Last month, my dear friend CC shared a deeply vulnerable message with me—one that reflects the profound grief and overwhelming loss she has endured over the past year.

In a matter of months, CC has faced one life-altering transition after another: the loss of her marriage, her home, the passing of her beloved father, and now, the loss of her car. Each of these events is monumental on its own, but together, they’ve created a storm of heartbreak that no one should have to navigate alone. As if these transitions weren’t already heavy enough, this is her first holiday without her dad, and December 31, 2024, marks what would have been her first wedding anniversary—a day once filled with dreams of celebration that now brings a bittersweet reminder of what was lost. This time of year is tender and raw, and CC is navigating it with so much courage and grace by allowing us to witness her in this tender time.

Holmes and Rahe stress scale, also known as the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, assesses stress by adding up points for a list of 43 stressful life events.

A score of 150 or less indicates low stress, 150–299 indicates moderate stress
300 or more indicates high stress.


A score of 300 or more indicates an 80% chance of a health breakdown within two years

CC shared that she had just calculated hers &amp; the score was 1,007

As a person experiencing 4+ major losses in a short time, leading to sudden life changes and scoring 1,007 on a prominent stress scale, CC is facing "cumulative grief" or "grief overload," a highly debilitating form of grief where multiple significant losses within a short period overwhelm the individual's nervous system &amp; thus coping mechanisms where the individual is unable to adequately process one loss before another occurs, this extreme stress &amp; additional stress it causes, leading to a more intense and higher likelihood for a debilitating grief response… simultaneously faced with the urgent &amp; abrupt responsibilities of needing to completely restructure &amp; rebuild her life for her &amp; her child. 

Grief often isolates us, yet CC has shown immense courage in allowing herself to be witnessed in her experience and opening her heart to receive support. This openness is something I deeply admire, as it reminds me how moments like these invite us to lean into community, even when it feels most difficult. When our sense of safety and stability is shaken, healing can feel impossible. My prayer is that, through our collective love and generosity, we can provide CC with a little more safety and security as she navigates this sacred chapter of her life.

I’ve created this Meal Train as a tangible way we can hold CC in love and help lighten her load. A warm meal, a “wishlist” item for her or her kiddo granted, or even a thoughtful note filled with encouragement &amp; kindness can remind her that people care. Let’s reflect back to someone who always supports opportunities &amp; requests any way &amp; any time she’s able for those in her community.

There are a variety of ways to support CC through the Wishlist, Meal Train &amp; GoFUNDme with more specifics below in the “Special Notes” section (CC &amp; her child’s location are being protected- making certain offers of support unavailable):

- Send a gift card specifically for FOOD &amp; GROCERY services to contribute to the ease of accessing this core necessity
- Offer words of love and compassion. We all can use reminders that we are not alone- especially during unique experiences few have had to endure &amp; most may not fully understand
- Donate to her GofundMe or via Venmo (both direct links can be found on this page) to help her pay for incurred separation/divorce losses, unexpected expenses and more.

This is more than just about helping her survive through the extensive recovery time that will be needed to overcome such shocking life altering occurrences back to back —it’s about showing CC that she is witnessed, held, supported, and loved during a time when she is required to rebuild her life while carrying such deep &amp; heavy cumulative grief &amp; everything feels uncertain. 

Let’s come together to help her feel just a little more ease, warmth, and stability that will offer more spaciousness for her to be able to heal.

Thank you for being part of this safe circle of care for someone who has poured so much love into the lives of others. Your acts of kindness may be good karma points, but to CC it also means the world.

With gratitude and love,
Alyssa

Heartache / Divorce

General Support

Loss of a Parent

Grief/Loss

Loss of a Partner / Spouse

Ongoing Support

Other Loss / Grief

CC Barber

Love &amp; Support for CC

email-address

first-name

last-name

customer-logo-url

email-message

Email Delivery

Spreadsheet Delivery

Good at over 25,000 locations nationwide, recipients can use their Spafinder gift card for a massage or facial, yoga or pilates classes, acupuncture or chiropractic, or over 25 total services. Encourage your loved one to take a break for themselves with a wellness gift card they can use anytime. Available in any denomination between $25 - $500.
Why We Love This Gift: This is one of those gifts perfect in just about any situation. New moms and those facing stressful pregnancies love a massage. When facing illness, those affected do too. To be frank, self-care is often the first casualty of any crisis. When people are incurring unexpected costs at an alarming rate, the first thing to go are the "luxuries." However, those who face highly stressful situations with long/uncertain outcome are precisely those who should practice aggressive self-care. They won't do it for themselves. You do it for them. Pamper them. Let them know you want them to take a break and that their well-being is a priority.
What to Express in Your Card: I hope you don't mind my sending you this gift certificate. There is no one I know more in need of a massage/facial/yoga class. I know you won't do it for yourself - so I wanted to do it for you. I am sending you love.

Spafinder Wellness 365&trade;

Target

Spafinder Wellness 365&trade; - SpaFinder 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

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

Spreadsheet Download

Email

What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
Why We Love This Gift: Whether as a baby gift or to replenish supplies around the house, to cheer up a sick kid, or help someone with prescription costs, you can almost always find exactly what you need at Target. We love this gift because it enables your recipient with endless options and the ability to purchase precisely what they need - no questions asked.
What To Say In Your Card: I thought this might come in handy. I am sending you so much love!

Target - Target Gift Card

Get a reliable ride in minutes with the Uber app. This card is redeemable via the Uber app within the U.S. in cities where Uber is available.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it affords people the opportunity to get around. Safely. We love that. For people who are in treatment and too sick to get home from the doctor, to people who are no longer comfortable driving at night, this gift empowers people.
What To Express In Your Card: I know that transport can be complicated. I wanted to make sure that you could get around easily. I wish I were there to do this myself - but in case you need this as a convenience on your terms - here you are! Sending love.

Uber

Get a reliable ride in minutes with the Uber app. This card is redeemable via the Uber app within the U.S. in cities where Uber is available.

Uber - Uber Gift Card

On Airbnb, you can book unique places to stay from local hosts anywhere in the world. Explore over one million homes in over 34,000 cities.
Find a place that inspires you - whether it's for your next family vacation or a necessary (and not always anticipated) trip. Airbnb is a travel portal like no other because, with it, you can find one-of-a-kind places to stay in more than 190 nations worldwide.
Airbnb provides trusted services to find unique listings in private residences and has a messaging system to connect hosts and guests, as well as a secure platform to transfer payments using their app. See how far your dreams can take you and your friends when you give AirBnB Gift Cards!
Why We Love This Gift: Honestly, sometimes, permission to take a trip can be hard. Equally, sometimes expensive travel is necessary. One of the editors of Give InKind met a recently widowed woman who "confessed" (her word) to wanting to escape after the death of her husband following a long illness. She felt she could not justify the expense of a trip. Another family we have met along the way needed a place to stay while visiting a medical specialist far away from their home. People who lose their homes to natural disasters or as a result of financial strain need a place to stay. Lodging is an expensive component to any unforeseen circumstance. Remember to ask: where are you staying?
What To Say In Your Card: I know that the expense of travel is significant. I hope you don't mind my trying to offset some of it.

Airbnb

Amazon

Airbnb - Airbnb Gift Card

Uber Eats is the easy way to get the food you love delivered.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it allows the recipient to choose exactly what they want, when they want it. Sometimes we need to have a backup plan tucked away in our pocket, and Uber Eats is it. Bonus: Uber Eats gift cards are also redeemable for Uber rides.
What To Say In Your Card: Please eat something. I am thinking about you.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats - Uber Eats Gift Card

<div class="text-wrapper">
Hotels.com gift cards range from $10 up to $2,000, and there's no expiration date or fees. Choose to either email your gift card instantly or order a plastic card to be sent via mail to your recipient. With 150,000 + options and the choice to add personalized messages, this gift card is the perfect gift for almost anyone. 
<div class="text text-align-center">
<div class="link-wrapper">
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers peace of mind to your recipient. It offers flexibility in hotel options - especially when travel becomes necessary in an instant. This travel can be the result of an emergency, accompanying a loved one to a specialized medical treatment, or traveling to find work alternatives. It can also be used in the aftermath of a crisis or loss, as a way to provide rest and recovery to loved ones.
What To Express In Your Card: I know you have a lot of unexpected costs piling up. I wanted to help, but also to make sure you're comfortable while traveling during this time. I hope you'll accept this - it's my pleasure to provide it. I am thinking of you so much and send my love.
</div>
</div>
</div>

Hotels.com

Hotels.com - Hotels.com Gift Card

Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it's appropriate for any situation. Let your recipient choose just what they need, when they need it... with ease, convenience, and endless options.
What To Express In Your Card: I'm sending you my love.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com - Amazon 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

Always the perfect gift and great for all occasions. With a Barnes &amp; Noble gift card you can choose from an unmatched selection of books, eBooks, textbooks, movies/tv, toys, games, and gifts - even treats from the Café - at the world's largest bookseller!
Why We Love This Gift: We all need an escape sometimes - to fall in love with a fantastic book.
What To Express In Your Card: There are so many books out there that identify with what you are going through. I know how hard it has been for you. I hope this helps. I love you.

Barnes &amp; Noble

Always the perfect gift and great for all occasions. With a Barnes &amp; Noble gift card you can choose from an unmatched selection of books, eBooks, textbooks, movies/tv, toys, games, and gifts &#8211; even treats from the Café &#8211; at the world&#8217;s largest bookseller!

Barnes &amp; Noble - Barnes & Noble Gift Card

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

Give the gift of travel with a Southwest Airlines gift card. The perfect gift to send anyone to any of their 85+ destinations. Southwest Airline's gift cards never expire, and they're easy to redeem!
Why We Love This Gift: This gift card never expires. This allows those who need to travel right away to do so - it also offers the possibility of future travel. Appropriate for just about anyone in just about any situation, including people needing to seek expert medical treatment, explore greener pastures for work, or visit a sick relative.
What To Express In Your Card: I am thinking of you. I know there are a lot of pressures on you - financial and otherwise. This was just a little thing I thought of to try to offset some cost. I am thinking of you all the time and I am sending you lots of love.

Southwest&reg;

Southwest&reg; - Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer carrying more than 10,000 different pet-related products. With more than 1,100 stores in all 50 states, Petco provides the products, services (grooming, boarding), and advice that make it easier for customers to be great pet parents.
Why We Love This Gift: Pets can be so expensive. But so too are they adored. Help a loved one in a pinch by providing necessary food or other pet-related items. This includes grooming and boarding services in many areas - a major help to those in need.
What To Express In Your Card: I know how you have relied on [name of pet] over the course of the last few years. What an ally. I hope this helps to pay for some of the stuff I know you like that sweetie to have. Thinking of you.

Petco

Petco - Petco Gift Card

Find the brands you love at prices that work for you at T.J.Maxx!
T.J. Maxx believes everyone deserves to be surrounded by beautiful, high-quality, on-trend things at incredible savings. Fashion, family, or home, you'll find just what you need to help maximize what matters most to you. 
Maxx life with a TJX gift card - redeemable at over 3200 T.J.Maxx&reg;, Marshalls&reg;, HomeGoods&reg;, Homesense&trade;, and Sierra&reg; stores (in the U.S. and Puerto Rico) and online. 
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it enables the recipient to make their selection from overflow design options. Everyone can use a quality designer piece.
What To Express In Your Card: Hoping this gives you something to look forward to - I know how excited I get to go to T.J. Maxx.

T.J.Maxx

Find the brands you love at prices that work for you at T.J.Maxx!

T.J. Maxx

T.J.Maxx - T.J. Maxx Gift Card

eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, empowering people, and creating economic opportunities for all.
Why We Love This Gift: Perfect for anyone in need of something affordable. We love this gift because your recipient will find virtually anything they need at a discounted price. Send to a family in need, a single parent, a veteran. Anyone.
What To Express in Your Card: I know you need things right now. And I know that eBay has everything.

eBay Digital

eBay Digital - ebay Gift Card

American optimism is Gap's attitude. Casual style is their aesthetic. Gap embraces a youthful, infectious spirit and the freedom to express individual style.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it is appropriate for all ages and situations. Quality apparel at the click of a button, empowering the recipient to make their own selection.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and thought you might be able to put this to good use.

The Gift Card may be redeemed for merchandise at any Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, or Athleta location, including Outlet and Factory stores. 
Redemption Instore and Online 
A Giftcard is the perfect gift that always fits &#8211; for Birthdays, Anniversary, Thank Yous or any special celebration.

Gap - GAP Options Gift Card

ULTA Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for makeup, fragrance, skin, hair care products, and salon services.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers an indulgence. It pampers those who need a little extra love and attention. When a person is ill sometimes a little pampering can actually be helpful than we know.
When unexpected medical costs mount, little indulgences can fall by the wayside. Prevent this from happening. (A gift card is preferable to a gift basket because heavily scented items can make people in treatment feel very nauseous so it is best for the recipient to choose their preferred items).
Or, help a newly separated person to move back out into the dating world at a pace that is comfortable. Remind them of how attractive they are. Or, bolster their interview spirits as they wait for their opportunity. Help a loved one to stay ready to interview at the drop of a hat when the default has become dry shampoo and yoga pants. Help them stay refreshed and ready to seize any professional opportunity. Enable them to be make-up ready for the interview.
What To Express In Your Card: I saw this and I just thought that you might like to choose a little something for you. Something you don't need. Please choose something you want. I am thinking lots about you.

Ulta Beauty

ULTA Gift Cards are redeemable for merchandise and services in all ULTA locations in the United States and at www.ulta.com. 
Redeemable instore and online 
No returns and no refunds on gift cards.

Ulta Beauty - ULTA Beauty Gift Card

Marshalls Gift Cards - premium clothes at outlet prices.
Why We Love This Gift: Premium clothes at outlet prices, what's not to like? We love this gift because it enables the recipient to make their own selection from overflow design options. Everyone can use a quality designer piece.
What To Express in Your Card: I thought you might be able to use this. Have fun!

Marshalls

Marshalls - Marshalls 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

Expect great things when you shop Kohls for apparel, shoes, accessories, home products, and more!
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it provides quality home goods at attractive prices. Following the loss of a house to fire or flood, most people will find themselves underinsured. It is hard to remember all that is lost when it is consumed in a traumatic event.  This is also a nice gift for someone housebound due to illness - it can provide just a little freshening up, new sheets, a fluffy pillow. For the newly divorced, setting up another household is an expensive proposition. Lighten their load.
What To Express in Your Card: How can I help?

Kohl's

Expect great things when you shop Kohls for apparel, shoes, accessories, home products, and more!

Giftcardmall.com

Kohl's - Kohl's Gift Card

Give anyone you love a ride, anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it affords people the opportunity to get around. Safely. We love that. For people who are in treatment and too sick to get home from the doctor, to people who are no longer comfortable driving at night, this gift empowers people.
What To Express In Your Card: I know that transport can be complicated. I wanted to make sure that you could get around easily. I wish I were there to do this myself - but in case you need this as a convenience on your terms - here you are! Sending love.
&nbsp;

Lyft

Show just how much you care by sending a Petsmart gift card to a friend or loved one going through a difficult time. Whether they're dealing with an illness, having a baby, losing a loved one, or anything in between, a Petsmart Gift Card from Give InKind is the perfect way to show your support.
The Petsmart Gift Card is perfect for any pet-lover in your life. For those dealing with a long-term illness, the gift card can be used to buy food for their pet or to visit the groomer for a much-needed pampering session. For those who have just had a baby, a Petsmart gift card is a great way to give them the means to purchase pet supplies for their newest family member. And for those grieving the loss of a loved one, a Petsmart Gift Card can be used to buy items for their pet to help keep their companion's memory alive.
The Petsmart Gift Card is easy to purchase and send through Give InKind. Simply choose the amount you want to give, enter your payment information, and you're all set! You can also add a personalized message to let the recipient know just how much you care.
When you buy a Petsmart Gift Card from Give InKind, you're giving more than just a gift. You're helping to lift the burden of worrying about pet care during a difficult time. So make sure to show your friends and family that you care by sending them a Petsmart Gift Card from Give InKind today.

Petsmart

Petsmart - PetSmart Gift Card

"Escape" to the tropics with this delightfully scented spa set.
<h3 class="h4">STAYCATION BLISS</h3>
Short of a vacation in Barbados equipped with a masseuse, there's nothing like a relaxing spa day at home. We've got just the thing to make it feel more like a tropical getaway: this beachy roundup of delightfully scented products. Forget your responsibilities for a little while and indulge in the mineral bath salt, calming body mist, sugar shower scrub, and hydrating lotions and lip balm. They're all 100% cruelty- and paraben-free, and naturally scented with essential oils that recall a sunny day at the beach. The set arrives in a beautiful gift-worthy package (even if the "gift" is for you). Handmade in Colorado.

Beach All You Want Gift Set

Uncommon Goods

Lip balm enthusiasts, we've got your fix: this set made from all-natural goat's milk and essential oils.
<div class="row">
<div class="small-12 columns">
<div class="theStoryCopy">
<h3 class="h4">FARM TO SKIN</h3>
There's a quiet farm three hours north of New York City where 130 dairy goats are milked and sent off to play in the fields. That's where this luxurious lip balm set is made. There's nothing run-of-the-mill about the ten sticks, from their intricate paper packaging to their delightful scents. As you smooth the all-natural, moisturizing ingredients over your lips, your mind may wander to the peaceful farm where it's made--ours did, and it's heavenly. Made in Sharon Springs, New York.
Fragrances Include:
-Ylang Ylang and Tuberose 
-Orange Blossom 
-Fig Leaf 
-Sweet Grass 
-Grapefruit 
-Oak Moss 
-Apricot and Honey 
-Vanilla 
-Original (unscented)
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="small-12 medium-10 columns">
<div id="itemDetailIcons">
<div class="line-of-icons">
<div class="medium-text-center">
made in usa
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

10-Piece Lip Balm Gift Set

<div class="row">
<div class="small-12 large-10 large-centered columns hide-for-small-only">
<div class="intro-text margin-z">We have two words for you: stress melters.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="WLJump"></div>
<div id="reviewsSnippet" class="row">
<h3 class="h4">SO LONG, STRESS</h3>
One might call <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/unwind-body-care-gift-set#the-maker">Annemarie Ruiz </a>a magician. An alchemist, perhaps. All we know is she uses a few simple ingredients to melt our stress away. Her heaven-scented, spa-inspired set helps you unwind after a long day. Drop the bath bomb into your tub for a muscle-soothing soak. Rub the body butter into tired, dry skin. And give lips a hydrating boost with the all-natural, organic lip balm. The set comes in a hand-sewn floral cosmetic pouch that's good enough to gift--even if the gift is for you. Handmade in Illinois.
</div>

Unwind Body Care Gift Set

image-1

image (1)

logo-8

logo

Give InKind

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

magical-gift-opening

Magical Gift Opening

The holiday season is a popular time to sponsor a family. Whether contributing as a household, team, congregation, or individual, people work with local organizations to identify and connect with families in need. Sponsoring a family entails fulfilling a wish list or providing food, funds, and necessities to ensure a special season for them. Manage [&hellip;]

How to Set Up an InKind Page to Sponsor A Family This Season

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.

Search

Love & Support for CC's Wishlist

Wishlist