Mother & Daughter Overwhelmed By 'Next Door' Generosity
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Moving to a new city can be hard enough. Add moving with limited income and few items, and it can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
Ellie Radke and her daughter, Margaret, recently moved home to Minnesota. And because of a relative, and a message on a social sharing neighborhood site, they learned the true meaning of selfless giving.
Ellie adopted Margaret from China as a baby, and recently learned the 15 year old has autism.
It is why they left everything behind in Hawaii, so Margaret could receive more help with specialized reading and math classes in Minnesota.
"It was scary for me like, beginning a journey and not knowing how you're going to get there and how it's going to happen," Ellie said.
Radke's niece, Katie Jackson, had an idea. She sent a simple message to her neighbors in southwest Minneapolis on the social site Next Door.
"Just a, 'Hey, I know someone who could use some things, anyone want to chip in or help out,' and it was just mind blowing," Kate said.
Nearly 100 people reached out instantly, all wanting to donate to the family. People donated a couch, chair and charming end table.
"It wasn't even about the things, it was about the response and support from the neighborhood," Kate said.
The mother and daughter each have a place to lay their head, and rest easy.
"I was blown away honestly, because I didn't know so many people cared for us," Margaret said.
They realize the goodness of strangers can be more powerful than they have ever dreamed.
"I thought I don't need to be afraid, with people as tender hearted as this, we're going to be just fine," Ellie said.
People have also donated Christmas decorations and want to give gift cards so the family has a nice holiday. Someone also offered a free haircut.
So many people responded that Katie has not been able to get back to everyone. The family offers a collective "thank you" to everyone who donated.