such a difficult time!

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  Posted by Alayna m Fri Nov 6, 2009 12:24pm PST

  Cleaning her house would most likely be a big help, i know that helping someone that is just got back form the hospital that having a clean house is a big help.

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  Posted by Patty Cake Fri Nov 6, 2009 12:38pm PST

  How about having a group yard sale and taking the money and paying it on her utilities or rent.

  At my church the ladies of the church often collect food from our own pantries to help someone in need.

  Sell dinners - this is hard work- but if you have someone that is a good cook in the group it can be profitable.

  Last but not least pray for your friend. Hope she is better soon.

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  Posted by Em Fri Nov 6, 2009 1:02pm PST

  -Find local food banks

  -Ask for church donations

  -Call the electicity company now, explain the situation, and see what they can do to help before she falls too far behind

  -Re-write her resume,start looking for jobs which she can do at home from a computer

  -She should join a grocery store medicine program (sometimes you can get generic prescription drugs for free)

  -See if there are any programs in your area to help with rent etc

  -Call the hospital billing department now, and help her fill out forms for assistance with paying the bills

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  Posted by Jett Fri Nov 6, 2009 2:37pm PST

  Wow, thanks, everyone. These are good ideas.

  Em: I didn't know that about the grocery store medicine program.

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  Posted by omerlm Fri Nov 6, 2009 6:23pm PST

  when i was between jobs, i scoured my house for useless stuff to sell on ebay/craigslist. everything from random clothes i finally admit i couldn't wear anymore to juicers to cds/dvds. might scour up a few hundred bucks, it did for me.

  i agree on helping out around the house. laundry, cleaning, whatever.

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  Posted by CeilK Fri Nov 6, 2009 7:42pm PST

  Call your state representative/senator's office and federal representative/senator's office. They should help you identify the programs your friend is eligible for.

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  Posted by CeilK Fri Nov 6, 2009 7:43pm PST

  Also, call the local United Way and Salvation Army for ideas. Good luck!

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  Posted by Landslide Help Fri Nov 6, 2009 8:34pm PST

  set up a fund for her at a community bank- people can e-mail all ther friends with her story. Even $5 from a few people would help & you can do it anonymously if you don't want her to know or set up a pay pal acct. the same way. Good Luck

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