UPDATE: Ice Storm ‘08: A Call for Help: Success!

UPDATE: The power of Twitter has pulled through again. Thanks to all of your support, we have raised enough money to have my windshield replaced. Thank you, with all my heart.

Everyone who donated or retweeted will get a free copy of my upcoming e-book, “Sincere Online Community Building.” Look for it in the next few days.

Again, I cannot thank you enough. I am in awe, and very humbled by the generosity of my online friends. Thank you!

~Kimberlee

Hi everyone. This blog is a rather personal one, unrelated to writing and all that. I encourage you to read through it anyway, and do what you feel is right.

As you may know, I live in Iowa now. Iowa is the home of winter, where all the cold in the world comes from. Or so it seems right now.

We have had a lot of bad winter weather, including a bad ice storm, on top of the snow we had before. Today, the weather had cleared, and I ventured out to uncover my car and do some errands.

Unfortunately, once the ice had been removed from my windshield, I discovered that it had shattered from the storm:

The cracks extend completely across the windshield, and is unsafe to drive (not to mention probably illegal.) It is our only car.

I am coming to you, as a community, in my time of need. I do not have the extra cash necessary to have the windshield replaced. It is also unlikely I will have the money anytime soon.

My hands are shaking even as I type this. I am not good at asking for help. I am the one that all my friends come to for help, and I am more than happy to give. When it is my turn, I usually withdraw within myself and deal with the situation on my own.

This year, I have seen miracles happen due to the power of community on the internet. I have seen thousands of dollars raised to save a podcast studio, to replace a car, and to even find a kidney donor. People have given what they can, and spread the word so others can do what they can.

I am offering my humble story up to you. I need a new windshield for my 1988 Cadillac Seville, and I have no way to pay for it. So, if you feel so inclined, I am asking that you give what you can to make that happen for me and my family.

If you cannot give money, then please spread this link to anyone who might be interested. I thank you for your time and compassion as much as a person can thank another, for even taking the time to read this.

***For some reason, I can’t get the Paypal Donate button to show up. If you feel compelled to donate, please use the “Send Money” tab on your Paypal account to onenewhope @ gmail.com (without spaces.) Thank you.***

Even one dollar toward this new windshield fund would be deeply appreciated. As a bonus, if you leave a comment saying you donated or retweeted, I will give you a free copy of my upcoming e-book, “Sincere Online Community Building.” It may take a few days to complete, but know that you will get value from your donation.

Thank you again. I don’t know what else to say, except thank you.

~Kimberlee