Weekend-Hooker

Question....what would be a good or best way to help out a friend in a challenging time? GoFund me, tournament, fundraiser BBQ plates? .....never dealt with anything like this and really want to try to help in some way...don't want to say a ton of details right now, but it's the loss of a kid with kids...truly bad situation... I just feel moved to try to help a friend .......thanks

alligatorgar

Write a note
write a check

Sixstring

Unfortunately it happens.

Money rarely fixes things.

Time and reflection is the best course.

Just never forget the memories is the best you can do.

bakerjw

What kind of help do they need without giving away too many specifics?

skibum

NOT public shaming like go fund me or the like. As said, cut a check, or cash is better. If you have similarly minded friends pool funds.

Brad1

While I agree that money does not fix things, depending on the nature of the situation, a little financial assistance can help to reduce stress for the person experiencing the loss.

I'd organize a go fund me, but more importantly, be there for the person. Nothing will get you through tough times like friends and family.

signmansez

Grocery store gift card, auto service gift card, clothing store gift card, etc. Less like cash.

fishingfun

Do they actually need financial help or was that just something you thought of to try and help them?

1720keywest

Pre-made frozen dinners in throwaway containers dropped off is nice. Write directions on package and let them heat up at their convenience.

My mother does this with a lot of her church ladies. They organize a bit, and have multiple people drop off meals, wine, etc. She writes on the foil in marker directions for cooking.

You might also drop off paper plates as well.

I would drop off cash too so they can order food and gift cards.

mgoodman2014

in attempting to put myself in that persons shoes, which I cannot truly do.... I think I would want to know the friend is there if needed, maybe a call or check in on occasion, someone to vent to, share a beer when the time is right to get away for a few.... but I do not need financial help or anything like that... maybe bringing by a meal would be good, some may forget to eat in their grief, or forget the little things that may need to be done.

Best I can come up with... sorry for your friends loss, good juju sent out for them.

autobaun70

This is my go to for funerals and new babies. Typically delivered after the initial wave of food is over, or right before they return to work. We have a local gourmet frozen meal place that I typically use. Do 1-3 meals depending on the situation. Don't like to do too many because they may not have freezer space. Stuff that's the same prep, but better food than a typical stouffer's lasagna. Always make sure to have paper goods and forks/spoons/knives to go with it.

Weekend-Hooker

Thanks for all of the replies.... a fishing buddy, lost his daughter she was a single mom of 2 young children...I know no matter what it'll be a difficult time for him and the family in many ways...just something I was thinking about last night to try to help in some way...I've never started a go fund me page or ever done any type fund raiser .....just a terrible situation and to have something like this happen while times aren't the best for many I was just trying to come up with some way to help, show my gratitude and support .....I should probably reach out to him and see what he feels comfortable with if anything I guess....
with the sudden unexpected expenses and taking on the grandkids I'm sure he hasn't had time to absorb it all, thanks again for the feedback..

BOSBoatMan

He hit it. The most sincere and best approaches are usually the ones that require just a little more effort and less money

tbeck7632

Be there long term. Often people are anxious and rush to help up front, which is an understandable and noble gesture. However, I think it's the latter weeks and months after the initial support fades that people need the most support because they are attempting to "resume" normalcy and that's where they struggle the most.

Furbird

Be the first person in the door and the last person to leave. Put your number in their phone under the name "Anytime Youneedme" and answer it. Take the kids to Chuck E Cheese or the fair or a park and let the rest of the family deal with the darkness without hiding it "for the children." Money is never the answer, unless they are in a dire situation as that was the only breadwinner or something of that nature.

dssmith

Follow tips from a source better than THT:

[3] But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
[4] That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Mine Now

He is definitely going to need some help with the kids so that is what I would probably focus on.

bakerjw

He needs a friend to hang around and help them cope. Companionship goes a lot further than a dollar. That said, if you see a need, fill the need. If you need help with $$$s to do so, ask around. People are always willing to help a good cause.

txj33p

First you can get him a captain’s club membership. In all reality, staying close and asking him what he needs most will help you decide which way to go with this. Without knowing what is going on at any particular point in time you could do something nice but not immediately beneficial.

Ccamp

Time/Emotional support/companionship