Excerpts from letters received by the United Way

When the 9-11 tragedy happened, the United Way was there.  With the Hurricane Katrina disaster we are here to do all we can in the recovery short- term and long- term.
The United Way is “People helping People.”

The following are several letters from the Bloomfield residents who received help from the United Way of Bloomfield:
 
United Way of Bloomfield,
I was locked out of my apartment by my landlord. I have three children, my oldest one is 17 with Spinal Bifida and he is in a wheelchair. My other children are 12 years old and 9 years old. We are in need of help at a hotel for three more days. The Spinal Bifida Association is working to place us in an apartment. I have no money, food or clothing for myself or my kids. I was given a list of shelters but none of them would take a wheelchair.

Dear United Way-
Words could not tell you how me and my children are grateful for the help the United Way of Bloomfield has given us.  Without your help we would have been in the streets today. You took the time to help else us when everyone wouldn’t. Because of you we have a hotel to sleep in for three days. ALL THE SHELTERS I called could not take us because my son is in a wheelchair. From the bottom of my heart, we thank you.


United Way-
Recently our PSE&G gas has been disconnected. Due to our financial situation we are unable to reconnect it without help. My daughter Evelyn is four years old and has (ALL) Leukemia. She is being treated at Hackensack Medical Center and has been for the last two years. She is undergoing Chemo treatments, but still has a long way to go. My husband was unemployed and we have five children. Since Evelyn was diagnosed, the financial responsibility has been on my husband because I stay home to care for Evelyn and her siblings. United Way made it possible to have the gas connected.

Dear United Way-Thank you and your organization for your help and kindness and we pray the Lord for you and your organization.




From a doctor and firm in Bloomfield

Nicholas is a seven years old male who was born with multiple birth defects, mental retardation, developmental delays, speech problems and congenial heart problems. At the present he is autistic and has ADHD. As per his heart condition he underwent open heart surgery at two years old. He also has a right hand deformity. He does not speak at all. Due to his conditions he can not stand for long periods of time in public places because he becomes overwhelmed and agitated, so he needs a stroller called Maclaren Major Positioning Push Chair. At this time his parents are unable to afford the stroller because of financial burdens. Please issue the stroller he needs.
 The United Way of Bloomfield issued the stroller.

From the administrator of the firm the mother is employed

I have never contacted the United Way before and was not aware of all the help you extend in our community.  I was quite surprised at the ease that this request was handled.  We were so frustrated trying to help the mother get this equipment which would allow her to take her handicapped child out without assistance. Every application was another refusal and more and more forms to fill out. Her son as you know has many issues, will now be able to enjoy his life in more comfort and safety.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Please be assured that I will be letting people know about how the United Way has helped, and that we should be making some
Contribution to further your work, either monetary or volunteering our time. The grace and kind understanding of this situation is something I will never forget 
(Employee works in Bloomfield, lives in another town.)

Military- to Ida Pafundi, executive director
Thank you for your support and dedication.  Outstanding citizens like you, makes me proud to serve our country.  While serving in Afghanistan under operation “Enduring Freedom” in 2006-2007, the support I received from you, gave me courage I needed to drive forward and complete my mission.

On behalf of the Untied States Army and N.J Army National Guard 250th PBS DET
SPC DON CAPIO

“Thanks, to the United Way, Comcast, and Burling Coat Factory for giving coats to my family. You have warmed not only our backs with coats but our hearts with love. And for that what else can I say but a big “THANK YOU”.”

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Following are several quotes from elementary school children who held a food drive for the United Way of Bloomfield.

“When I help the needy people, I feel proud of myself. I feel that the less fortunate deserve to live like we do. I am happy that the United Way helps those who have none.  The United Way is a wonderful organization that helps people in need. The United Way gets donations from people and with that they help the people in need. The United Way is an organization to be thankful for.  I hope you help the needy someday.” 

 “I am very happy that the United Way volunteers do what they do. Without them, needy people could possibly die. They have helped thousands of people in many ways. I and others are thankful for United Ways.”

“The United Way improves lives by caring for them. They help the youth in need to succeed in life.  The United Way also supports families and is promoting self-sufficiency.  They build safe neighborhoods and help the elderly population. The United Way is an excellent organization.  Helping the unfortunate makes me feel great because it is good to help humans.  It is the right thing to do and I know I made someone happy. I think it’s cool to help those in need.”

“If each of us gave just a little, everyone would have enough to eat.  I feel like a million dollars when I help the needy.  I also feel humble with many emotions and sad knowing there are people who do not have enough to eat.”

“I feel like a hero for my community when I give.  I also feel proud of myself.  This makes me feel like a nice kid.  If I can make a difference, so can you.”

“I feel happy because I am helping the needy.  It is like getting an A+ on a big science test. It is also like winning a super bowl.  I am grateful to God for giving me so much.”
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When the 9 -11 tragedy happened, the United Way was there. With the Hurricane Katrina disaster we are here to do all we can in the recovery short- term and long- term.

The United Way is “People helping People.”

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I am writing to you regarding your donation of coats to Family Day Nursery. The children were so excited to receive them. They really needed the coats. You brought a smile filled with happiness to their life. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity. It’s kind hearted people like you that make this world a better place to live in. Thank you so much for your support.

Sincerely,
Eva Chalet, Family Day Nursery

  

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Following are several quotes from elementary school children who held a food drive for the United Way of Bloomfield.

“When I help the needy people, I feel proud of myself. I feel that the less fortunate deserve to live like we do. I am happy that the United Way helps those who have none. The United Way is a wonderful organization that helps people in need. The United Way. gets donations from people and with that they help the people in need. The United Way is an organization to be thankful for. I hope you help the needy someday.”

“I am very happy that the United Way volunteers do what they do. Without them, needy people could possibly die. They have helped thousands of people in many ways. I and others are thankful for United Ways.”

“The United Way improves lives by caring for them. They help the youth in need to succeed in life. The United Way also supports families and is promoting self-sufficiency. They build safe neighborhoods and help the elderly population. The United Way is an excellent organization. Helping the unfortunate makes me feel great because it is good to help humans. It is the right thing to do and I know I made someone happy. I think it’s cool to help those in need."

“If each of us gave just a little, everyone would have enough to eat. I feel like a million dollars when I help the needy. I also feel humble with many emotions and sad knowing there are people who do not have enough to eat.”

“ I feel like a hero for my community when I my give. I also feel proud of myself. This makes me feel like a nice kid. If I can make a difference, so can you.”

“ I feel happy because I am helping the needy. It is like getting an A+ on a big science test. It is also like winning a superbowl. I am grateful to God for giving me so much.”

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Following are several quotes from Bloomfield residents who

received help from the United Way of Bloomfield:

‘Thank you United Way for your help. We have a lot of gratitude for the United Way of Bloomfield. Without your help we would have been homeless”

“I have currently been released from the hospital. I am a diabetic and was hospitalized for 33 days. I was in a coma for three days and it had affects on my blood and my left leg. I have no insurance and I am waiting for my SSI. I need six prescriptions. I cannot work and I am in a financial turmoil. Without your help I don’t know what would have happened to me.”

“My son has Muscular Dystrophy and is severely handicapped. He will need transportation to a hospital. He had a heart attack and needed surgery to place a pace maker in his heart and needs to see a surgeon to check the incision. I cannot afford the transportation. The hospital is quite a distance. Thank you for your understanding and kindness.”