GoFundMe for Squirrelymom

[underwaterrhymes]

As you already know squirrelymom has been through a ton over these past few years, and is one of the most giving, supportive, and kind-hearted people on the board.

If you saw her post yesterday, you know she and her family could use a little extra help now.

The GoFundMe that's been set up in her honor is posted below. No pressure. I know she appreciates your kind thoughts as well.

www.gofundme.com/squirrelymom

If it's possible to make this sticky for a week or so, that would be great. EllieArroway

[wambam]

It's gonna be okay, squirrels. We love you.

[poopedydoop]

I hope everything works out Squirrely!

[vicky]

((Squirrely))
Did they help with moving forward? Any options?

[paddywagon]

If you didn't do it today, have them send you a statement of all activity on the loan with a breakdown of how payments are being applied.

Since they screwed up when your mom made the payment, see if they will waive some or all of the late fees and built up interest since then. They do have the ability to do that.

Hugs to you guys!

[dowagercountess]

Having been one of the big victims of our big catfish, I concur with Booby.

[Deleted]

Because to some people taking the "risk" to help someone in need is worth a few measly dollars.

[poopedydoop]

Eh. For me, it was only $10, and I would have wasted that on fast food anyway. If it even POSSIBLY helps someone, I am not that bothered if it was a trick. I am okay with it.

[pixy0stix]

I look at donations like this: I'm giving my money freely. I don't care what they do with it, or if they're legit. I figure if they're scamming they probably do need the money (and mental help). I'm not looking for any sort of return on the donation. No one is forcing me to give up my money.

I think it's fairly crass to bring this up in the actual donation post.

[Deleted]

@booby, how do you feel about GoFundMe accounts that already exist (i.e., that were not created at the urging of the board and were created by third parties)?

Or how do you feel about it when you know the person (at least first and last name, met in person, etc.)?

Do any of these aspects legitimize giving?

Would there be any situation in which you would give?

FWIW, I respect your viewpoint completely.  I have given money only in two instances, and I am glad that I did.  But I gave only because I felt like I knew the people, and these people meant something to me because they enriched my life with their entertaining or otherwise worthwhile contributions to the board.

[underwaterrhymes]

This is someone who has sent countless gifts to people - aprons, goodies from her daughter's store, quilts, table runners. Many people here, if they haven't met her, know her real name and have gotten fun things in the mail from her.

I obviously can only speak for myself, but I trust her. I've given for others in the past, but not to everyone and not in every case. I try to operate based on what I know of the person, as well as my level of interaction with them. It's always possible I could get taken for a ride, but this is one of those times I'm willing to take the risk.

[themoneytree]

Jul 28, 2015 15:17:19 GMT -5 @booby said:

first - SM, i do wish you the best. whether this is legit, or not legit, i obv do not wish harm or poor circumstances on anyone. and to the rest of you, this is why you are excellent people. you want to help, and you do help.

but

BUT

why are you doing this? after the amount of times we've been catfished over the years, why do you just assume this is legit? b/c once, someone met SM (this is not proof, btw)? why are you opening your wallets to help when this could very well be a carefully crafted opportunity that someone put a lot of time and thought into? could it be that people just get better at fucking people over?

i can do nothing but shake my head at all of this. this feels like a HUGE set up. yesterday was the climax, people through the GFM suggestion out there, b/c what else is there to say to someone who has befriended you in cyberspace? no no no, she wants to find a better solution. and then today, in 24 hours, voila, a GFM. it's practically a formula at this point.

two months ago, this person was about to go to hawaii with her bonus. and now her house is being foreclosed on.

USE YOUR BRAINS, people. it's fine to help someone in need, but you have no idea if this person is. and frankly, the fact that you are all so easily sucked in is scary.

Didn't you just tell her to start a GoFundMe yesterday?
I don't understand the point of this post. if it turns out to be fake then we all look like a bunch of dummies who are out a few dollars. It's really not the end of the world to any of us. But for the person who is in need it really could be life altering.

[Elsa]

I guess I'm kind of confused at why this is the first step. Why is getting a second job (either one or both of them), not the first option? Or maybe posting a budget on MM to see what they can recommend?

I truly do appreciate the generous nature of this board- I've been the recipient (not cash, but meds and lets be honest, with how expensive they are, its almost the same thing!), and I will be forever grateful to the kindness of "strangers". But IDK, I would never set up a gfm. My sister actually offered to set up one for me for this IVF stuff and I shut her down HARD. No way. I'd sooner get a second job, sell stuff, etc.

I don't know. Maybe we've been burned too much, but this just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry

[Deleted]

Jul 28, 2015 15:32:04 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

This is someone who has sent countless gifts to people - aprons, goodies from her daughter's store, quilts, table runners. Many people here, if they haven't met her, know her real name and have gotten fun things in the mail from her.

She sent me a couple of aprons and a gorgeous quilt for my birthday last year, of her own accord. And even beyond the material things she's sent me, she was a constant voice of support and encouragement when I was dealing with a lot of ugly shit with my ex. 

I don't need to have met her. Money isn't the most important thing to me, so I'll do what I can to help someone I think might need it. 

[sparkythelawyer]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you usually don't pay for your own Make-a-wish trip, that's paid for you, yes?

Booby, yes, we've been catfished here before. And yes, its always possible that this is what is happening here too.

If I donate $20 and it turns out to be one big scam? I'm out $20 for having tried to be kind. There are far worse ways to spend my money.

[sparkythelawyer]

Jul 28, 2015 15:35:42 GMT -5 Elsa said:

I guess I'm kind of confused at why this is the first step. Why is getting a second job (either one or both of them), not the first option? Or maybe posting a budget on MM to see what they can recommend?

I truly do appreciate the generous nature of this board- I've been the recipient (not cash, but meds and lets be honest, with how expensive they are, its almost the same thing!), and I will be forever grateful to the kindness of "strangers". But IDK, I would never set up a gfm. My sister actually offered to set up one for me for this IVF stuff and I shut her down HARD. No way. I'd sooner get a second job, sell stuff, etc.

I don't know. Maybe we've been burned too much, but this just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry

Down the road I am sure that is something they will consider.  

But getting hired to work at Starbucks for 10 bucks and hour tomorrow will not help them find 5K out of their asses today.  

[Ohhmm(bligo)]

You guys are kind-hearted souls. I don't doubt that she or her son are real, but two fundraisers plus an (star) Amazon Wish List (star) ?  It makes me suspicious.  I don't believe that she didn't post yesterday without expecting help.

[vicky]

I am absolutely grateful for everyone who helped me while I was struggling. And there were doubts about my situation, too, I'm sure. This board helped me keep afloat while I was drowning.

I feel like it's my turn to pay it forward. And I'm happy to give the little bit that I can.

[themoneytree]

Jul 28, 2015 15:35:42 GMT -5 Elsa said:

I guess I'm kind of confused at why this is the first step. Why is getting a second job (either one or both of them), not the first option? Or maybe posting a budget on MM to see what they can recommend?

I truly do appreciate the generous nature of this board- I've been the recipient (not cash, but meds and lets be honest, with how expensive they are, its almost the same thing!), and I will be forever grateful to the kindness of "strangers". But IDK, I would never set up a gfm. My sister actually offered to set up one for me for this IVF stuff and I shut her down HARD. No way. I'd sooner get a second job, sell stuff, etc.

I don't know. Maybe we've been burned too much, but this just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry

I might be with you except for the cause of all this. I'm frankly surprised she's managed to hold down a job at all with all the trips and time she's had to spend away from work. I can't even imagine how she should manage to hold a second job.

In fact I can't even deal with this way of thinking. It's kind of gross to me.

[Deleted]

Two fund raisers and an Amazon wishlist for a family that very well thought they were LOSING THEIR SON and have had a mountain of medical bills as a result of a freaking heart transplant to save him on top of a few strokes of bad luck?

Not really that suspicious to me.

[themoneytree]

Jul 28, 2015 15:42:00 GMT -5 @fucksticklegit said:

Two fund raisers and an Amazon wishlist for a family that very well thought they were LOSING THEIR SON and have had a mountain of medical bills as a result of a freaking heart transplant to save him on top of a few strokes of bad luck?

Not really that suspicious to me.

I mean seriously.

I can't believe what I'm reading here. : (

[Deleted]

Jul 28, 2015 15:40:02 GMT -5 vicky said:

I am absolutely grateful for everyone who helped me while I was struggling. And there were doubts about my situation, too, I'm sure. This board helped me keep afloat while I was drowning.

I feel like it's my turn to pay it forward. And I'm happy to give the little bit that I can.

Um, between your actually having met a number of people on the board and that chilling photo of all your burnt belongings, I'm pretty sure there weren't any doubts.

(And, if there were, WTF!)

[Deleted]

Jul 28, 2015 15:43:28 GMT -5 @booby said:

@misoangry - of course there are circumstances where i would donate.

Well, I'm glad to hear this! 

[Deleted]

"posturing for a GFM"?


Gross.

[pagas]

Jul 28, 2015 15:43:36 GMT -5 @misoangry said:

Jul 28, 2015 15:40:02 GMT -5 vicky said:

I am absolutely grateful for everyone who helped me while I was struggling. And there were doubts about my situation, too, I'm sure. This board helped me keep afloat while I was drowning.

I feel like it's my turn to pay it forward. And I'm happy to give the little bit that I can.

Um, between your actually having met a number of people on the board and that chilling photo of all your burnt belongings, I'm pretty sure there weren't any doubts.

(And, if there were, WTF!)

There were.  It was icky. 

[Deleted]

Last time I checked Squirrely didn't set up a GFM to spring her squirrel from the humane society. But I guess we don't really know if the squirrel is legit. Is his name Joey? Has anyone met the squirrel?? Did the squirrel participate in secret santa???

I donated to her son before and Squirrely sent me a cute handmade pouch as well. I don't get the catfish vibes.

[isabel]

Jul 28, 2015 15:41:51 GMT -5 toledo said:

Jul 28, 2015 15:39:03 GMT -5 Ohhmm(bligo) said:

You guys are kind-hearted souls. I don't doubt that she or her son are real, but two fundraisers plus an (star) Amazon Wish List (star) ?  It makes me suspicious.  I don't believe that she didn't post yesterday without expecting help.

Say what now?

There was a fundraiser for Forrest when he was going through heart stuff a while back and an Amazon list for while he was recovering in the hospital. I think that's what you're asking about.

[Elsa]

Jul 28, 2015 15:41:11 GMT -5 themoneytree said:

Jul 28, 2015 15:35:42 GMT -5 Elsa said:

I guess I'm kind of confused at why this is the first step. Why is getting a second job (either one or both of them), not the first option? Or maybe posting a budget on MM to see what they can recommend?

I truly do appreciate the generous nature of this board- I've been the recipient (not cash, but meds and lets be honest, with how expensive they are, its almost the same thing!), and I will be forever grateful to the kindness of "strangers". But IDK, I would never set up a gfm. My sister actually offered to set up one for me for this IVF stuff and I shut her down HARD. No way. I'd sooner get a second job, sell stuff, etc.

I don't know. Maybe we've been burned too much, but this just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry

I might be with you except for the cause of all this. I'm frankly surprised she's managed to hold down a job at all with all the trips and time she's had to spend away from work. I can't even imagine how she should manage to hold a second job.

In fact I can't even deal with this way of thinking. It's kind of gross to me.

What is kind of gross? Ok, if the second job isn't realistic, fine. Post your budget. Let us help in other ways that just providing cash. I tried to help yesterday in providing specific things she needed to ask the mortgage company today and it sounds like the news was better. Great, happy I could help.

It sounds like the guy she spoke to yesterday was wrong. She doesn't need the funds immediately. Or maybe she does, I don't think there was a timeline in the latest update.
Regardless. I'm not faulting them for getting behind. It happens to the best of us.
But I am side eying the request for $4K. IDK.

But again, I'm grateful to this board and how many kind souls there are here. If this moves you, then I don't blame you. I just think its fair to have all the cards out on the table. So the above are mine.

[sparkythelawyer]

I guess I'm wondering what Elsa and Booby are hoping for here?

[Deleted]

I think it's kind of rude to assume that most people here are just so blind and stupid that they need your help to see what they just obviously cannot. It's a safe assumption anytime someone wants to donate to an online campaign that it could be a fake. I would hope we are all smart enough women to be able to weigh the risks without your rude posts telling everyone that they are idiots for not seeing what is being "postured".