Access to hygiene products and fuel has had a very positive reception from our clients. One gentleman was worried he would lose his job because he couldn't afford fuel to get there. You saved his livelihood!
We already had a gift bag with a cake mix, frosting, candles and a fun card at the ready for her...and snuck in a gift card to assist further. She cried in gratitude at the unexpected help. The gift card eases immediate need. It doesn't solve everything, of course, but it provides a buffer of sorts that softens the pressures of a particularly hard day.
He didn't have any money for firewood and we were headed into a very cold long weekend. We were able to give him two $50 gift cards to purchase the wood he would need to get him through the frigid temperatures we were facing.
They do not speak a word of English; we usually try to communicate to them through Google Translate. They are Ukrainian and I believe came here to seek refuge. When I handed her the gift card for Thanksgiving, she broke down crying. I went around the table to hug her, and I cried. She expressed that they can’t work, and it meant so much to her.
Gift cards allowed them to purchase whatever formula was available, regardless of brand. This kept babies fed!