Help a co-worker in need?

oscarsmommy

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
2,803
Purraise
8
Location
O-H-I-O!
So I found out today that a co-worker of mine is really struggling for money and can barely afford diapers for her 18 month old this week let alone groceries for her family. She only works part-time and her husband owns his own business and it is not doing well. We just recently are becoming a little more aquainted. I don't have a lot of money and wanted to get a giftcard for a grocery store but I am short on money this week also and we don't get paid until the 29th. She told me she is going to have to go to a shelter to beg for groceries. I feel so extremely bad. I was pretty hard onher when she first started and judged her by first impression. I feel like such a terrible person. Since I wanted to do something, Trav and I have food that we have extras of and I was going to get a gallon of milk and some bread. I don't know if it would be inappropriate to donate it to her. I don't want her to feel like a charity case but Travis and I do pretty well on our own. I was going to do it at lunch when no one else is around so I don't make her feel embarrassed. I just wanted someone else's opinion. Thanks, guys
 

cheshirecat

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
May 26, 2006
Messages
981
Purraise
22
Location
New Hampshire
I think it sounds like a very nice thing to do.

When you said you don't have much money my first thought was "maybe give her something that you have that she needs". Or invite her to dinner.

But it sounds like you have it figured out.

Also, giving it to her privately is good. She is probably embarrassed enough just telling you she needs help.
 

nurseangel

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jul 6, 2007
Messages
10,132
Purraise
4,820
Location
1 Happy Place
What a kind gesture! I think anything you could do for her would be appreciated. Even if you can't afford much, I'm sure she'll be glad for any help she is given.
 

natalie_ca

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
21,136
Purraise
223
Location
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I think she will be glad for the helping hand! But like you already suggested, do it in private.

Unfortunately, there are many more out there in her same situation, or even worse. Hard times out there
 

esrgirl

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
2,163
Purraise
2
Location
Indiana
I think it's wonderful as well. My husband I and fell on hard times and received that sort of support as well. It's awful when you literally can't scrape up the change to buy some milk and bread. A lot of us have been there. If you can help, go for it, just do it in private. We've all needed help at some point in our lives, there is no shame in that. Bless you for wanting to help her.
 

sharky

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
27,231
Purraise
38
I agree with private... also make sure she has if qualifing applied for food stamps
 

goldenkitty45

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Messages
19,900
Purraise
44
Location
SW Minnesota
I would take her aside in private and tell her you have some extras at home and would love to give them to her - NO strings attached. Just ask her when she wants you to stop by with the stuff. Do this outside of work - don't be bringing it into work in front of others.
 

dusty's mom

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 13, 2005
Messages
2,176
Purraise
13
Location
California
Or perhaps you could drop it by her home anonymously and leave it on her front porch.

She needs to know how to apply for WIC (Women, Infants, Children) aid. She can get some staple food items for free. Also she needs to know how to get a medical card, food stamps, etc.
 

katiemae1277

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Nov 28, 2005
Messages
20,445
Purraise
17
Location
NE OH
Courtney, I'm pretty sure they are still doing it in our little town, but the Angel Ministry? sells these huge boxes of food for like $15 or something. They are located at the end of the plaza where Legends is, behind Wal-Greens. My neighbor goes there and she gave me a flyer about it
She got some really good stuff in her box
 

blueyedgirl5946

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Sep 10, 2005
Messages
14,593
Purraise
1,695
Sounds like they need to apply for welfare help. Also sometimes churches in the area will help.
Bless you for your caring heart and for helping.
 

oodlesofpoodles

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
238
Purraise
1
Location
Philadelphia
I think that is a very kind idea, and if you are very worried about embarressing her perhaps just kind of non chalantely mention how you have a bunch of things you accidently bought too much of and don't want to waste it and are wondering if she would like it. I am sure she will know this isnt the complete truth but it might make her feel less like a charity case. either way though it is a very great and gracious idea. good for you!
 
Top