I’m reaching out on behalf of a local (Irmo, SC) mom who is going through an incredibly difficult time right now after her home unexpectedly flooded today. As someone who has gone through this myself, I personally can attest to the complete devastation this can imprint on a family. Along with the overwhelming damage and cleanup, her 10-year-old twins lost many of their everyday essentials including beds, clothing, and shoes.

I believe that God places us at the right places at the right times and puts people in our paths for a benefit in some way. Today, I happened to be outside when one of my neighbor’s children came home from school to their living room floating it water up to their knees in some rooms. Knowing their mom was out, I immediately rallied my troops. I told my neighbor “I’ve got you” My daughter and her best friend ran over there with the speed of first responders. Turned off the water main and began sucking out water with a shop vac and sump pump emptying buckets as all of her kiddos fell in line working together to do their best to mitigate the damage as fast as they could. And you know what? It is a heart breaking thing to report that people like my neighbor and people like myself are the ones that stress over how they are going to compensate these people that come to help them. Like they don’t feel deserving of love and help just because they need it.

I am a woman of faith and believe that we are directed to "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act"Proverbs 3:27. That we are to stand by our neighbor exactly when they are struggling as Proverbs 17:17 states "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." That we are to do all of these things not from a place of judgment or begrudgingly, but from a willing spirit. Scripture warns us repeatedly against hardening your heart or shutting your hand to a person experiencing poverty. Instead, it commands believers to open their hands and willingly lend or give enough to meet the specific need.

I advocate for those in need often and as the years go on even the number of shares, something completely free and effortless, that people are willing to give dwindle. Meanwhile, I held a mom of 6 today that wept at the comfort of a long hug and sound of the words “You are doing everything right. We see you. directed towards her efforts 😔.

With all that being said, we are trying to help get them back on their feet with the basics as quickly as possible. If anyone has gently used items in good condition, or would like to donate new items, it would mean more than you know. I have made this Freefunder for those who aren’t local or would rather donate funds so she can replace things as more and more destruction is revealed. Here are her immediate needs that your funds would be going towards:

Twin Girl:

• Adult Large shirts

• Junior size 16/18 pants

• Women’s size 7 shoes

• Socks

• Pajamas

Twin Boy:

• Adult Medium shirts

• 36/32 pants

• Men’s size 8 shoes

•Socks

•Pajamas

Household Needs:

Bath Towels

Bathroom set (Shower Curtain, bath mats)

Laundry Detergent

Dryer sheets

Biggest immediate need:

• Two Twin size beds/mattresses

• Two Twin size bed sheets and pillow case sets

• Two Twin size comforters

• Four Standard size Pillows

Prayers and sharing this post could help connect us with someone able to assist. Thank you in advance for those who always showing up for one another when life hits unexpectedly. This family truly needs the kindness of the community right now. ❤️ 🙏