Saturday, November 5, 2011

It's That Time Of Year!

My mom is a social worker for DSPD (Division of Services for People With Disabilities). Each year around the holiday season, she picks a family or two that is in great need for my friends and I to help out. For Thanksgiving we gather all the food in a traditional Thanksgiving meal and deliever it a couple nights before. In the past the families have been very appreciative and look forward to cooking a big feast together! Those selected are in great need and are amazing people!

The family we have selected for the Thanksgiving meal this year have a very unique story. They are a family of five from Tonga. Their son had a brain tumor that needed immediate attention. Due to the lack of health care in Tonga they came to the U.S. for treatment. Unfortunately, during treatment the surgery went amiss and resulted in permanent brain damage. The family can not go back to Tonga because they need to continue to to receive proper health care. Since they are not legal residents they can not gain employement. The father sells homemade wood carvings and will do yard work for neighbors to try and obtain an income. They are currently trying to gain citizenship, but it is $8,000.00 per person and they don't have the money for it. I have worked with this family in the past and they are truly amazing people. They are very humble and would greatly appreciate a hearty meal to share with the family!

I am asking for help from anyone that wants to get involved in the holiday spirit. The more people that can help, the more families we can bring a bit of joy too! Below is a list of items needed. If you would rather donate money for the items that is fine too. We need to gather the items by no later than November 22nd to ensure that they can prepare the meal in time! Please contact me via e-mail tracymarikobarnes@gmail.com or by phone 801-205-4541 if you can help out. Thanks again!



  • Turkey

  • Potatoes/instant works too

  • Gravy mix

  • Cranberry sauce

  • Yams

  • Green beans

  • Stuffing

  • Pumpkin pie

  • Rolls

  • Drinks










No comments:

Post a Comment