Hi friends! We have a unique opportunity this year to come together and help families in need this Christmas! Below I’ve included some stories of families that need extra help this year, and by banding together, I know we can make a HUGE impact. Together, we have the opportunity to create a massive amount of change for each of them.
Each of these wishlists was created by the families in need, and some of the items on these lists are less than $10. Anything you purchase will be shipped directly to the family in need, and you can even include a personal note to encourage them! Once an item has been purchased, it disappears from the the wishlist. Let’s fulfill these, and add more!
Anything you can donate will make a difference in their lives. Let’s band together and give these families an amazing Christmas! And above all, please PRAY for these families. Pray that the Lord would touch them in a real and tangible way this Christmas, and they would feel His love through our giving!
Let’s do this, friends! I am so grateful you would do this with me!!! xoxo, Daryl-Ann
The Pehlic Family || I would actually like to nominate my parents for the amazon wishlists. My parents both came here as refugees escaping the Bosnian war with not a dollar in their hands and a family to take care of. My parents have been together 22 years, and have 6 children including me. The youngest is 2, my brother is 13, and the girls are 10,11 and 12. Four of the children are my parents and the 10 and 12 year old girls are adopted. The girls lost their mother to cancer and their father is in prison so my parents knew they wanted to bring the girls home. My mom is currently pursuing her bachelors degree but this has become a 6 year process due to the unexpected surprise of my baby sister. My parents had me at 16, so I am 18 years older then my baby sister. My dad is disabled due to an accident that occurred. He was hit by a drunk driver fought for his life, and is still struggling to come to grasp the events both emotionally and physically. My mother was forced back to work with having no one to watch the kids since I am in full time nursing school so she is only able to work part time. This past year they have been living on less then 1000 a month at times, looking forward to disability checks. The kids have been through so much, and I myself am In full time nursing school and had to find my way to one day be able to help them out. They have all been taking hand me downs from friends we know, and I know. The kids have always loved the holidays, as any child would. I have been trying to work over time and do what I can but I am paying for my tuition since my parents can’t. I want the kids to have the Christmas they haven’t been able to have in a couple years due to the many turns that have occurred in their lives. From adopting 2 kids right after having a a baby, to only one parent working part time it’s been a long looking like never ending road. Although my parents have gone through this all they have never reached out for help
Amazon Wishlist for the Pehlic Family
The Barberan Family || I would like to nominate my aunt. She’s 52 years old & recently adopted a 5-year-old boy and another 5-year-old boy is pending adoption (not related). She also adopted a 9-year-old girl. She became a foster mom late in life after not being able to have biological children with her husband. She had the little girl since she was 3 & a half years old until she was up for adoption. Both boys have been with her since they were 1. The first little boy’s parents signed over their rights last December and was adopted earlier this year. Her daughter’s mom gave up her rights earlier this year and the adoption is pending. After having them for so long and growing to love them she couldn’t imagine giving them away but it isn’t easy for them to buy presents for three kids. My aunt is such a special person and really helps anyone and everyone above herself and I would really love to do this for her.
Amazon Wishlist for the Barberan Family
Nichole S & Family || “My mom is a single mom of 5. Me being the oldest (25). She had me young and always did her absolute best to make sure we had whatever we wanted. She struggled, we never saw. With me being an adult, with my own family I see this now. She would do absolutely anything for anyone. And she actually does. She’s always putting everyone’s happiness before her own. It’s her turn. This past year has been an extremely hard one for her. As she still has a 17, 11, 8 year old at home. She had to have multiple surgeries on her knee causing her to be out of work for a long time. She finally got the courage to up and leave a very very emotional/verbal abusive relationship she was in for quite awhile (the father of her two youngest). She has spent basically all she has on lawyers because it has been a long exhausting battle with this man. My mom need a break. She needs a miracle. She needs help. She might not be medically sick. But she’s fought some tough battles.”
Amazon Wishlist for Nichole S & Family
The Schuler Family || “I would like to nominate a family that has done nothing, but live with gracious and open hearts and follow in Christ’s footsteps. My friends Cody and Katelyn Schuler were called to be foster parents. They opened their home to a foster son, Jonathan, and in 2017 they started the process to adopt him. At the time they thought they had fulfilled their calling, but had no idea the plans God had for them. Their life has changed dramatically in the last two-three years, but they have complete faith God will provide. In January of 2018 they announced they were pregnant with their first child, Anderson. Then less than a month later Jonathan’s birth mother had a daughter named Annabelle. Although it wasn’t their plan to have more kids, the Schuler’s immediately opened their home to welcome her as well. Now in 2019, they have officially adopted Annabelle and have opened their home again to Jonathan and Annabelle’s second sibling with the same birth mother. They have been able to keep all of these siblings together. Now they have a 6 year old and three babies under 2, with only one them being their own, but love them each the same. They don’t know I am writing this, but they have inspired me with their love and faith and are so deserving of a little extra help even if they don’t ask for it themselves. (Also another kicker – they’re my age, so 25-26 years old, that in itself is a miracle, there is no way I could raise a child right now and they are selflessly raising 4 amazing kiddos).”
Amazon Wishlist for The Schuler Family
Alyssa S & Family || “This has been a challenging and traumatic past few months for my children and I. After seven words were spoken by my 4 year old son, my life was completely turned around. This event forced me to flee my home with only my children and the clothes on our backs to protect us from an abusive situation. I am now a single mom to a 5 month old, 2 year old and 4 year old and we are living in my parents basement. It would mean so much to have some of our financial burden lifted as we try to rebuild our life. We are in need of basic necessities since we left suddenly and without our belongings. I would love for my children to have a nice Christmas given all they have been through, and to get the basement conducive for us to live in. Please pray for our family in this time as we look ahead at how God is going to use our situation for good. I also want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity in helping us this Christmas. -Alyssa and family”
Amazon Wishlist for Alyssa S & Family
The Ellis Family || “I’d like to nominate my brother in law and his family as they navigate the loss of their baby Asa. Asa came into the world June 24th of last year and was diagnosed with a rare syndrome called Saethre-Chotzen. Despite doctors and nurses telling Ryan and Cassie that Asa’s life could be as short as a few weeks, he fought hard. He was brave through surgery to expand his skull so his brain could grow, he was brave through feeding tube changes and the many weekly visits to specialists. He was so strong and there was hope that he could live a very full life. Unexpectedly, he was then diagnosed in July of this year with an unrelated, terminal heart disease. He was sent home in hospice. Cassie, Ryan, and Koa (Asa’s older brother) have sacrificed the last 18 months of their life to take care it baby Asa. They have not traveled together because someone has always stayed back with Asa and his condition made him unable to stand car rides longer than 30 minutes. On December 7th, Asa went to be with Jesus. As hard as that loss is, there is comfort in knowing that Asa is not suffering anymore. I truly believe he was just not built for this world. That being said, Ryan, Cassie, and Koa deserve an amazing Christmas. Koa loves musical toys, building things, and role playing! Ryan is a musician and worship leader and can use some new equipment to help him refocus on his dream. Cassie deserves to focus on herself finally and has requested many relaxing, self care items. As a family, they are finally getting to travel and have a trip planned to the snow in January, so they need snow and camping gear.”
Amazon Wishlist for The Ellis Family
The Wilson Family || “We would like to lift up Dustin & Sarah Wilson, along with their 7-year-old daughter, Riley. This beautiful family has recently launched a church in Cleveland, TN and always puts their heart and soul into serving others in their local community. Sarah is a breast cancer survivor, but just days ago during a visit with her doctor and after some substantial evaluation, she has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer affecting her lungs, liver and spine. Due to their recent transition into church planting, they do not currently have insurance. They have submitted the application for coverage beginning in January through healthcare.gov. The community and their church family is fervent in prayer and believing in full healing, but they could use some extra help during these difficult times. You may gift them something of your choice from their wish list, but you can also visit myneochurch.org to donate directly. Most importantly, keep this family in your prayers and believe with us for rapid recovery. Tomorrow (12/11) Sarah will meet with her oncologist to go over pathology reports and determine the best possible treatment plan.”
Amazon Wishlist for The Wilson Family
Madison || LIST HAS BEEN FULFILLED || “My youngest sibling, Madison, just turned 20 in August. Our mother passed away December 16, 2018 after a 5 year battle with colon cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer at 45 years young, then at 46 it unfortunately progressed to stage 4. The doctors gave her 9-12 months, yet she went on to fight for 4 more years. My little sister, Madison, was tasked with caring for my mother the last years of her life. From 14-19, Madison missed out on so much; high school, dances, football games, etc., just to be home with our mom. The last year of her life, 2018, Madison legally became her PCA and was her care taker 24/7. Once our mom passed in December, my husband and I put my sister in an apartment that we own, so we could help her adjust to living on her own. We helped her find work, so she could adjust to supporting herself and paying bills. Madison recently started working at a facility which administers dialysis for patients with kidney failure. The one wish my mom had for her was to pursue nursing, as she knew how amazing my sister was, and still is, at caring for others. This is the first Christmas she will be waking up alone, with no presents or tree (last year we celebrated Christmas early knowing my mom was near the end of life). And everything my baby sister did to care for our mom, there would never be enough money or presents or thanks to give her. I would love to help my sister get back on her feet with some new work scrubs, and maybe some gift cards, and really just try to make this first Christmas a little more bearable.”
Amazon Wishlist for Madison
The Howse Family || LIST HAS BEEN FULFILLED || “I am nominating my friend Victoria because this year seems like it just wasn’t theirs to enjoy. Her husband, Mike, was injured at work and since he has diabetes he caught an infection fast on his left foot. His left foot was amputated. Unfortunately, his work is fighting the injury and it is leaving him with nothing and yet all of the bills. Victoria has gotten a second job and is still struggling to pay the bills. She works long hours and top of that takes care of their two daughters, Sophia (6) and Lynnea (2).”
Amazon Wishlist for the Howse Family
Alysa E. & Family || LIST HAS BEEN FULFILLED || Hi, My name is Alysa Ellis. I’m mom to an challenging 11 year old girl and squishy 2 year old boy. To say we have been struggling this year is an understatement. After relocating from Florida to Kentucky, we thought we were getting back on our feet. Then a few weeks ago I was laid off. It hit us hard. We have been receiving some help from the school for dinners. I’ll admit that there are several nights I went to bed starving this week, but the kids have been fed and are happy. I can’t even begin to think about Christmas time. We need this help so bad! Every resource I’ve used is just gone. I just want to see the kids smile on Christmas morning! Thank you for this opportunity.”
