Forget-Me-Notts Update
2019 has been the busiest year yet for Forget-Me-Notts, providing help for 327 children! With massive thanks to our local community, who are constantly donating generously, this year we have helped an extraordinary 130 families across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to acquire the essential, basic items which they need to make a home.
The need in our community is huge. Bigger than I could have ever imagined. When I started working at Operation Orphan, I didn’t realise that so many people in the UK did not have a bed to sleep in. In 2019 alone, we have provided over 115 beds. And this number is constantly increasing.
I wanted to share a few stories with you, which have moved me and inspired me in the past few months.
Referral 1
One recent referral was for a family who had been homeless for a long time. The effect of being homeless for so long and having to adapt to so many changes had a huge impact on the parent’s mental wellbeing and the children’s behavior. The eldest child, who had been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, found this change especially difficult and sometimes this led to violent behavior towards the parents and siblings. The parents were unable to afford furniture and household items for their home, so we were there to help!
The parents couldn’t believe that we wanted to help them, and they were so astonished by the gifts that we gave them – especially the adorable Cubbies!
Earlier that day, we picked up a brand new, incredible crock-pot, which was donated by a lovely lady, and when we gave that to the family, the Mum was jumping for joy. That was the exact crock-pot that she wanted!
Later on, we received some wonderful feedback from their social worker:
“Thank you! They rang through to me (Mum was in tears, happy tears) and said how much they appreciated you and your operation. You have made such a difference to the lives of these children.”
It was amazing to hear about their pleasure and gratitude, but it was also lovely to know that we had provided them with some relief.
Referral 2
At another referral, after experiencing the bereavement of their mother, the eldest child had become the carer for his four younger siblings. He was working very hard to look after them, but with limited financial resources, the children were having to sleep on dirty mattresses with no bedding.
He was shocked. He was amazed that people in the local community were willing to help him. And he asked me to thank everyone who had helped make the installation possible.
Referral 3
Another referral that we completed was for a family with five children who were struggling financially. Once we had built their new beds, the youngest child crawled into his bed, clutching onto his brand new Cubbie, and cuddled under the covers. He started crying, and when we asked him why, he admitted that he was freezing. They couldn’t afford any electricity or heating. It was heart-breaking, but the little boy was so thankful. You could tell that having that bed was going to transform his life completely. That bed was a symbol of hope that things were going to get better. And a sign that he was not forgotten.
We are doing everything we can to help these families. But we couldn’t do it without the love and support of the community…
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated for making these changes possible! And thank you so much to Cubbies, for making each referral extra-special!
Chloe x