(updated May 12, 2008)

I have been away from Aidpage, but not completely out of the picture. What I have I been up to?

I had been making many attempts to still get the word out about what I am doing, but I had not been received well at a couple places:

• Myspace kicked me off four times. The fourth time, I managed to keep the page running for a few months, and I logged in only to discover that I was removed once again. I am not sure what their reasoning was. It was a description of how I was helping others. I had helped many families through that page so it was very disappointing, and I lost track of people in line to receive help.
  
• I posted a page on Squidoo.com. and that page, too was removed after receiving a lot of criticism from members there. I wasnt asking for money; only describing how I was helping others. Apparently I seemed a little too good to be true or people just didnt believe me.

I HAVE been accepted with open arms at WishUponAHero.com. I am very active there under the name 'The Empty Hanger' Here is how I have helped and currently help others. To date, I have granted over 20 wishes, and more that is not tallied on the site.

• Sending cards for birthdays, encouragement, friendship, sympathy. That just costs a stamp!
• Offering advice on situations
• Sending books (via media mail)
• Sending spiritual literature (I returned to church in January accepting Jesus into my life)
  
• Sending small packages of clothes
• Sending coupons
• Sending school supplies
  
• Sending my old eyeglass frames to woman who cannot afford new ones. (current)
• Workiing on a HUGE giveaway starting May 1st for WUAH. (shipping covered by anonymous donor)
  

OTHER CHANGES

• 'The Empty Hanger' has been scaled back to a local operation. It was a difficult decision. Aside from what I do above, I still manage to provide packages of good usable clothing to persons in need. I find them at the local food pantry mostly, and word of mouth. Someone will email me at projectemptyhanger@mail2me.com, and we arrange a mutual public meeting place for the person's safety and mine. Its worked out pretty well, and I bypass shipping costs altogether. I do ask a lot of questions beforhand, because my genorisity has been taken advantage of on several occasions, and it is how I screen people. I find that those that are evasive are not being honest with me.
• I am considering turning over 'The Empty Hanger' as an outreach project at my church.

ADVOCACY

• Alzheimer's Awareness My dad passed away from the disease January 21st, 2008. He was diagnosed in 2003, and we watched this independant and strong man fight for a long time until we had to place him in a nursing home in 2006. It wiped us out financially and emotionally. I've currently been put into a position to help my mom who lost his pension (because she was not married to him when he retired). I use his likeness in many ways to help educate others about Alzheimer's. I am beginning an initiative for leglislation so that no other families should be forced into poverty for making the decision to place a totall dependant loved one into long-term care. You can view a video I made by visiting the following link: Alzheimer's Video
• NEW! I also have changed my dad's tribute page to one of an Alzheimer's Awareness subject matter. It is called: Alzheimer's: Know More. I have also created tshirts and other merchandice to raise funds to donate to my local Alzheimer's association.
  
• Go to the tribute page.
  

If your family is affected by this disease and need some advice or just to talk, please email me at projectemptyhanger@mail2me.com, and put 'Alzheimers' in the subject line.

Elaine, for all your help and support to 'The Empty Hanger'

Staff and Admin of Aidpage for your support

Everyone here who reads and takes interest in my little endeavor!

I'm having a rummage sale! (Updated May 12th)

Locally, my mobile home community is having a rummage sale at the beginning of June. I am hoping to raise enough money on my own so that I can use some of the proceeds to send out a few more packages. My family has been busily cleaning out the house and garage, and wow the treasures that we accumulate in a year.

If you live in the Northwest Indiana area, and are interested in learning more about my community's rummage sale, please don't hesistate to ask. I will be offering discounts to my local friends at Wish Upon A Hero, and I am offering the same here on Aidpages. For details, please ask.

Well, I start my new job Tuesday. It's not the $15.00 an hour I was making at my job I held for so long, but it is a job!! And I am thankful.

I basically got the hours I was looking for.

Going to Thrift Stores and Goodwill on Monday to see if I can hopefully get some clothes (they require uniform type clothes).

Here's hoping and praying this all goes well. Hoping with my severe back problems, I can over come them and be on my feet 6-7 hours, but I know I have to take the job, first one I have been offered in awhile.