need writing help - and I know you all can help

Kaitlin'smom wrote: Okay my sitter, who had watched Kaitlin since 6 weeks old, her son, some may remember about his illnesses, had leukemia and now hos LKS, a very rare disorder. Well they are doing fund rasing for the family with all the medical bills that keep piling up from everything, his last perscription alone was $150 for a month, thats after insurance and thats only one of the meds. Anyway now the city they live in tells them they have till Aug to redo there driveway of course they have no money for that so I was thinking of calling/writhing to some of the driveway companies around here and see if they would be willing to donate a new driveway to them or maybe for extremily cheep with a payment option or something. Anyone have some ideas of how to not only approch the compaines but what to write or say?

luvmykids replied: That's very kind and thoughtful of you, Di.

Dear So and So,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Smith family. They are in need of driveway repair and due to the illness of their son unable to afford it. He is ___ old and suffers a rare condition called LKS, which is ______________________. Unfortunately, insurance only covers _______________ and with a single prescription running $150 the family is under great strain financially.

The city has given them until August to make the needed repairs and any time or materials you may be willing to donate would be greatly appreciated.



I think I can do better, let me think on it for a bit. Also, depending on what they need, a handyman type service may be cheaper (if it comes to paying for it) than an actual asphalt or concrete company.

Kaitlin'smom replied: the only thing the city inspecor guy will accept is total tear out and redone, part of it is bad but some I feel could be fine, if the darn city worker woudl just work with them.

thanks thats a great start

MommyToAshley replied:
I would write the city as well and fill them in on the situation. Maybe the worker isn't willing to work with them, but the city commissioner probably would be. Or... maybe even write the mayor. Anyone that is publicly elected isn't going to want bad press about this.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
thats a good idea also

lisar replied:
I think thats a great idea.

grapfruit replied:
That sounds like Piqua

Miranda1127 replied: it may be a good idea to offer the contrator free advertisement. after he/she is finished with the job allow the contrator to place a sign on the property to advertise his/her work.

redchief replied: Consider sharing the story with the media, too. If you decide to go with the letter writing campaign, follow the letters up with phone calls. If you decide to work the city angle, speak with the mayor's office telling them how important it is to you that the community get behind this family in need. Often construction office functionaries are unable to see past the codes they are enforcing to the human problems.

Kaitlin'smom replied: thanks for all the help and suggestions, I am going to start working on this, I just hope I can find someone to help them. There is a fundraiser for them next month and I would love to present this to them there along with whoever offers the work, if I can pull it off. I know there will be some news stations and radio stations there, so there woudl be good publicty fro them.

MommyToAshley replied:
I'd be sure to relay the information about the fund raiser and the media attention in your letters. The free publicity will probably help persuade someone to help.

Kaitlin'smom replied: deffinatly plan on that

I just feel so bad for them, and seeing him regress is sad, all the stress of there finances is terrible. If anyone wants to read a little more about him I have the link to his webpage.