This message was self-deleted by its author

[mvd]

This message was self-deleted by its author (mvd) on Sat Dec 23, 2023, 08:25 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[mvd]

1. Thank you so much for the donations

I hope your holidays are special and best to you

[dmr]

2. Life can really be tough on us

I hope what I gave begins to help you.

I wish you the very best. Truly, I do.

[mvd]

3. Hugs to you

I appreciate it so very much

2024 has got to be a better year with good elections also..

[mvd]

8. And wishing you the very best, too

[bluestarone]

9. My one and only reply

I don't trust this person. Be careful who you give money too!

[debm55]

10. That's not nice. People do need help at times.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

15. 🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭❗️

[mvd]

4. Kick for visibility

Getting to the goal means a less stressed Christmas and we sure do need it. The stress is taking its toll on us. In a normal situation my earnings would help, but as said, I can’t keep up.

[mvd]

5. Night all

It would be nice to wake up to some holiday donations. I haven’t had a stress reduced Christmas since dad was alive. I am not asking for much with this goal. The donations are to reduce the stress so mom and I can at least live without tons of worry.

[mvd]

6. Kick for the weekday crowd

I will now check back tomorrow in hopes someone else kicks it. Two weeks until Christmas so I hope things get better.

[XanaDUer2]

7. Have you met

With an SSDI lawyer about appealing?

[XanaDUer2]

11. I thought you'd sold the house

And were almost homeless living in hotels.

[Sogo]

14. Too much doesn't add up with this one.....

.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

16. 🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭❗️

[Sogo]

17. I can't tell what your emojis are....

nt

[debm55]

18. I don't think you are supposed to.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

19. Suckers!

[Sogo]

20. Yep.

[ShazzieB]

131. I could tell they were lollipops, but my mind went blank at that point.

Thanks for clearing that up!

[Hekate]

21. Sad but true

[a kennedy]

30. Ah, I think they're suckers.

[debm55]

32. a kennedy, not to be snarking or mean to you, because alot of people have brought up the suckers bit and I son't know

Last edited Mon Dec 18, 2023, 03:43 PM - Edit history (1)

the whole story. However why are people who gave to Matt's called suckers. Isn't Christmas the time to give with your heart if you have
the money? I live by the Beatitudes--to help the sick, the homeless, the hungry. Like I said I don't know the whole story, What about others in need? Are we to ignore them. also? I don't want for this to be a snarky post. I have had some to me.Perhaps a place for DU to make donations for others in need on the site? I don't know. Just thinking out loud. Merry Christmas everyone and may you all have a blessed holiday.

[ShazzieB]

132. I don't know all the details.

But I've gathered that this person has a history that has made some people here a bit suspicious.

I'd tell you more if I knew more, but I haven't followed the whole story. Hope this helps.

[SOteric]

12. Kicked and Recommended

[mvd]

13. Thanks so much

I did the same to your thread.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

22. K&R

[mvd]

23. Thank you

Happy holidays to you. back

[mvd]

24. Well I can't see some of the posts..

but I can’t stress myself more about it. It is hard enough bring broke. Oh how I would like to be on the giving side instead.

Trying so hard to not have to go through this again.

[mvd]

25. Well my phone could be shut off today

Not sure I can extend it more.

[mvd]

26. Thank you for the very generous donations

I am overwhelmed and grateful that people care. I paid the phone bill now. Huge step to having a better Christmas.

[XanaDUer2]

27. Have you discussed getting tracphone

With your social worker? It's for low-income Americans.

[mvd]

28. Giving this one more bring up

The donations have been a huge help and want to make sure things stay fine through Christmas and until mom’s SS on the 27th. I know I have been needy and I apologize. I really need 2024 to be better.

[tblue37]

39. K&R.

[mvd]

41. Thank you so much

[mvd]

29. Again I thank everyone so much

It is like a miracle that am this close to my goal. I will keep it going through Christmas and maybe more miracles to come.

[mvd]

31. Less than $100 until the goal

DU cares and that means a ton to me. Not everyone has stuck with us.

[mvd]

33. Things are still very tight

Any extra you give will help, and please look at the other fundraisers people have also.

[mvd]

34. Still in need of some Christmas help

I haven’t been able to get mom a gift but getting to the goal would be one..

[ForgedCrank]

35. I thought

you needed to pay bills, not buy Christmas gifts?
Didn't you say your electricity and phone were about to get shut off?
This will probably get me in trouble here, but someone has to say it so it may as well be me.
Not having money for Christmas gifts is something we all endure at times throughout life, and hardly constitutes an emergency that requires yet another DU fundraiser for yourself. If it really is true all the times you have claimed to have no money for food for your mother, then this lack of priories would explain why this keeps happening. Your mothers SS check should be buying food for HER as the #1 priority. Not your cell bill or instacart deliveries. If you can't do this, you need to contact the people suggested to you long ago so they can help properly manage your mothers SS.
I would suggest you go back through all of the many fundraisers you have posted here for yourself over the past couple/few years, collect the outstanding advice you have graciously been given by some incredible DU'ers, and actually do something about it.
You already know what you need to do.

[XanaDUer2]

36. I'm getting a 2nd-hand 9$ book

And, as an adult, I'm dealing with it.

[bluestarone]

38. Every once in a while he SLIPS and shows his true colors.

[MyNameIsJonas]

77. I don't think they're saying they will buy a gift with the money...

...but that getting to their goals and paying off the needed bills would be a gift. I don't know, tho. I am not familiar with this situation.

[ForgedCrank]

85. There are

many who are unfamiliar with what is going on here, that's the most unfortunate part of it all. People at DU are very giving.
I even gave him money a couple of years ago before I was paying attention.
Many of the people who tried to assist him with services, contacts and links are on his ignore list now I believe. One user in particular here spent a lot of time and effort trying to get him in contact with services, did a ton of the homework for him, all of it shrugged off for one of million excuses.
People should do what they feel right about. All I'm saying is that this one comes with a history worth taking into consideration.
So I don't want to say anymore about it, I don't want it to appear as if I have a bone to pick because I don't. I just feel the warning is warranted.

[Ziggysmom]

126. As a former adjudicator for SSDI and SSI claims, I can tell you from what I've read that I would

definitely deny his disability claim. Disability rules and regulations state you must be found unable to do ANY work within your abilities. He claims making money online playing games? Sounds like good attention and concentration skills online! Many companies hire work from home customer service and order entry staff. And don't tell me you cannot work while taking care of mother. I work a 50+ hour week from home as a computer systems analyst, along with being the caretaker for my disabled husband who requires oxygen 23/7 and a wheelchair!

When I was an adjudicator, I often read applications from people claiming they were too depressed to work. But they were not too depressed to travel and take vacations, care for a household & kids, play sports and do many fun activities. Disability should be for those poor folks that are 100% disabled and the impairment affects every aspect of their daily activities.

My husband and I donated to many worthwhile charities and individuals throughout the year, including for Christmas. I pray everyone finds security, peace and good health this holiday season.

[PennRalphie]

129. That's great insight.

It’s been suggested that he find a work from home job. He usually ignores that advice and just asks to reach the “goal”. The “goal” should be employment.

Happy holidays to you as well! 2024 will be an interesting year!

Thank you for donating to worthwhile charities. There are many good ones out there.

[XanaDUer2]

130. There needs to be a drinking game

You take a shot everytime the word "goal" is used.

[PennRalphie]

133. I like that

[Floyd R. Turbo]

158. Urp! 🍻

[debm55]

37. Make her a card, serve her breakfast in bed. Gifts do not have to be bought. Play your moms favorite songs. read a book

to her. Gifts come from the heart.

[mvd]

40. That is a very nice post, Deb

I can do things to make her feel better even though we are still struggling. That is the Christmas spirit.

[debm55]

42. Your welcome Matt.

[mvd]

43. I did a few things today in fact

I got her her favorite coffee and made dinner.

[debm55]

44. Wonderful! Can you decorate her room--play relaxing Christmas music?

She will like it and it will be good for both of you.

[mvd]

45. Yes!

We both enjoy Christmas Carols. She doesn’t use the tablet but they can play on Alexa.

[XanaDUer2]

46. You have Alexa?!

[Floyd R. Turbo]

48. 😏

[mvd]

47. Still depressed and still not sure of our Christmas meal

The goal money would help here a lot. I have been trying to make mom happier but there is only so much I can do with the money worries.

[XanaDUer2]

49. We have Meals on Wheels

They are bringing us Christmas meals. Have you yet arranged MOW as you were suggested several years ago? Have you contacted the Aging agency in your area for MOW and free rides, etc?

Has your social worker suggested this or arranged it? It was like one phone call. Food pantries? All the many suggestions awesome DUers suggested several years ago? I'm sorry you're going through this, but you're going to have to take some control of this. Your mom's ss check should, number-one, absolutely, no questions, be buying her food first. It's her SS money.

[PennRalphie]

50. mvd........

I’ve been off all social media for the year. Health issues and social media really isn’t good for one’s health.

Now, mvd, you STILL don’t have food? When I was here last, that was the beginning of the year, you were also asking for money for food. In all of this year, you haven’t made a phone call to try to help your situation? Cmon. I don’t believe that.

This is at least the second fundraiser this year. Unless you had more after January.

Now here’s where it goes off the rails for you. Your mother is a senior. I live in PA like you. Seniors get very discounted rides with county provided shared transportation. This same program provides for people with disabilities. While it may not be free, it’s going to be a fraction of Uber. Free public transportation. That’s part of the casino money. Your mother could take access to doctors appointments the grocery store. If you can’t get to a store, your mother can go. Oh it might take a couple of clicks on a website, or a phone call, but you have time to set this up for her. You certainly can type. You CAN get a job that is work at home. ANY county’s unemployment agency will help you with that. Whether you’re collecting or not. If you’re able to play online games, you can work. Period.

I have always thought that maybe 5% of what you claim is true. Maybe this kind of stuff excites you, asking good and kind and generous people to give you money while you do nothing to help your situation. Cmon. You’re a grown man. I know you claim to have autism and you’re hard of hearing, but so are a lot of people. There are grocery stores all over this state who just love to give employment to those unable to work in more traditional jobs.

Give your mother a true Christmas present. Start taking care of her.

[bluestarone]

51. 100% right on the money!!

I just hope some people here finally open their eyes to this type of go fund me abuse!

[PennRalphie]

52. At this point

He’s being enabled by very good hearted people.

[bluestarone]

53. Very much AGREE

Good hearted people for sure. I worry more about the mother here. I honestly do not trust this person with an elderly person at
all! She is NOT getting the help she deserves.

[PennRalphie]

55. If there's a struggle at all

Nobody knows the real situation. I really do understand the empathy one has especially at this time of year. It’s why many of us volunteer in food banks, participate and donate to toy and winter clothing drives, etc. the difference is. Most of those programs have vetted for the most part the recipients. Those programs are there for people like mvd claims to be.

Those who gift him a few dollars here and there probably think hey it’s just a few bucks. If the story isn’t true, it’s only a few bucks. I’m sorry that’s enabling him. Even if it’s just a few bucks.

In this thread and I’m sure in others, he’s been given a TON of suggestions where to find help. If he hasn’t taken advantage of those suggestions, then he just doesn’t want help. He just wants your money. Who knows for what.

[bluestarone]

57. Agree

LOT'S of advise was given by super good people here, that KNOW what a person can do to help an Elderly person. This person always has ignored lots of it. then keeps coming back to make more money. My opinion is, he's getting money for himself.

[Hekate]

118. Welcome back PennRalphie, by the way. May your New Year be healthy & happy....

As to this down on his luck soul and his “mom” — I do wonder if he’s making a living off of DU.

[PennRalphie]

119. Happy new year to you as well

He might not be making a living but I’m becoming more convinced he does this for fun. And an Alexa. Tablet. Enough cash to play the latest online games.

[Hekate]

117. IF...

If there is a mother at all, I would worry about her. But I am no longer sure about that.

[XanaDUer2]

121. I've started wondering myself... nt

[PennRalphie]

123. Good point

The other thread about the house, he keeps saying “he” will sell the house. Surely the father would have left the house to the mother and not the son who he knows cannot work. I can’t imagine how high property taxes are on a house near Philly. I know in some counties here (Allegheny especially) property taxes can be sky high.

Now all of this is based on him telling even partial truths about his situation. Who knows.

[mvd]

54. Well there is only one thing I agree with you about

I try to take care of her. You clearly have no idea how things have been. Excite me? I hate putting these on. So I have nothing to say to you. I can back up anything if anyone wants to ask.

[PennRalphie]

56. You're her adult child

The first thing you do is make sure your mother has enough food to eat. Meals on wheels is HUGE in PA. Absolutely HUGE. Every community has its own program. Large or small. They are run mostly by senior women who love to make sure everyone has a hot meal to eat. A very simple google search puts you in touch with the local group. They might be delivering to your neighbor. They will easily deliver to you. That solves the nothing to eat issue quickly.

[PennRalphie]

58. Ok mvd let's start with this

Why haven’t you contacted your county’s unemployment agency to inquire about employment?

This might sound awful, BUT, if you’re unable to work and your mother could, she could very easily obtain a part time job.

Why haven’t you contacted meals on wheels? They deliver to you. No transportation necessary.

In this thread, you claimed to make money playing games on your tablet. That’s great! A good start! Obviously you have WiFi, so you can use that same tablet to inquire about all of the above.

[XanaDUer2]

59. If you can set up Alexa

Put together paypals, go fund me, communicate with Uber drivers, gaming, communicate clearly with others, there is a way to work. Hell, I couldn't set up an Alexa. The PA Dept of Vocational Rehab will train the disabled, provide free assistive devices, placement. A whole menu of services to assist people.
My wtf moment was asking for food monies and saying he wants to avoid food pantries. FPs put together holiday boxes!

[PennRalphie]

60. I volunteered at a food pantry

Locally in October. Each family received a huge box of food that could feed a family of 4 for at least 2-3 weeks. People are incredibly generous when it comes to helping those who need it, especially during the holidays.

I’m sticking with my thought. Maybe 5% of his claims are true.

[XanaDUer2]

61. All you need here is a voucher from a social worker

We are thinking of it to save money and stretch our budget. Hell, see if they deliver to the housebound. His resource-rich area abounds with pantries. What kind of social worker doesn't immediately set up meals on wheels? I mean, job one to get hot, nutritious food to the elder. That's a pretty poor one. You can get name-brand stuff, paper products, etc.

Why would hungry people not avail themselves of a FP? Mind-boggling

[PennRalphie]

62. There's no way he has a social worker

They’re probably overwhelmed, but PA social workers would never allow a senior like his mother and a disabled adult son go without food. That just doesn’t happen. His mother being a senior has an absolute ton of resources available to her. If she can’t utilize the internet properly, he certainly can. He’s figured out how to make money playing online games, he can find food for his mother. I think all of that is part of the 95% not the 5%

[debm55]

63. Many people will not use them for various reasons. I know of many people who don't want to be considered "poor" , they

want to have to wait for Access to pick them up. Here in my part of PA, the van leaves on drop off and you wait until you are picked up, when ever that may be. I have stated to Matt church pantries and food banks. But again some folk refuse to use because of the stigma attached to them.My mother is one such person.

[XanaDUer2]

64. Ok

But sometimes you just gotta do what you need to. If my mom didn't have food, and was resisting, I'd override that with a come-to-Jesus talk. You need food. I mean, poverty sucks.
Hes gotten well over 10k. I think the next step should be eGrocery Giftcards and not unaccounted-for cash. That way, they can use the cards to have food delivered. $5 from ten people should be enough for a special holiday meal.

YMMV

[debm55]

66. When I see homeless on the street , I either ask them what they would like to have and buy at a corner market or get a

gift card. Alcohol is not sold in markets or food stores in PA. Us must use a State Store for that. However, in some markets beer is sold, but no wine or whiskey.

[XanaDUer2]

68. I give cash

Then they have the right to use it as they wish. I would probably take up smoking if I was homeless.

However, due to reversed circumstances, I'm afraid those days are no longer viable. I offered a guy lying on the pavement $5, and he told me he wanted the $20 he saw in my wallet. Well, sorry, no..

[debm55]

72. I understand. However, I never give cash. I will help the hungry, but I will not give money to buy drugs or alcohol.

Just me and my thinking.

[XanaDUer2]

73. Ok eom

[PennRalphie]

69. I also live in PA

Our liquor laws are from the stone ages. Buying from a small selection of wine and beer in a separate area of Giant Eagle is crazy. The homelessness problem is huge here and sadly, growing. Nobody knows how to fix it.

[debm55]

74. Yes, it is. I live a little south of Pittsburgh. I don't go into town anymore. When I did to to see the Pens play, I

always packed sandwiches to give to the homeless. Yes, Giant Eagle has a very small selection of wine. I am glad for that. My So has been sober for 40 years and I know what living with an alcoholic is like.

[PennRalphie]

83. I live on the other side of town.

Crossing 2 rivers, which we all know, yinzers only do to watch a sporting event or a really good concert.

[PennRalphie]

65. If he was if he was worried about the stigma of being poor

He wouldn’t be here asking for money because he’s poor. If my mother was in need of food, I would do ANYTHING to make sure she was fed. I would use the tablet to watch videos on how to cook cheaply. There’s probably a million of them. PA has a lot of resources for seniors and low income residents. He hasn’t utilized any of them. Now I don’t know what happened between January and now. Maybe things were great and just now took another downturn.

Has he ever said he won’t use free transportation or food banks because of stigma?

[debm55]

67. No I was just assuming as many people I know do not want to use because of the stigma attached. It may or may not be in

this case. I do not know. I was stating the cases I was aware of, As a teacher for 42 years, I have seen families come and go feeling this way.

[Luciferous]

92. I really wish they would ban him from

posting these threads begging for money because it's clear he's taking advantage of the good-hearted people in the lounge. His stories never add up and when people offer him resources to fix his situation he always has an excuse why he can't use them. If he really cared for his mom he would get a job or utilize one of the numerous programs that have been listed for him.

[PennRalphie]

100. But that would end

The need to ask for more money. Who knows. Maybe he has a job. Maybe he drives a Benz. This might just be a game to him.

[PennRalphie]

70. Here are PA agencies dealing with food

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/about/Ending-Hunger/Pages/Food-Programs-For-Older-Adults.aspx#:~:text=PA%20Department%20of%20Agriculture%20(PDA,the%20PA%20Hunger%20Resource%20website.

[PennRalphie]

71. That site I just posted

Gives details on FREE FOOD for your mother. As long as she meets the requirements, she gets free food in addition to what your local food banks provide.

No excuse for not utilizing this.

[PennRalphie]

75. The house?

The house was sold but you’re living in it? How’s that work? Are you leasing your home with the money from the sale? This really isn’t making sense. 95 vs 5

[XanaDUer2]

76. It's confusing

A few months ago, they were needing 10k, were in hotels, on the verge of homelessness. I was explaining you do not want to go there, into homelessness. Get a job asap. It's too hard coming back. I've seen a lot in the last 10 yrs as a quasi social worker. Then the lawyer did something and they're back in. Shady home buyers something.

[PennRalphie]

81. They sold the house

But not really? That 10,000 needed post had to come after January. You either sell a house or you don’t.

[debm55]

124. That whole house thing, I admit was confusing to me, Do they have a house or don't they. Can you break a contract once

Last edited Fri Dec 22, 2023, 03:31 PM - Edit history (1)

it has been signed by both parties? I don't know.

[PennRalphie]

125. I'm on my 3rd house

Sold 2 bought 3. Once you sign a contract, as a seller, you’re obligated to sell the house. If there were contingencies by the buyer, they had to be met. Usually inspection, mortgage, appraisal closing date. Buyers can back out if anything isn’t met. Sellers can’t. I’ve never heard of an attorney getting you back into a house after closing. There’s no reason to move out of a house that’s only under contract. You move once the closing is set AND you can make a deal with the buyers to stay for a short term, paying them rent.

I’m really afraid this is just another embellished story.

[captain queeg]

78. I didn't read the posts before donating

Now I’m kind of second guessing my giving. But wasn’t much and pushed him over the $300 mark. I guess it makes me feel good that I could chip in so I’d rather feel good about it than feeling like I’m some kind of sucker.

[PennRalphie]

82. Don't feel bad

His story is very compelling. An elderly mother both unable to work on the verge of starvation. It pulls at anyone’s heartstrings. That money you gave may or may not go to what he’s claimed. It might buy another Alexa. Or another tablet. Or it might go to a trip to the grocery store to buy a bunch of vegetables.

But I didn’t know about this 10,000 money needed thing. Please tell me he didn’t get that.

[Luciferous]

88. He's gotten more than that from

DU over the past few years.

[PennRalphie]

93. More than 10,000????

If that’s the case, wow. That buys a lot of meals. Or Alexa’s. Or tablets.

[Luciferous]

96. Yep. Every few months there's a new

thread like this.

[Scrivener7]

109. Oh, much much more than $10,000. This has been going on for years.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

94. Damn right! And he keeps milking that cow because he knows he can!

And his enablers admonish those who question his motives rather than challenging him.

[PennRalphie]

99. I'm noticing that

Reading the September thread, many people were admonished for daring to ask a question. He was asking for ten grand, and you can’t ask him anything?

[Floyd R. Turbo]

102. Unbelievable! I mean really!

[debm55]

107. Look in your heart Floyd , I may be a sucker, but if someone is hurting financially what are we to do? Doesn;t helping a

person come with no strings attached. When I go to the Pen's game down by the Hill district, there are lots of down on their luck people. I bring them sandwiches from home. and go to the game. At the time both my husband and myself were season ticket holders. How could I not help them? I might be a enabler. That I will never know. But I will not be blinded by the gifts my husband and I have worked for solely for ourselves., My adopted son is mentally ill. We adopted him at 2 days of age. He is now 33, no job, no education. We took him out of love and asked nothing in return. So perhaps caring for an adult with problems puts me in a different place then you. If i can help anyone I will and do. It's who I am.(besides studing to be a Charity of Mercy nun for two years) Take care Floyd and may you and your family have a blessed Christmas.

[Hekate]

120. You have a good heart, Deb. But if you & Matt live in the same city/region, perhaps you could do a meetup...

… in a spirit of friendship to deliver a box of groceries, assess needs, and get a feel for why he never, never, can follow thru on all the good advice he’s gotten here.

I mean that sincerely. May your holidays and New Year be healthy and happy.

[debm55]

122. I live across the state.in the western section of PA

[debm55]

86. Let's face it there is a stigma attached to be poor and/or homeless. captain queeg , what you did shows your heart. You

followed your own heart . You are not a sucker, It was a misguided poster who coined that up thread. Poor and homeless is not always helped by "just pull yourself up by the bootsraps. and you will be fine. Isn't what Republicans think? Some people are not able to drive or work for both mental and physical
Are we to irgnore them and pretend they don't exist? I gave too. I didn't give alot, but it was what I could afford. captain queeg, don't ever feel taken advantage of. Your heart was in the right place. Be at peace with that. If you find out latter you were taken advantage of, so be it. We will never know what happens to our money. But if we can help a person out and do, we are the better for it.

[PennRalphie]

87. Deb you're a good person

You see good in everyone. That’s a very admirable trait. If people want to give him money without knowing where it’s going, that’s up to them. Nothing to feel bad about even if they would find out the story isn’t true.

Having said that, why make the story so fantastic? There’s zero chance all of this is true. So, he’s being coddled and enabled and handed money for Alexa and his online games.

He also says ask him anything and then pretends to ignore those asking. There’s another “neighborhood” site I belong to and it is FULL of gofundme requests.

A lot of people are hurting. I guess I shouldnt take offense when i see an adult asking for money for food and totally ignore the resources offers. This is what our government and social agencies do. They help people in need. Maybe the money being given to him would have been given to a single mother with 4 kids who is trying to provide any kind of Christmas. Actually that’s what my family did. We adopted a family for Christmas. Vetted by the organization handling it. Their story is sad. Hopefully, we made their Christmas a little brighter.

[debm55]

89. PennRalphie----you are a wonderful person. I like the idea of giving to a family. How wonderful. Years ago, before my

was adopted, we would Buy stuffed animals and take them to children's Hospital when they were in Oakland. Another year I made 100 lap afghans and took to VET Hospital. The joy of using my time and money to see the smiles on the young and the old, Touched my heart. Helping the faimly in need touched your heart and that is a memory you will always have. Please, if you have time can you send me the name of the organization. I think it might be too late now, but who knows. I give to an Native American Organization that has been vetted. I "adopt" a child for christmas and they have another for school supplies in August. May Christmas continue to fill your heart with love and joy. Debbie.

[PennRalphie]

91. The adopt a family we used

Was organized by a neighbor who worked with a teacher who helped organize the whole thing. The teacher started this years ago after seeing so many students suffering this time of year. Since my contact is my neighbor, I hope you’ll understand if I don’t wish to share her name. I’d like to keep a little privacy on the internet. Hope you understand. There are organizations all over town that do things for kids. Charlie Batch has several things yearly. Backpacks, Christmas and others.

[debm55]

108. I understand was a teacher for 42 years. Yes, I will contact Charlie Batch, I have heard of his organization. My mistake

was thinking that it came from organizations. TY

[mvd]

115. Thank you deb

and I can’t begin to thank those who donated enough. I reached my goal and more which is such a Christmas gift. Now I know what why people get stuck in a cycle. Yes, there has been much helpful advice and it has helped just like the donations have. It is not easy at all. The Republicans want it to stay that way and be even worse. It made me feel terrible to make this thread. That is why I am so grateful that people cared. I have really begun to make changes but they haven’t gone the way I want to yet. I have been earning some money and we want to sell the house in January to a new buyer. Never use those house buying groups. Again I appreciate everyone a ton and I will certainly pay it forward if given a chance.

[PennRalphie]

116. Deb isn't the only one who donated

Are you going to thank them too? Give them an accounting of where all of this money has gone? Or will you pretend to not see anyone else and delete the thread. Here’s a tip. When you say “I can’t see all the posts” , it really means you see everything, refuse to answer valid questions and pretend to have everyone on ignore?

[cayugafalls]

79. I just saw this thread. People gave through PayPal?

That is not really a smart thing to do...just saying.

[XanaDUer2]

80. We had a theft using PP

wouldn't go near it, even if it's legit.

[PennRalphie]

84. PP billmelater

My brother and a couple of friends had those accounts opened by PayPal fraudulently. My brother showed me the response from PP when it happened. It was awful. It happened a lot. It was years ago. I never use PP never will.

[ShazzieB]

134. GoFundMe shows exactly how much money has been given, right?

Does he want to keep people in the dark about how much he's received?

Questions, questions.

[XanaDUer2]

135. Some added it up

Minimun 10k. And it's always going to change the situation, but it never does. Meanwhile, DUers were twisting themselves building thorough, complex, and extensive roadmaps to services. Someone called TreeHugger listed the most amazing list of services in his area.

Before I became disabled, I gave him $150. Had I known, once I caught on, I would have made a complaint and refund. I'm disgusted. I could use that money now.

[ShazzieB]

136. I'm so sorry that happened to you!

$150 is not an insignificant amount of money to a lot of us.

I have never given hin anything because I saw so many posts like the ones you mentioned in response to his pleas and decided there were too many red flags.

I don't know if he's used PayPal before, but eliminating the window of transparency GoFundMe provides regarding the amount of donations collected made my eyebrows go up a little bit higher!

[XanaDUer2]

138. On a past thread

There were complaints to GFM.That caused a kerfluffle and his "mom" dictated a post for him to post admonishing the DUers who filed a complaint to GFM. You can't make this shit up.

It was pretty obvious it was he writing it. Moms demanded an apology. They straightened it out.

[ShazzieB]

139. Wow!

Thanks for filling me in!

That is...really something!

[XanaDUer2]

140. It was a hoot

The finger-wagging mentioned what a sweet, wonderful, "innocent" person he was.

This whole thing is sick, but that was funny

[PennRalphie]

145. If he had any honor

He would give that money to you today. Without hesitation

[XanaDUer2]

146. I threw $5 at a cat charity

Like you said, if the giver's intentions are pure, then it's on the asker. The kitties need love and help

[PennRalphie]

150. I'm a dog lover

I do the same with the local shelter. Z zzz ca . I have 2 rescues who are both nuts, but they’re part of the family.

[ForgedCrank]

137. I'm not

sure about this, but it appeared that GoFundMe probably banned him or something. There was an argument on one of his many past fundraisers, another DU member got involved and MVD pretended to have his mom make a post. I think more than a couple of DU'ers demanded and got a refund, and the GoFundMe thing disappeared. Ever since then, he's using paypal every time. He had some excuse about it claiming he wasn't banned there, but it sure seems like it.
He's collected more off of DU alone than some people make in half a year of salary, and who knows where else he does this same thing. It's a pretty good living if you have no guilt, don't want to work, and moms SS is a nice supplement. I mean really, 5 thousand dollars for a water heater install? Scammers tried to steal his house?
There is no reason this man cannot work for a living, and I base that on his own claims. I have a hard time believing someone who says he has to use instacart for groceries because it's too dangerous to walk or ride a bike to the grocery store or a job. He says he also can't work because of a hearing disability and social anxiety or something. I have 95% hearing loss in one ear, and 85% in the other, and it doesn't hinder me at all. There is an excuse for every single thing with him.
Once in a while, there is someone who really does need help with no other options, and campaigns like this one hurt them as a result. Many of the people who are giving him money can barely afford their own bills, and that lights a fire in me. If this story is built on any truth at all, the real tragedy is his of his mother, who receives social security only to have to feed and support her adult son who won't get a job all while food is scarce and her electricity is at risk of being shut off all the time. No aging senior should have to endure this level of stress.

[PennRalphie]

141. This!!!

You are spot on. Didn’t know about the gofundme problems. That’s obviously why he went to PayPal. There are people out there with TRUE need.

I’m sticking with 5% of his claims being true. Sure seems like he’s found easy money.

[XanaDUer2]

143. "Mom" dictated an angry, wanting-an-apology

Post he typed up for her from her dictation. So, he can type. Okay, that was super funny. I chuckled aloud. Esp when she was praising his awesomeness.

[PennRalphie]

149. LOL.

He runs to mommy about his social media posts?????

[mvd]

142. So does PayPal

It shows $395 raised of $300 goal. I stated why I have used PayPal: it is easier for in the moment. Still have to confirm phone number with GoFundMe and can use the money sooner. I hope I never need another one but I have not abandoned GoFundMe.

I will just close this if all it creates is drama and unfounded accusations. All I wanted is some help this Christmas - plain and simple.

[PennRalphie]

153. Oops wrong place

[PennRalphie]

90. I just read the September thread

All I can say is wow. What a story.

He asked for TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS three months ago for something about a house in arrears for taxes, sold (who signed the contract?) and then an attorney was hired and forced them back into the house. So far in this thread, he’s been given $395. That amount of money would feed a family of 2 for a month and have enough left over to buy gifts. OR it would be enough to buy characters in the latest online game.

Don’t feel bad if you gave him money and now have doubts. YOU had good intentions.

Has he ever given an accounting of where the money went?

[Floyd R. Turbo]

95. After this he'll vanish for a couple of months, then resurface with another crisis.

[Luciferous]

97. Yep, it's shameful

[Floyd R. Turbo]

98. Yet, he has his enablers and shills who encourage him and disparage those who question him.

[Luciferous]

101. I know, its why I usually don't bother

posting in his threads but I hate it when people take advantage of good people like this.

[PennRalphie]

103. It's bugging me too.

I really don’t like seeing anyone being taken advantage. This is becoming quite obvious.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

105. It's one thing to donate if one wants to, it's another to question the motives of others who call him out!

[Luciferous]

106. Thats true. Too much of what he

says doesn't add up, and if he is expecting people to give him money it's not unreasonable for him to have to explain things.

[PennRalphie]

110. He will soon delete this

That’s his MO. when anyone questions him, he doesn’t answer, claiming he’s even more stressed or something and then deletes the thread.

This one will soon vanish and a new one will pop up with an even more fantastic story.

I’m still amazed at the amount of money he’s received from here!!!!

[debm55]

111. But Floyd, you didn't do that you posted an emojis of suckers and called people suckers in your posts. I don't see

anyone disparaging you in the thread, if anything it was you that called people suckers. We all do what we feel is right in our hearts. This was the only time I donated to anyone on DU. Sorry, if I sound snarky. took a Memorial Wreath up to my fathers grave today. He died the end of September, so this will be the first Christmas without him.

[PennRalphie]

104. For those who gave you money

Did you personally thank them and tell them what the money did? When I receive a gift of money, I always tell the giver what I did with the money. Do you do that?

[debm55]

112. The answer is we don't. But there are alot of things we do, where no thanks is given or accountability is given.

We are not suckers, or stupid, we see a person in need and feel the need to help. My 15 dollars is not going to break me.,but it might help him.

[PennRalphie]

113. You're a good person

But your 15.00 might convince him to do this more and more, enabling him. I think the chances of him using your money for what he claimed to be the same chance of the pens winning the cup this year.

He has about a dozen people feeling like you. It’s just a few bucks, won’t hurt me but might help him. Or it might enable him to do this to another dozen or two people.

[PennRalphie]

114. There are at least 6 other times

He’s asked for money. Holy moly. That’s a lot. I’m beginning to agree with those who think he’s living in a big house, well furnished, probably eating filets every night, driving a nice car and uses this for fun. I imagine he has these on other social medias too. He’s received over ten grand from DU alone. I don’t call them donations, it’s just people giving him money based on fantastic stories. The one most interesting was the one with the plumbing issues. Or the one from last Christmas saying he’s not getting any gifts. Fast forward to now. He has Alexa and a tablet to play online games. The house selling thread is a bit confusing. You with sign a contract with a buyer or you don’t.

All I can say is Yoi. Double Yoi. ( for those of you who aren’t Steelers fans, that was the signature phrase of the late and very great Myron Cope)

[Freethinker65]

127. Nah. Not living in a big house.

But most likely using every excuse available to laze around and play video games while taking time out to ask for more money on line.

[PennRalphie]

128. I'm pretty certain

Video games are heavily involved. He admits to playing games online. Pretty much everyone has played candy crush or one of those games on their phones or iPads. My nephew is a big gamer. Travels to tournaments. But he has a great job, a wife and a dog in the house they own.

Some of those games aren’t cheap. Maybe that explains where the money goes.

[LudwigPastorius]

164. I'm not even sure he lives with his mother.

He's probably in an apartment somewhere. Meanwhile she's shut in her house and entrusts him with her SS check. He cashes it, uses most of it, and then begs when there's not enough left to pay her bills, food, taxes, etc.

[Para722]

144. Tragic

This mess is the reason people feel afraid to donate or help people in need. The fear of being scammed, I’ve been a huge lurker on DU for years. (Even before this there was the whole Torch the Witch saga) I’ve worked decades now with people on the fringe of society and folks in need and the info given to him on resources is one of the best lists I’ve ever seen or heard of.

Sadly I’m thinking this is all just a scam for someone to milk the heartstrings of people before the biggest holiday of the year. I know if I couldn’t afford food I’d get ride of anything not vital, gaming systems and currently wouldn’t instacart because of costs.
I feel maybe if someone knows them personally that a elder at risk call should be made to dss

[PennRalphie]

147. Tragic is the correct description

I still think most of it is made up. But for sure, he will act as if he can’t see you, even though he can, and he’ll be back in a few months with another fantastic story. People will give him cash and admonish anyone who dares suggest that he might not be truthful. It’s really weird how so many stick up for him. After all of these stories.

[PennRalphie]

148. I just read the September thread

Holy cow.

He needed money for “overdrafts”. I can’t even….then he claimed his attorney (which he could never afford if his story was true) was going to declare bankruptcy for HIM and that would magically put him back in his mothers house that was sold. That’s not how any of this works. Now. If the “mother” signed the house over to him, he would have lost it long ago for not paying taxes. If his story is true. If he’s declared bankruptcy, the moneys he receiving from others, would that count? I’m not a bankruptcy attorney, so……. And. Having his “mother”, again, if any of this is true, is a mere tenant in a house in foreclosure.

The best part——he claims the “social worker” suggested assisted living. LOL. Around here assisted living starts at of 3 or 4 grand a MONTH and goes up from there. I can’t imagine it’s cheaper in the Eastern part of the state.

I’m sensing that a whole bunch of people have already figured out his stories aren’t true, but IF they say anything, they’re quickly chastised by his enablers, mvd acts like he doesn’t see them (acts being the operative word) and in 2 or 3 months the cycle starts again.

It seems every thread with him asking for money starts with…,I really hate to do this…..and ends with I’ll never go another one.

Cmon.

[TexasDem69]

151. I'm trying to figure out if this is legit or a scam

I feel like it’s a scam simply because it’s on an anonymous website known for the generosity of folks who post here, and I’ve seen similar posts from this same individual. But at the same time there are folks who legitimately need help.

[mvd]

155. It's a legit ask for help and I am not worried

because I certainly would have all the evidence if someone needed. It is just personal and no one likes splashing it in front of everyone.

[PennRalphie]

157. Nobody knows becsuse

He ignores anyone giving him advice on where to go for free or almost free anything. Once you question anything, he ignores you and his enablers chastise you for asking.

It seems he’s had a minimum of 7 of these “fundraisers” over the past 2 years. He’s received over ten thousand dollars from very generous, kind hearted people here.

He’s received dozens of suggestions where to go for free transportation, free food, free legal assistance and many other things. PA has a well funded senior citizens program, funded by our casinos and lottery. But each and every suggestion is met with resistance and the request for more cash.

Up to you whether to give him money. If you do, don’t expect an accounting of where it’s gone.

The only certainty is that he’ll come up with another fantastic story, asking for more money in a few months. If you choose not to give him money now, you’ll have another chance shortly.

[Trueblue1968]

161. Scam. This thread should be reported.

[OAITW r.2.0]

152. Been a long time poster here, mvd.

Won't bother to read your future posts.

[mvd]

154. Well so have I

I have only needed help in the past couple years. Somtimes it is not easy being poor at all.

[ForgedCrank]

160. Not a single

person has doused on you for being poor. You have no idea how many of us are more than familiar with what it is like to be poor. And all of these other people, myself included, worked to help ourselves climb out of that. I never had instacart, I consumed ramon noodles by the truckload to get through the tough times. Being self-sustaining is not a task, it is a lifelong project that must be aquired through desire, and then maintained. But it requires the person to actually do something.
Employment is the answer, but for at least 2 years that I know of, you haven't gotten a job in one of the most job rich economies in recent history. Even fast food jobs are paying up to 15 bucks an hour. And based on everything you have told us yourself, you are more than capable of getting a job if you wanted one. The disabled line isn't a good reason. I work with handicapped and disabled people through church outreach, some who are even completely blind, and almost all but the elderly ones have a job because they want to earn for themselves. Hell, I'm almost deaf myself and it doesn't slow me down one bit. There are TONS of employers who will actually put your application on top if you have a disability and they can place you. But you have to actually have a disability for that.
You are capable of talking on the phone, constructing proper sentences and paragraphs, you have the agility to operate an ipad and play games, you have the intellect to manage a gofundme campaign and transfer money back and forth, you are smert enough to setup an amazon account and configure an alexa device, I could go on but there is no need. You have everything required in order to find gainful employment, and at this point, that is what you need to do.

[Aussie105]

156. I never donate through go fund me, or any other method.

I don't know if the motivation to ask for money is legit or not, and I have no way of knowing if the money is used for the stated purpose.

Open to abuse, in short. Helping or enabling is the unanswered question.

I am free with my money with younger relatives - but never cash in hand.

Got a phone bill / electric bill that needs paying? Behind in the mortgage?
Email me the details, I will confirm and pay.
And I reserve the right to say NO if you do it too often.

[debm55]

159. Matt, if you have reached your goal of 300 by 95 dollars , why don't you delete the OP. and the thread will drop because

no one would be able to post to it? By keeping it up you are creating stress for people and you have gone beyond your goal .
By keeping it up it seems like you want more then the 300 you originally asked for. The box for self delete is on lower left hand side, Click on powers, Then delete

[mvd]

162. Hi deb

I have done that before and I don’t want some people to think they can just come in and have it done again. If it is causing you stress by all means I will do that. Just PM me. I am not kicking it myself anymore and would let it sink but I was always going to leave it up until Christmas if that is ok.

[debm55]

163. I think it would show good faith in that you achieved your goal, amount

[mvd]

166. I have decided to close this thread

The goal was met and for that I am very, very grateful. It truly made for a much better Christmas. Thanks again, all.