Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and we are counting all our blessings. Today we are writing to you to tell you a story about an amazing Arizona family and to ask for help on their behalf. In order to protect their privacy we are changing all the names and blocking out their faces. We hope you find their story as humbling and inspiring as we do.
Our dear friends, the Arizona Angels, are two of the strongest big hearted humans we’ve ever met. These are the people that constantly show up, will give you the shirts off their back and will bless you with just their presence. They are simply amazing. In July, they were watching the news and a horrific story about 3 precious girls came on. It is one of the worst child neglect cases the state has ever seen. Of course, The Angels couldn’t just stand by and let these girls become pawns in a system.
You can read the story here and here. The horrific living conditions and their story make it a very difficult read.
Mr. & Mrs. Angel couldn’t bear the thought of these darling girls rotating in and out of the foster care system so they signed up to care for them. Now, mind you, these amazing Angels have already launched 5 of their own children. They are empty nesters and living the adulting life! At first it was just visits and outings. Then it turned into overnights. The state finally said it was time for them to go to a “home” but the Angels refused to let that happen. They fought the state and are now full time fostering these three girls, ages 10, 8 and 7. Steve and I have had the pleasure of spending time with them as a family and this family is simply amazing. There is so so much love and the girls adore them. We would love to share all our darling photos but we need to protect them.
When they committed to the state to care for the girls, Mrs. Angel had a full-time job. Unfortunately, last week she was laid off. Now she has three more mouths to feed and they will celebrate Christmas with the girls. The stress of how they will survive is overwhelming. The state provides nothing except therapy. This week they were given a list of food banks where they can get food weekly but we all know that’s not the healthiest option for growing children.
Steve and I are launching this fundraiser to bring the Magic of Christmas to this amazing family. The following is a Santa list from each of the girls as well as their sizes. Even though they’ve never celebrated Christmas we have an amazing opportunity to shower them with love and the magic of the season. They need everything. If you would like to mail gift cards, Steve and I will purchase the items. Or you can order items from Amazon and have them delivered to us. We will wrap everything and give each girl a stocking. We will also provide Mr. & Mrs. Angel some goodies because parents need Christmas love as well.
**This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
The following are ideas on how you can participate if you would like.
- Pray for this sweet family. Pray for the safety of the girls and allow them to feel the love surrounding them.
- Mail words of encouragement to Mr. & Mrs. Angel. Address is below and we will deliver.
- Send $5 or any amount to the GoFundMe account that has been created on their behalf. This will be given to Mr. & Mrs. Angel to be able to provide on-going support to the girls.
- GoFundMe, as of 12/1/22 we have raised $400 for the family
- Gift card ideas:
Santa List Items (This list will be updated as items come in)
We’ve made shopping for the Angel Family even easier. An AZ Angel Wish List has been set up on Amazon. Follow this link and you can order have have your donations shipped directly to us.
Each girl is in need of a tablet that will have kids learning games on it. None of the girls have been enrolled in school before so this will help them with their studies. Please make sure Parental Controls can be set. PURCHASED!
Headphones would also be amazing.
The girls have a beautiful bedroom with a set of bunk beds and a twin bed. Any items to make their own space more cozy would be welcome. Initials are T, K & T. Items that all the girls can use:
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, hair ties, headbands, hair clips, hair dryer, curling iron
- Reading Lights
- Age appropriate books (since they have not been enrolled in school they are a bit behind)
- Bedroom ideas: Cozy pillows, Blankets
- Clothing & Shoes
Snacks & water bottles: Mr. & Mrs. Angel feed them healthy organic meals, no junk food please
- Sunscreen for kids
- Sporting Goods
- School supplies/learning
- Black Friday: Toys at Amazon
- Games
- Crafts sets they can work on together
Sweet Girl #1, Age 10
- Favorite Color: Green
- Clothing Size: 8/10 – Style: Toned down, comfortable, cozy
- Shoes & Socks Size: 3
- Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Legos, Diary
Dear Santa Wish List
- Tablet-Amazon 10, Blue–PURCHASED!
- Brown purse
- Barbie dolls
- Horse themed toys-Horse Socks, Horse Paint Set, Horse Necklace w/ K, Horse Set
- Shoes with a heel
Sweet Girl #2, Age 8
- Favorite Color: Teal
- Clothing Size: 7/8 and 10 (Fashionista)
- Shoes & Socks Size: 2
- Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Little toys like LOL’s, hair bows , Diary w/ fuzzy pen, Pencils, Erasers, Stickers
Dear Santa Wish List
- Tablet-Amazon Fire 10, Doodle color–PURCHASED!
Sweet Girl #3, Age 7
- Favorite Color: Pink
- Clothing Size: 6 – Girlie and leggings
- Shoes & Socks Size: 1
- Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Crafts, dolls
Dear Santa Wish List
- Kids Tablet-Amazon Fire 10, Lavender-PURCHASED!
Gifts & Cards can be mailed to:
Steve & Tracy Wade (easier to spell)
17351 N Coyote Lakes Parkway, Surprise, AZ 85378
Questions: homes@steveandtracy.net | 425-417-8307
REQUEST: If you purchase items from the list above, please email Steve and Tracy at homes@steveandtracy.net and let us know what is on the way or forward the shipping info so we can make sure to update the list. Thank you so much! This truly makes a difference in a family’s life!
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