Follow-Up: Families in Need

The 911 CARES program reports that all 40 families in need from Texas have been “adopted” by donors from around the country, including OnStar and InterAct Public Safety Systems. Kevin Willett reports on his visit to Texas recently and his meeting with an adoptee after the break. [read more]

Here is Kevin Willett’s e-mail report on the 911 CARES holiday program.

Hi everyone,

On behalf of 911 CARES and Texas NENA I want to thank you for your support. We have successfully “adopted” 40 IKE dispatch families for the holidays. Agencies from Maryland to California have come together to make it happen. We were especially touched with places like New Orleans Fire and EMS adopted a number of families. They remember what their “adoption” meant to their family three years ago.

A special vendor thank you goes to both InterACT and OnStar. InterACT made a donation that allowed for the adoption of two families. OnStar did an internal fund-raiser to help their extended family, the 9-1-1 professional. Their donations are very much appreciated. We will continue to post updates of vendors and agencies that have helped at www.911cares.com

On a side note, I was in Louisiana this week and I got to meet two 911 CARES recipients. One woman was “adopted” three years ago by a Nebraska Communications center. She shared with my class that they folks from Nebraska brought a 5th wheel down to her and allowed her to live in it for 2 years! They stocked it with gifts and even brought her dogs favorite pet food.

In a year where we are at war, the economy stinks, unemployment rises daily and local events may make you sad or dismayed. Please let the fact that we are honored to work in a profession that is no less than amazing. We take care of our communities, our field responders and our brother and sister dispatchers. We dig deep into wallets and purses that don’t have much in them and we give even when it means giving up something for ourselves.

Two weeks ago, I asked for a “Christmas Miracle” and you have come through. For those that gave, thank you. For those that adopted, bless you. For those that wanted to give and couldn’t due to your own situation, your prayers are cherished and we wish good things for you and your family. 

Thanks for allowing us to be the messenger and the bond between those in need and the many amazing 9-1-1 professionals that jump to help. We have some new activations listed on the site and it’s never to late to share your kindness. God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

Kevin Willett and the team at 911 CARES and our friends at Texas NENA