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“I’m never leaving my room EVER!”

This is what Tyrone said when he saw his room for the first time last Saturday. Jumping up and down and throwing himself on the bed. Pure joy, delivered in a day, for him…and our team!

The last few years have been tough for Tyrone and his family. Rachele* (mom) was taking care of her father who was dying of cancer. She was living at his house with her two children Adrianna* (17) and Tyrone* (12). Her father was a veteran, but never accepted any services, so when he died many expenses landed on Rachele. Shortly after, she needed to move out because she couldn’t afford the rent. The place they moved into was affordable but after months of health problems they found out it was infested with black mold and roaches. They had to throw out everything they owned.

That’s where Interfaith Housing came in. They found her an affordable place and will provide services to help them get back on their feet. 

*names changed to protect privacy.

Before: Living room.
Before: Bedroom.
Before: Bedroom.
Before: Kitchen.

Then 18-year-old Jenny Bering stepped in and wanted to help! She raised $800 in change from a school donation drive and called on Grateful Gatherings to help Rachele’s family. Jenny rallied her friends and family and our Danville chapter to provide donations and volunteer to set up the home.

Our fabulous sponsors Chipman Relocation and Logistics loaded the truck and volunteers arrived to put together furniture, set up the kitchen, and make beds.

Making beds.
Organizing the kitchen.
Unloading the truck.
Building the kitchen table and chairs.

When it was time to show the family, their reactions were priceless.

“Oh look a special place for dad.”
"I’m never leaving my room EVER! Adrianna, want to come and lay in my bed with me? It’s incredible!” - Tyrone

“Is this our house?” Wow, look at this couch! Everything is so beautiful” – Rachele

After: Adrianna's bedroom.
After: Living room.
After: Rachele's bedroom.
After: Kitchen.
After: Patio.
After: Tyrone's bedroom.

As we were packing up to leave, Rachele pulled us aside and hugged us. With tears in her eyes, she said, “I just want you to know how much this means to us. We’ve been through so much and this is exactly what I’ve been praying for. Thank you.”

Thank you

Thank you to Jenny, the Bering family and friends, and our Danville chapter for your donations and time.  We thank you for not only furnishing a home but giving a family who has been through so much hardship a fresh a lift up and the beginning of a brighter future.

And as always, we could do none of this without the gift of our moving sponsor CHIPMAN RELOCATION AND LOGISTICS.

 

With gratitude,

Donna and Chris

Grateful Gatherings, Founders

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