Can You Be A Santa For A Local Family? (Updated)

From Friends of the 46th Ward Schools:

Brennemann Family in Need of Christmas Assistance.  Can You Help?

We've received a holiday request from Brennemann Elementary regarding one of their families. They have a single mother with two children, a six-year-old boy with autism and a seven-year-old girl. The family is homeless and the mother has no financial means to purchase gifts for her children.

We are looking for a donor (or multiple donors) to either purchase gifts for this family (including the mother) or donate money to Friends of the 46th Ward Schools (via Paypal) so we can purchase gifts for them.  Gifts for this family need to be dropped off at Brennemann School by this Friday, December 19 (the last day of school before the winter break.

If you are able and willing to help us give this family a nice Christmas, please e-mail us at friends46thwardschools@gmail.com ASAP for additional details.  We will coordinate if we have multiple donors interested in helping and we can also handle drop-off to the school if you are unable to drop-off during school hours this week.  Thank you!!  We know we will be able to make this happen for this family!

Update (Tuesday morning) from Friends of the 46th Ward Schools:

"We knew we would find people in our network to take care of the family at Brennemann. We just didn't know how many! At this time we have received more than enough donations to provide the family with a very wonderful Christmas. Thank you to all of our amazing donors. You have made a huge difference to this family!

We are still happy to accept monetary donations, of course, but anything we receive at this point will be used to support other needs at the schools in the 46th Ward. You can donate to Friends of the 46th Ward Schools through this Paypal link: http://46thwardschools.weebly.com/donate.html.

You may also donate directly to one of these homeless shelters in Uptown: Cornerstone Community Outreach (http://www.ccolife.org/donate/), The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge (http://www.salarmychicago.org/services/emergencyLodge.htm), or Sarah's Circle (http://www.sarahs-circle.org/). These shelters support many children attending the schools in the 46th Ward.

We are sincerely overwhelmed and inspired by the outpouring of generosity from the members of our community over the last 12 hours. It has been amazing to watch and reminds us once again that most people are, in fact, good and kind. We are also reminded that one person truly can make a difference in the life of someone they don't even know.

Sending wishes to you all for a warm holiday season!"