the network for radical unschooling families

Asking for help for fellow unschoolers...

Some of you may have heard that the Allen family from Orlando Fl suffered a house fire this past week. (Robin is a member of RUN). They are all physically ok, but they lost their sweet, sweet dog and 3 kitties.

Robin has told me how amazing her community support has been and she is finding many blessings in this tragedy. However, as the week has progressed they have been able to take stock of their belongings. It is pretty bleak. They are only able to salvage their clothes and 2 dressers.

In an email this morning Robin told me the neighbors are having a hard time understanding their priorities after they threw away their flat screen tv, but spent 8 hours trying to save the polly pockets the girls have spent 6 years collecting! Unfortunately, they were unable to get rid of the odor and had to toss the collection.

Even though Robin is holding it all together way better than I could imagine, I know she is hurting for her kids' losses.

I have heard, in the past, of unschoolers getting together to help each other out and thought that this might be an idea for the Allens. I'm not exactly sure how to organize, or what exactly we can do...but would love to hear from you with ideas or insight.

When asked, Robin told me that the things the kids will miss the most are:
Makeup and cosmetic supplies for Melissa (age 12)
Bakugan and Yugioh binders/protectors for Sam (age 10)
and Polly Pockets and accessories for Maddie (age 6)

They already have a place to live starting next week, so that is good. Until then a hotel is generously letting them stay in a suite.

So, if you have anything to contribute to the Allens, or this conversation, let me know. I will do as much organizing and help as I possibly can.

Thanks,
Jean Dorsey

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jean Dorsey on June 21, 2009 at 5:57pm: I know there is a way to set up a paypal account for the Allens, but I don't know how. Maybe if people like that idea, someone could tell me how to do it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Heather on June 21, 2009 at 7:51pm: https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/xcl/rec/donate-intro

Try this link. It's about paypal donations.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jean Dorsey on June 21, 2009 at 8:48pm: Great. How can people donate? I'm not familiar with paypal.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jean Dorsey on June 21, 2009 at 9:02pm: Thank you!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sybelle on June 22, 2009 at 12:00am: Our almost 12 yo girl is done with her Pollies. Not the greates collection in the world, but if you think they would appreciate it, I think she'd be glad to let Maddie have them....
Where to mail them???
Sybelle; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jean Dorsey on June 22, 2009 at 4:33am: I am waiting to find out the best place to mail things. I will let you know as soon as I hear.
Thanks!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jean Dorsey on June 22, 2009 at 9:15am: Hi everyone.
Here is Robin's address:
P O Box 701749, St Cloud, FL 34770.

If you are interested in using Paypal you just send it to her email: OHPURPLE1@aol.com.

Thanks so much everyone!; ▶ Reply to This