What to do for co-worker?

[Puppmom]

So, last Thursday we had some pretty bad storms hit our area. One of my coworkers had some serious damage to his home. A tree fell onto his house (literally landed on his bed) and the entire house flooded because heavy rains followed the wind that knocked the tree down.

We would all like to do something for him but we''re at loss for what. He said his insurance company has been great and everything will be covered minus his deductible. He, his wife and two daughters (ages 3 and 1) will be displaced from their home for 4-6 months and they''ve already found a townhome to live in and move in on Thursday.

It doesn''t seem like a monetary gift, while generous, is exactly what they need. Any ideas? We''re thinking about things that will just make life a little easier.

Thanks!

 

[kenny]

How about offering to help them move?

 

[dragonfly411]

Perhaps you could all cook something? Or like Kenny said, offer to help with the move? Or just deliver a ton of groceries?

 

[Lula]

Gift certificates to places like Walgreen''s, grocery stores, Target, etc. They will undoubtedly need lots of little things that can really add up. I''d also consider gift certificates for pizza places, movie theaters, water parks, etc., to give them an excuse to get out and have some fun during what''s got to be a very stressful time.

 

[TooPatient]

Date: 6/29/2010 2:45:21 PM
Author: kenny
How about offering to help them move?

Great idea!

Maybe someone could watch the kids while they try to get stuff packed to move out of their house.
(I wouldn''t want co-workers going through all of my stuff -- I''d much rather pack myself)

 

[Puppmom]

Thanks, guys! Keep the suggestions coming!

They''ve hired movers so I think they''re all set in that department.

The groceries sound like a good idea. With two little kids, surely they could use that. You can''t exactly give those kiddos take out every night.

 

[TooPatient]

gift certificates to a kid store (new toys for the kids -- or supplies the parents may have lost to the storm)

gift certificate for a spa day (relax for the mom)

gift certificate for a nice dinner (maybe watch the kids so they can have a romantic evening out)


If you know what they like, you could also do up a nice basket of goodies. (fill a basket with their favorite teas & coffees, coffee syrups, chocolate espresso beans, etc.)

Gift subscription to Netflix

 

[MichelleCarmen]

How about watching their kids for an afternoon while they unpack?

Or another would be help them by picking up some babyproofing items from Target that way they don''t have to make the extra trip to the store while they have their hands full with other tasks.

 

[Kaleigh]

Love the idea of watching the kids while they move in.

Drop off some groceries, including diapers and stuff for the LO''s.


Spa for the Mom.

 

[lulu]

When we bought the Florida house I was really surprised at the cost of all the little things you need to set up a household. Little things, like a slotted spoon and can and bottle openers etc. You get my drift. I think gift certificates to a Walmart-like store would really help.

 

[Luckyeshe]

Gift certificate for Walmart, Walgreens, or the grocery store.

Or maybe a basket of every day things they may need like cleaners, canned goods, soaps, etc as well as a gift certificate for Walmart or the grocery store.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Date: 6/29/2010 3:00:45 PM
Author: sarap333
Gift certificates to places like Walgreen''s, grocery stores, Target, etc. They will undoubtedly need lots of little things that can really add up. I''d also consider gift certificates for pizza places, movie theaters, water parks, etc., to give them an excuse to get out and have some fun during what''s got to be a very stressful time.

I really like this idea