Story Time
(moral of the story? We are stronger together.)
Last weekend, I was (as so many are) feeling desperate and helpless, watching the ever violent news cycle and the complete disregard for due process, let alone humanity.
What could I do?
It felt like very little, so I went for a run. (Running helps me think.)
I had the thought to reach out to a friend who works in immigration law. I knew she must know of someone in need, and she did.
Not just one, but 40 children.
I reached out to her pastor who is caring for the separated families, some with parents already deported, many awaiting the same fate.
Their biggest need? Money for legal fees and food.
By lunch, I’d posted a simple request.
In 28 minutes, you donated $1,000.
In 1 hour, you donated $4,000.
In 4 hours, we hit $10,000.
By hour 7, you’d donated over $20,000.
My phone dinged all day long. It was the happiest sound!
By the end of the night, we hit $30,000.
I assumed it would taper off, but then you started sharing the original post on your feeds.
In two days…just 48 hours, YOU donated over $50,000. I haven’t cried this much since postpartum, and trust me, it was a tearful one!
The generosity was so moving, I still don’t have the adequate words to express my thanks.
I started with $50, and you literally multiplied it by 1000.
You know what else is pretty miraculous? Most of the donations were $20 or under.
The purpose of sharing this is to show that yes—alone, I wasn’t going to make much of a difference. Together, however, we accomplished quite a bit. We are so much better together.
They want us to feel alone and helpless, but we’re not. I hope we can all keep this momentum going in our own communities. Let’s get out of our comfort zones, let’s befriend, let’s share, let’s create, let’s love.
All of the transfers and receipts will continue to be uploaded to my stories and highlights on instagram. Names will be redacted for privacy and safety during these unprecedented times.
I’ve stopped taking donations, but I urge you to look for places to donate to in your communities. Find those in need. @dearhyssop is collecting funds right now for her community! Let’s see if we can rally around them, and then move on to the next. It just takes $5 at a time, and we can do so much good together.
My ICE OUT free poster printable is still available for download at this link. And good news! Crowd Signs has reached out to collaborate again on a yard sign fundraiser. I’ll be transferring the files to them this week and will keep you posted on our progress if this is something you’re interested in purchasing.
I’m heading out to a Valentine’s exchange because I truly believe when we gather together, we are strengthened. It’s just as important to find joy together during these are times as it is to be vigilant. Take care of your selves.
Sending lots of love from our snowless mountain—ajj