On September 25, 2024 Mellisa’s mother Cheryl Carlos suffered a catastrophic stroke leaving her paralyzed on one side, unable to swallow or speak. Despite the diligence of healthcare providers at RI Hospital, Cheryl brain would no longer be able to function.  
Melissa and family then had to make the difficult decision to stop all treatments and move Cheryl to a hospice care facility to make her final journey peaceful and comfortable. 
If anyone knows Melissa, she is a family person.  She would go to the end of the earth for her family and friends and she has suffered tragedies that no one could survive.  
This unexpected tragedy has left her with being unable to go to work as she sits tirelessly by the bed side of her mother.  
Melissa is independent and financially supports herself. Funeral expenses are going to need to be paid for, but mostly she needs to be able to support her home and herself while she is with her mother.  
Melissa is so strong and will never ask for help but during this difficult time we need to lock arms and take some of the financial stress off of her so that she can continue to sit by her moms bedside.  
No donations are too small however , in the event that a donation can not be made, you may send her positive messages through the link on this page.

Loss of a Parent

Grief/Loss

Melissa Thomas

Support for Melissa Thomas and family

email-address

first-name

last-name

customer-logo-url

email-message

Email Delivery

Spreadsheet Delivery

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

DoorDash

DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

<a href="https://instacart.oloiyb.net/c/1246143/413183/7412" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instacart</a> is a grocery delivery service that delivers in as little as an hour. They connect you with Personal Shoppers in your area who pick up and deliver your groceries from your favorite local stores.
Why We Love This Gift: Shopping for groceries is a chore under the best of circumstances. For families facing a new lift event or crisis, it is very often incredibly stressful. The gift of a cupboard full of basic necessities is tremendous. It is a wonderful way to remind those you love that you have not forgotten the day-to-day challenges they face. You are telling them in no uncertain terms that they are not alone.
What to Express in Your Card: I was thinking about the things you have to get done every day. I hope you'll let me help a little by giving me a chance to buy you some groceries - and have them delivered to you. Just one lest task for you to worry about. I send you my love.

Instacart

Instacart - Instacart Gift Card

The digital Visa gift card is another convenient option for supporting someone when they need it most. It allows the recipient to select their own essentials or gifts from a wide range of merchants. The card will be emailed to your recipient’s inbox and is for online or by phone use only. It’s a thoughtful way to show your support and let them know you’re there for them.
Why we love this gift: 
With ever-changing needs, this gift allows your loved one to purchase whatever they need, whenever they need it. The digital Visa gift card is a fast, easy way to put funds in your recipient’s hands. This gift card is all about giving them that flexibility and peace of mind.

Looking for a memorable gift that adapts to any situation?
The physical Visa gift card combines the practicality of a Visa credit card—usable both in-store and online—and the thoughtfulness of a greeting card. For just $5.95 and the cost of your chosen shipping method, we will print your custom Give InKind Visa gift card and personalized greeting card, and send directly to your loved one. The versatility and personal touch of this gift makes it no surprise this is our most gifted card.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-235811 size-full" style="margin: 0 auto;" src="https://cms.giveinkind.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GreetingCard-getWell.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="386" />
Why we love this gift:
<ul>
<li>Versatility: Needs can change quickly in challenging times. This all-purpose gift card allows your loved one to purchase precisely what they need, when they need it. Be it a comforting meal, a therapy session, spa treatment, fuel, diapers, or countless other possibilities. No questions asked.</li>
<li>Personalization: Add a heartfelt message to both the gift card itself and the greeting card. Pick your favorite among the many available greeting card designs to give your gift a personal touch. And for those urgent moments, you can always choose to have your gift shipped overnight.</li>
<li>Show you care: It’s the perfect way of letting a recipient know you are thinking of them, no matter how far away they may be. Whether it’s sending love after the birth of a new baby, some healthy vibes with a Get Well card, or even a simple ‘Thinking of You’ your gift can truly make a difference for a friend going through some intense times.</li>
</ul>

The Give InKind Custom Visa card is the perfect way to show your support during challenging times, or anytime you want to show you care. Whether you're sending love after the birth of a new baby, or sending good vibes during a difficult period, the Give InKind Custom Visa card is the perfect way to show your support.
This card is available with an optional greeting card, so you can add a personal touch to your gesture. And for those urgent moments, you can always choose to have your card shipped overnight.
The Give InKind Custom Visa card is more than just a card. It's a way to make a difference in the lives of those you love, and give them the support they need. Show your support today with the Give InKind Custom Visa card.
Additional charges will apply at checkout depending on delivery preferences. There are no additional charges for any digital cards sent via email.

Visa Gift Card

Visa Gift Card - Visa Gift Card

Visa Gift Card - Visa Digital Gift Card

Spreadsheet Download

Email

This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.
Why We Love This Gift: Because it is coffee. We love this gift for that reason, but also because coffee (and tea) can facilitate conversation. People stop and talk over coffee and tea. Barista-made cups of coffee or steaming cups of hot tea are among life's "little" indulgences - the kind of thing that lifts people up. They are also among the first things people slash from tight budgets. Help them put it back. This gift is suitable for anyone to whom you want to express concern, consideration, or love. Also, here is a hot tip: teenagers love Starbucks. It is a great gift for a teenager.
What to Express in Your Card: I was just thinking about you as you grapple with recent events. I hope you will take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee - I know you are a latte fan. Maybe we can even meet for a cup? I'd love to know how you are doing and what I can do to be helpful. I send you lots of love.

Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

Starbucks - Starbucks Gift Card

Sip into Dunkin' Donuts and enjoy America's favorite coffee and baked goods chain.
Why We Love This Gift: Whether your recipient is a pregnant mother experience cravings or a stressed-out family with children - donuts send a message to sit down, relax, and enjoy a sweet moment. We love this gift because everyone loves donuts, pretty much any time.
What To Express In Your Card: Please, treat yourself to coffee and donuts. You deserve it.

Dunkin' Donuts

Sip into Dunkin&#8217; Donuts and enjoy America&#8217;s favorite coffee and baked goods chain.

Dunkin' Donuts - Dunkin' Gift Card

The Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card provides 9 distinguished and diverse restaurants on one card.  From Olive Garden's never-ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden fresh salad to fresh, boldly seasoned and expertly grilled steaks - like the signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye&reg; at LongHorn Steakhouse, we have one card with all your favorites.    Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card can be redeemed at any Olive Garden&reg;, LongHorn Steakhouse&reg;, Yard House&reg;, Ruth's Chris&reg; Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen&reg;, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52&reg;, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze&reg; restaurants in the U.S.  Gift Cards can be redeemed for Online To Go, Catering and Dine-In meals.
What To Express In Your Card: I am thinking about you so much. Please, take a few minutes and get something to eat and drink on me.

Darden Restaurants

With over 1,500 restaurants in all 50 states, the Darden Gift Card is redeemable at some of the most recognizable brands in full-service dining including Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Bahama Breeze®, Seasons 52®, Yard House®, and Cheddar&#8217;s® among others.

Target

Darden Restaurants - Bahama Breeze Gift Card

Great food comes first. Every day, more than 11 million guests visit Burger King restaurants around the world, and they do so because their restaurants are known for serving high-quality, great-tasting, fairly priced food.
The original Home of the Whopper, Burger King's commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and family-friendly dining experiences have defined their brand for more than 50 successful years. Give the gift that's always in good taste.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it allows the ability to focus tight on care for a family impacted by a medical crisis. Or, is helpful for a family that has temporarily been forced to evacuate after the loss of their home. Whatever the reason, gifts like this offset the price of feeding oneself or the whole family.
What To Express in Your Card: Please stop for a minute and eat something.

BURGER KING&reg;

Amazon

BURGER KING&reg; - Burger King Gift Card

One of America's favorite restaurants. IHOP features high-quality food and friendly service. IHOP restaurants are best known for their award-winning pancakes, omelets, and other scrumptious breakfast specialties.  They also offer a wide variety of lunch and dinner options.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because pancakes are delicious. Breakfast diners like IHOP provide a leisurely break for a tired family to sit down together and simply enjoy one another's company.
What To Express in Your Card: Everyone loves pancakes. I am thinking of you.

IHOP&reg;

IHOP&reg; - IHOP Gift Card

image-1

image (1)

logo-8

logo

Give InKind

General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

modern-couple-at-coffee-shop

Modern Couple At Coffee Shop

modern-couple-at-coffee-shop-2

screen-shot-2020-01-14-at-11-15-20-am

Screen Shot 2020-01-14 at 11.15.20 AM

David Shafer

Best-selling author David Shafer on why it is better to acknowledge grief - even if we say the wrong thing. Visit Give InKind for articles, information, and a new way to schedule meals and offer concrete assistance to the bereaved.

Grief: Better To Say The Wrong Thing Than Nothing At All

New York Times Best-selling author David Shafer on acknowledging grief. Visit Give InKind for information and concrete ways to help the bereaved.

flowers

pexels-johnmark-smith-343957

tulip bouquets

temporaryheadshot

Tara Shafer

Consider what you want to convey in your gift of flowers. Here are some considerations in making a selection. Visit Give InKind for information, articles, and a new way to schedule food and support to those in times of need.

What Flowers Express: In Illness & In Grief

Consider what you wish to express in your selection. Visit Give InKind for ideas, information, and a new way to schedule meals in times of need.

Search

Support for Melissa Thomas and family's Wishlist

Wishlist