WWJ15D

[carolyngrace]

That's horrible! Personally I'd wait and see how things shake out first. Maybe he'll get decent unemployment and find a job fairly quickly. That being said I'd also help out with money if I knew my BFF needed it. Like as much as I was able to give. I think anything you do will be appreciated! Your support most of all.

[baytosa2013]

Oh man that is terrible! Hopefully he can still get unemployment since he was fired. Would they be open to help from you all? I know some people will turn down help but maybe you can do things like invite them over for lunch or dinner and make a bunch to send home...help them out with food and such. Depending on their feelings and if you are comfortable and can discuss floating them a loan? That can be touchy but I think it just depends on your relationship. I hope he finds something quickly.

[periwinkledaydreams]

That really sucks and I know from experience is a scary and sad place to be. You are excellent for thinking of how you could/will help before they have to come out and ask. Asking for help is SO hard. At least for many people, myself included. Food is a great place to start. To me an offer to help with something like a grocery shopping expense feels less like someone just handing me money, I guess. Or something like asking if there is a monthly bill coming up that you could help swing for them. Or really just ask flat out if it would be helpful and if they would accept a loan of X $. We just had to ask for a small loan from a friend when an unexpected gigantic expense popped up that left us in a lurch as far as everything else this month. In the grand scheme of things it wasn't a huge amount and we will be able to pay it back within a few months, but someone coming out and offering to help in such a circumstance only makes it easier on the receiver, and would also be incredibly touching.

You're a great friend.

[stinybean]

I'm so sorry for your friends. I can't imagine losing the only income coming in. That's frightening! My t&ps that he gets a job quickly. I think I might get some supermarket gift cards. It depends on your relationship if you'd be willing to loan them money, some people don't do well with mixing friendships with money.

[jessila]

I also came to say grocery gift cards. Another expensive thing when funds get low is gas. So a gas station gift card would be another very practical way to help.

Like periwinkledaydreams said, most people don't want to ask for help. Maybe you could even anonymously mail the card to them. That is up to you, though.

[Widget123]

The gift card idea sounds good. Other than that I would just do anything I could to help him find a new job soon-- looking online, talking to any contacts you have, talking to him about job possibilities, etc.

[jillywilly]

+1 to gift card, or sending over a weeks worth of freezer meals or something to help with that expense. I'm sorry your friends are going through a tough spot, hopefully they get through it soon.

[erbear]

+1 on the grocery or gas gift cards. Those expenses add up quickly!

[ashbash]

Agree about the gift cards for gas and groceries! I hope he finds work soon

[blueskiessmiling]

Groceries was also my first thought. Or maybe picking up some diapers and wipes if they have kids that age?

[mcp6286]

Oh I know how this feels! I hope your friends are able to get back on track quickly. I def agree with the people who said groceries and freezer meals. I know my best friend's passwords, so when this happened to her I logged into her account and paid her phone bill, insurance, etc. She was really grateful and it took away the awkwardness of handing over cash. I don't know if you could do something like that or not.

[holliberry28]

@badwolf321, this is probably a UO but I would just hand an envelope of money as we were leaving from a hang out.

Other than that, a gift card would be a great idea, I don't know if you have a Trader Joes near you but they have cute cards.

[wegrowsheep]

Been there a few times. Even had a friend give us a check for rent once.. I had another friend do a yard sale with me. If he's out of work for a little while, send them out on a date (watch kids, give a restaurant gift card, etc).

[hannahl201477]

Agree with PP on grocery store gift cards or gas cards.

[mrsdee1982]

I think grocery and gas cards would be a huge help. Hope this is a short term problem for them.

[tiffbot]

Aug 25, 2016 7:32:49 GMT -5 blueskiessmiling said:

Groceries was also my first thought. Or maybe picking up some diapers and wipes if they have kids that age?

Outside of groceries, I too was going to suggest if you have Amazon Prime to set up a scheduled diaper delivery for them for a couple months or something. (If they have little ones obviously). There's lots of things you can schedule for regular delivery on Amazon too if they don't need the diapers.

I like the gas card idea too.

Good luck to your friends.

[purple]

I missed the original post, @badwolf321. Just wanted to say I hope things get better for your friends.