Lori McQueen Help - Touchy Subject

Hi Guys, I want to approach a very touchy subject, not for me, but maybe for many of you out there lurking and chatting.  Normally I am very conservative in my giving, mostly because I know that there are many people and causes I am intimately acquainted with right in my own back yard. HOWEVER, I really feel the personal sense of a need to do even the pathetically small amount I can afford to send.  I don't even know Bob, but he (and his family) have been on my heart since day one of this incredibly tragic start.  I feel like if I can give something, I am stepping into the gap in some small way, and thereby fulfilling the requirement to serve my brother.  This is also not something to do as a lemming type affair.  If you do not have it to give, or don't feel comfortable doing so, I suggest you refrain from giving. MY SUGGESTION FOR HOW TO GIVE - I suggest a PayPal Account be opened by Lori and we can send money directly to the need. It protects everyone, and has very little downside. Maybe CardsFan can help get things going with Lori.  Just a suggestion! If this is not the preferred adoptable plan, please make it plain enough for my lame brain to send something to our WLS Brother. "There, but for theGrace of God, go I" Tman

Yep, Same here. I don’t really know Bob from Adam. It is hard to explain "the feeling." Sort of like….. You know when there’s a crowd watching a soccer game, and some guy gets kicked in the Nuts? The gals may say "Oh.." But all of the men, visibly winch. "Oooowh…uhhh" It’s like that. The men in the clearly "feel his pain." Having been "Kicked in the Guts" in a similar manner to Bob, I "feel for him." It’s just a slow motion, drawn out – " O-o-o-o-w-h-. . . u-h-h-h " I’ve also wrestled with how to figure out the "how to" in order to help. People often needing it the most, don’t ask for it at all. Same with the "What Kind of Help." I still haven’t completely figured it out… But… I have gotten in touch with a few churches through affiliates in Columbia And have asked that they take on his case as a "mission." So far, it looks promising. I’m also hoping to hook up with someone from Bob’s church there in Mountain Grove. It’s- Trinity United Methodist Church 314 N Maple Ave Mountain Grove, MO 65711 I think having an objective yet compassionate  "point person" There locally to help coordinate aid for Bob & Mrs Bob Will be most helpful. It really is difficult from a distance. It’s also trickier than just bombarding with gift cards for "Stuff." The "Stuff" they are likely to need may be as varied and changing As life itself. Yes? I’ve been trying to come up with a strategy for a while. Hopefully, sometime tomorrow I’ll hear back from local contacts there And see if there might be a clear course of action. I think many of us out here are feeling the same desire to help And the frustration of not having an easy way to do so. I’ve seen the Main-Board go off on tangents in the past Setting up intricate plans like- Creating and selling a recipe book where the proceeds went to someone, etc.... Huge "projects" that amounted to a lot of Effort and Drama, And little actual Aid to the person who needed it. This being The Men’s Forum, I think we are looking for a more direct "Get her Done!" manner of helping. Hopefully between the bunch of us, There will be a clear and direct avenue to offer help soon. Thanks for "opening the discussion." Any suggestions Guys? Thoughts? Best Wishes- Dx

I think your idea of finding a compassionate, responsible person in Bob's home church is an excellent idea. That person could much better identify Bob and Lori's needs and rapidly respond with funds that we could provide. Joe Bear

I also, have never met Bob but feel connected via this forum and emails.  I also wish to help.  Finding a trusting local person to help with fund would be great.  I wonder if anyone out there has taken part in fund raising previously.  Having their knowledge and learning experiences would be great. I also agree with DX.  We need to do what needs to be done without any excessive drama or plans.  Let's help Brother Bob, Lori and family.  Can't wait til he's back here with us. Brian 

As Dx said .. "Get 'er done!"

Old school,.... money in a card works for me. I got ID hacked on Paypal and not doing that anymore. Nothing personal and each to his own. Ditto on the heart felt empathy  for Bob and Lori's employment situation. Agree to do something for them is the right thing.  

I personally don't know Bob either and honestly not really talked to him on here I am sure but I too feel the need to contribute to his family during this time of need. Count me in anyway you can.