jimd2p

I am currently working with a woman who's husband died in Iraq. She has 5 children, and as you can imagine, this has been a tough time for her. They have a Ford van that she is going to sell, and I am taking care of some mechanical issues like a bad brake caliper and an electrical short. My company will be donating all the labor required for the repairs.

With five children, you can imagine the van is is major need of detailing. The oldest child is probably no older than 6. I am hoping to track down a detail shop that may help her out.

I realize, and know some people on here will point this out, that she will receive money and more from the military, but I also know how long this can take. I have met with her on several occasions, and she is just exhausted right now, and any little bit of help is a major deal for her.

Here is the news story on the soldier:

http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washin....651a69fe.html

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

WashingtonBlonde

Ah man.. Here I was about to say I'd hook up with an Oly detail shop owner then I see the actual message. I don't know of anyone Jim. But if you are unable to locate someone I'd be more than willing to donate my time, cleaning supplies and elbow grease. I've got a 12-year-old I can recruit as well.

BITSA

This is a hugely busy time for me, but I would be willing to pitch in and help clean/detail. Heck, we could make it a bike night event.

Do you recognize any of the shops that show up in this search?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...on&btnG=Search

gsxrbandit

I agree with you. Make it a bike night and we could all go and help

Gixxer117

I would love to help, I have some understanding of what she is going thru I lost my spotter and bestfriend in Iraq in FEB 04. Just let me know when and I will be there

Chris_Medica

sounds like this would be a good opportunity for a charity ride/bike night thing.

Best wishes to her and the family.

Kresto

Put something together for her Jim. Have all the PNdubbers meet at a location that is willing to donate a little water and power. Then have everyone go to town on this ladies rig. She'll be done in no time

monique

great idea.

C~Style

Im in, I can bring my tub o' detailing supplies that is sitting in my garage from when I was doing car shows with my EVO.

futukashi

Jim bring the van by rite aid (Hawks Prairie) tomorrow from 3-7 and I will have my volleyball team (River Ridge wash it at no charge)! If anyone else would like to come by and support the fundraiser that would be great.

WashingtonBlonde

Sweet! Hey.. you look VERY familiar...... Did you use to asst. coach for Timberline v-ball? Or play Long Lake?????????

SpeedTriple1

sounds like a great cause i would be able to come help out cleaning and detailing throw up a date we should do it!

jimd2p

I will call the lady tomorrow to make arrangements to get the van to my house. Where she lives is near impossible for me to park and do the rest of the mechanical work. We can just do a little thing at my house.

Can people throw up some days that will work for them so I can plan for it?

Thanks again.

jstablr

i am in for the bike night or day whatever let me know where and when !!??

WashingtonBlonde

Hmmm.. What about that Tea Leaf joint behind CRAP? It's out of the way and they can probably supply us with electric/water......

Or.... that place you guys did bike night at recently (the old Pizza Place joint)..

Just venue suggestions....

SpeedTriple1

whatever is fine with me except during week while I am at work so I guess evening or weekend would be fine for me

gsxrbandit

Same here I will be off till Monday. But i will be available in the evenings.

WashingtonBlonde

jimd2p

I will call her tomorrow to arrange picking up the van. I am figuring on doing it at my house one evening. I just can't do Tuesdays. Maybe we can all throw a few bucks in and order some pizza or something.

WashingtonBlonde

That's cool too Jim. When you get it, give me a call and I'll pick up the floor mats, take them home and give them a good scrubbing. May as well get a head start. I'm free all week.

monique

how about asking the lady to make a "wish list", and I'm sure we can all pull together to get things done for her, above and beyond just a vehicle.

jstablr

I totally agree we should be doing more than just the van !!

WashingtonBlonde

I'm a little limited at the current moment - time is all I have to offer.

BUT........

If the situation hasn't improved by the Holidays then maybe we can consider adopting her family for our Annual PNW Adopt a Family!

jimd2p

As I have been advised by some people, it doesn't sound like money will be a huge issue for the lady. She will receive his life insurance and other money. I don't want to sound callous in saying that, because the fact is-they have given the ultimate sacrifice for us. I think she is also getting help from a sister and I am sure Ft. Lewis will do some things for her.

I do feel like this is "doing the right thing". Cars is what I do, and this is one thing that will help take a load off her shoulders. Trying to get the car to a shop, then a detail shop with five kids in tow is no easy feat.

I am heading to Wenatchee over the weekend, but will talk to the lady tomorrow and then make some arrangements. I will be able to have the van at my house for several days, so time will be on our side. I know she is waiting on the title to come for the van to sell it.

Thanks to everyone that is offering support. I have recieved PMs from people working at companies that will donate the supplies. That and some elbow grease, and we can sure help this lady out.

Once again-PNWRiders rock!

gsxrbandit

I am liking this one too. That will give her a chance to put in order what she needs from the most to the least and it will paint a good picture for us. I am sure that we have people here that have many talents that will be able to help. I also agree with Jim, Fort Lewis will help but that is not the issue. Beeing Military my self know how hard it is and the more her and the kids are helped the more they will realize that it was not all vein.

monique

it's not about money, Jim. it's about us, as a community, pitching in to assist in any way we can. whether it be mowing her lawn (which I will offer to do),you fixing her rig, or whatever else we can think of to help this woman and her children out. just to ease some stress--she and her family certainly have more than enough distress in their lives at this point.

molamphy

Have yet to do any PNW events but I can load a shop vac, carpet cleaner and detailing stuff in the truck and go wherever necessary next week. Working a 0500-1400 shift all week so anytime after that, count me in.
John

futukashi

Jim get my number from r1eater I have some time this weekend. Its unfortunate of the loss; it will be critical the she establishes/re-establish structure in her house hold. She is aware of the support and the help that is available to her. Hopefully her pride doesn't keep her from accessing those available outlets. Mourning a loved one is never easy, but it does not stop the next morning from coming. A fund raiser or monetary contributions may only mask the deeper issues that affect the family.....Rob

SpeedTriple1

I agree its not the money "yes she will be just fine I know I worked with the MP's while I was in and was privy to the information of a friend who gave his life. I guarantee this lady does not have a ton of time there is a ton of things she has to get done on a daily basis. The military makes the wife jump through some big hoops in order to help them out a bit, keeping her busy so to speak."

I believe its the community we are a part of and I will support any person or family that makes the ultimate sacrifice so that my children can sleep good at night not having to worry about the bad things out there.

To her from my family Thank you!

jimd2p

I'm glad everyone is of the same feelings about it as I am. I left her a message this morning, but haven't heard back yet. I am getting ready to leave for Wenatchee, but will have my business phone on until 5:00. If I hear anything today, I will post up. If not, I will follow up again on Monday.

Jim

jimd2p

Ok, I spoke to Collette today and she is ecstatic. Her and the kids are going to Montanna for a few days, and will be leaving the key for me. I have to try to work with Karen's schedule and April's medical stuff to get over to pick it up.

It does not have to be done this week if that doesn't work for people. We can do it anytime next week too, since I have some repairs to do on it to. I will have to find some boxes too, because there is a lot of stuff in the van that she probably will not get out. Some of the stuff is his, and I want to be sure it is treated with the utmost respect. The last time I was in there, his Class A shoes were on the front seat.

I will check back tonight on this, and also PM people as necessary. Still thinking we could do this as a bike night, and we could all chip in a