Meet the Duffey Family…
(The Duffey Family Home in Griffin, GA)
As most of you know, we will be embarking on the Hip2Help Tour in early July and are planning to sponsor between 1-3 families in 4 different communities along the way. Thanks to the help of Hip2Save reader volunteers Brandy and Carrie in Griffin, Georgia, we are honored to introduce one of our sponsored families, the Duffey Family. The Duffey family consists of dad, mom, boy (age 9) and girl (age 6). As you can see from the picture above, the Duffey family lost their entire home and are currently living with family members in the area. Although everything was lost, the Duffey parents are asking that our sponsorship efforts focus solely on the kids.
If you want to help us support this family through donations, here is what is needed:
Boy Needs (Age 9): Size 8 Shorts, Size 10 Pants, 8/10 Shirts; Size 3 shoes
Girl Needs (Age 6): Size 6 Pants, Dresses, and Shirts; Size 12 shoes
* In addition to clothing and shoes, the kids lost all of their toys and outdoor playthings (bikes, etc.).
Please mail donations for the Duffey Family to the following address:
Note: If your donated items are not immediately needed by the family, they will be stored in this location until we arrive in July.
Diversified Fabricators, Inc.
Attn: Hip2Help Tour/Duffey Family
1325 U.S. 41 Bypass South
Griffin, GA 30224
* Please contact Brandy at 770-412-0429 if you have any specific questions about donating to the Duffey Family
If you’re new around here, you may be asking yourself “What is the Hip2Help Tour?!” Click here for more information.
How sad! I am so glad that you are helping everyone and I have sent 3 boxes to you on Friday! I hope to send you more items before you leave but I just wanted to mention what an amazing thing you all are doing!
Thank you so much Bridgette!!
They are in the town right next to me, I will be sure to look over this list for things to donate! Thank you for doing this!!
Can they be gentley used clothes or do they have to be new?
Gently used clothing is just fine! 😀
Do they have to be new items? My son is a size up so some of his old stuff will fit.
Gently used clothing is much appreciated. Thanks!
wow, so great you are doing this! this family sounds amazing…what great parents to say that they want everything for their kids! obviously the kids went through a huge disaster at such a young age, but the parents need things just as much! do we know their sizes? i would love to send some things for the parents as well!
That is so kind of you! Here is some info about the parents:
Dad (age 31): Size 40 Shorts, XXL Shirts
Mom (age 29): Size 16 Shorts/ Pants, XL, XXL Shirts
Thanks for posting the parents information! I have things that would be appropriate for them!
Do you have any information on the parents? I know they said focus on the kids, because as parents, we care about them more than ourselves. We all know the kids are going to get a ton of stuff, so I would love to get the parents some things.
Yep, here is the information about the parents:
Dad (age 31): Size 40 Shorts, XXL Shirts
Mom (age 29): Size 16 Shorts/ Pants, XL, XXL Shirts
So great!!! what are the kids into? Its nice to know what kind of toys they like so you don’t get anything they wont play with.
Hi Amanda!
I’m Brandy, one of the Hip2Give volunteers for Griffin.
The children would greatly appreciate any toys that are donated. Mom did say that her daughter likes barbies, dolls, babies, and anything princess. And her son likes leggo’s, transfomers, and bakugan’s.
Thank you so much! 🙂
I picked up several Iron Man II toys with the coupons available around Easter. I had planned to give to Toys 4 Tots but, I’m thinking that a kid that likes Transformers would probably like these toys too! Should I go ahead and send them?
Kathy that is very thoughtful of you! Please do! Thank you so very much for helping out! 🙂
Brandy
I’m so glad you’re going to Griffin, GA. I went to a concert there (all the way from Birmingham, AL) about 15 years ago and I found the town to be lovely and charming. I hope to be able to contribute to the donations very soon!
Jennifer, they are coming to calhoun county too and we are haveing a Day of healing (fun day) would love for you to come over and help us.. Its July 9th from 11 to 4 or whenever it ends..lol email me for more info..tinahorn@bellsouth.net
I love that you posted the kids sizes but what if 1000 or even 100 people send the kids shorts? That would be way too much. I suggest to send gift receipts along with any clothing that is sent in case the family gets too much and this way they could exchange for other items that they need.
Thanks for the great suggestion! 😀
I bet if this family gets too much they will pass it on to one of their neighbors!!
… You saw the MegaBlocks coupons — right?! 😉 I may be making a trip for toys – my favorite things!
Also – Collin, I was wondering the same thing as everyone else – can it be gently used or brand new? With the warm weather, there are TONS of garage sales. Just curious.
Thanks! 😉
Yep, gently used clothing would be great. Thanks!
What about gift cards? Do you know what stores are in the area? This would help replace things that aren’t donated, or to help save up for larger things like bikes, dishes, cookware, etc.
I was also wondering the same thing…can we send gift cards for stores in the area?
I just did a Google search and did find a WalMart in Griffin, GA…that would be a great place to get gift cards from and use towards bikes,etc like you mentioned before.
The main stores in the area are Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, Belk, and Ingles Grocery Store. Target, Kohl’s and JC Penny are about 20-30 min drive away.
Thanks so much, Jessica!!
Wow! What a great thing you are doing Collin! I know they need clothing and toys for the kids, but I just moved and was getting ready to send some kitchen ware, pots, pans etc to Goodwill that I no longer can use or need. Does the family need these type items as well? We have a ton of stuff I was going to donate, but would be willing to ship it off to this family instead. I even have plates if the need it.
You are welcome to send you kitchenware. If the Duffey family cannot use the items, we will surely find someone that can. Thanks!
Can we post what we are sending? To help avoid duplicates? That way the family will not have say 7 bikes and not enough shoes. Make sense?
That is totally fine to post what you are donating!
great idea!
Some stores in griffin: walmart, marshalls, roses, kroger, rue 21, famous footwear, dollar general, freds, family dollar, bealls outlet, big lots. It’s a small town
I’m confused. Why are you waiting to have these items delivered to the family? They are in need NOW. I don’t understand how receiving and storing clothing, unless it is for next season, is helping them?
Please don’t take my question the wrong way. I’m a long time reader and love your blog I just can’t get it out of my head that the only reason to wait is so that Hip2Save’s name can receive the attention in person. Why not contact the family who is currently in need and just tell them you have made arrangements through your site for donations.
This is a really good point. The reason, though, that we have decided to wait until we get down there to donate to the family is first because we don’t want them to have to take the time to rummage through all the donations. Instead, we want to be able to go through everything and have it all organized for them. Plus, this will allow us to see what has been donated so that we can make sure they are getting everything that is needed. And if not, we will be able to supply those additional items.
I hope that makes sense! 🙂
I would like to suggest something…maybe send along several donated gift cards as soon as possible to help take care of immediate needs as the donations are being organized?
Yeah, I wonder if there is some way for them to get the main things they need first from the donations, so they don’t have to go out and buy the items now since they might need them now. They can take just what they need now and leave the other items (extra clothes, extra toys etc) to be received later.
Sorta makes sense. As someone who lost everything as a child due to fire I can tell you that my mother would have happily taken the time to sort through donations than have nothing but a grocery bag full of clothing. She was also very honest with those that asked and told them what our needs still were. I’m just feeling that 4+ weeks to wait for items that are needed now is way to long and just looks as if you want to make sure “hip2save” get as much attention as possible.
Collin, In all due respect, I have to agree w/ Karin. Over 4+ weeks is a long time, and that’s not even counting the time that has already passed. BTW, we lost everything in a fire, so I’m speaking from experience also. We had ins (I’m assuming they might not) that eventually covered much, but it was really rough at the beginning. Is there any way the contact family can take pics and go ahead and give them some of the stuff?? I absolutely think Hip2Save deserves credit (great blog!), but I know you want to help the family in the best way possible.
BTW, I think this is AWESOME that you are doing this, either way, I don’t want to sound negative. Just thought I’d provide a little feedback from someone who has experienced this. It absolutely makes sense to not give them household and other things they don’t have a place to go w/ yet, but it seems like some clothes and toys would be better given now, IMO. Like I said, though, it’s great regardless!
Ditto, plus if this is the best way for you to be able to do it, go for it!!! Either way it is an awesome thing, thanks for doing it!!!
Thanks so much to all of you who have taken the time to comment and provide feedback. I so value your suggestions and am in the process of contacting the family to find out more about their immediate needs versus those items that will not be needed until July. I know that they are currently living with family members so I am not sure what sort of storage space they have…as soon as I find out, I will be sure to leave another comment. Thanks so much for all your generous offers and for supporting this family.
I knew there was a reason I never had a chance to sell my son’s clothing in our spring garage sale. I have lots of boys clothing in the sizes needed that I can send. Thanks for making it so easy for us to help Collin!
This is such a great idea. Is it just gonna be one family per area? I think this is going to get a large response from your many readers, do you have plans for the excess? I can’t wait to see how this turns out.
We have selected between 1-3 families in each community. I promise that we will put all your donations to good use!
Collin, this is an awesome way for you to take advantage of the position you are in as owner of a popular site to give a good example and to help others. Thank you for doing this!!!
Love the idea, but agree with so many people here that 4 weeks is too long. When you have lost everything, it ISN’T a chore to sort through donations. And surely the family know of neighbors who are needy of their surplus goods! I think Hip 2 Save would still “get credit” when you do arrive in 4 weeks. Thanks for the consideration, I am planning on sending gently used clothing and shoes for the girl .
Is there a different address to send the stuff to them now?Maybe at the home they are staying at the gift cards could go directly to the family instead of waiting.They really need stuff now not 4 weeks!
It has moms phone number maybe someone could call her or text and see.The kids need clothes before the 4 weeks!Colin Thank You for all you do!You really are a blessing to so many!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. After speaking with Brandy who is responsible for receiving the donations, we have decided that the best option for the family is to have Brandy open each box that arrives in the mail, review the contents with the Duffey parents and decide what they would like to take now (based on needs and storage space) and what they would prefer to take in July. 😀
Hey Collin~
This is a great thing y’all are doing! (Maybe someone has already thought of this, but-) As a mail carrier, I was just thinking that the person at the address who will be receiving all of our packages should let the carrier know about the impending surge of packages. They can make arrangements, in case they are not home, as to where they would like them left (at the PO, the neighbor’s, etc.). Carriers are always happy to help! Thanks for all you are doing for these families!
Thank you Mary B. for your suggestion! 🙂 The packages for the Duffey family are actually being delivered to my workplace and since we are only open M-F we have our mail held on Sat for Monday delivery. I will make sure to give my awesome carrier a heads up though! 🙂
Brandy
Hip2Give Volunteer
Griffin, GA
Hi-
Is there any way to get size for things such as underwear, socks, bras for the family as well as pajamas also what type, boxers, briefs etc..- also would they like a size larger for the children for wintertime when they go back to school.
I think it is a great idea to keep a running list of things being sent so that to many things do not get duplicated as well – anyway that is possible. God bless you all for doing this.
I have some bakugan toys they can use now or for Christmas gifts.
I love that everyone is trying to come up with thoughtful suggestions to help this devastated family in the best way possible, but why is it necessary for some to question Collin’s and Hip2Save’s motives and integrity in the process? Maybe I am just being sensitive to some of the comments, and if so, I apologize, but why does a four-week turn around automatically mean that she’s looking for glory or props for helping this family out? You have no idea of what the process is for her to get this done, or what the family may have requested from her. I don’t think it’s awful to question the process in order to come up with ideas that may help everyone involved, but to think that she is doing this for any other reason than out of the kindness and generosity of her heart is a darn shame. I trust that Collin knows what she is doing and is doing this out of sheer genuineness in wanting to help her fellow man/woman/child.
i agree 100%, Colin has taken on this awesome humongus task. I bow down to you Colin. We should help the best we can and not complain. To many cooks in the kitchen ruin the stew. I am sure she reads alll comments fairly but i feel like some of you are giving her added stress and more work.
This is a very kind gesture by you and your tour team. On April 27 an EF-3 tornado hit Bartow County, Ga – north of Atlanta. So many homes were completely leveled in this area. I live a short distance away and drive by every day on my way into town. It’s very sad because many of these people are living in tents and campers on their property with 90+ temps.. Not a single home has begun the reconstruction phase.
This Hip2Help Tour is such a nice thing! We packed a small package to send today; just need to get it in the mail.
Our town was hit by an EF-4 tornado this past Tuesday (May 24th). It is amazing how devistation can hit so quickly and without much notice while it’s effects linger for so long.
Oh my- thank you so much for posting this! I have to make a run to the store today so I will definitely pick up some items for the kids/family and get them sent over. What a devastation, I cannot even imagine but wish I could do more to help! 🙁
I am so happy I saw this…my son just moved up a size and we are getting rid of a ton of his size 8/10 clothing…all from the Children’s place…all gently used…so guess what his weekend plans consist of now!!
Hey Colin! I’m sure if you haven’t heard you can find on the internet info about Joplin, MO being hit by an E F-5 tornado that was on the ground for 14 mi. It hit a densely populated area that has wiped homes and businesses. It looks like a war zone. People are struggling to find housing, transportation, and food. Thought you might like to look this up. My sister and I sent a large box of personal care items. Our mother passed away on May 3 so we are also going through clothing to take and other items. Thanks for any efforts you can send towards Joplin even if it is your prayers.
Collin,
Thank you for all that you do! One suggestion…You might want to ask people to create a list of the items in the box and put the list inside the box (on the top of all the items), or put the list on the outside of the box in a plastic protector (like Fed-Ex has attached to their boxes) and/or label the outside of the box “Boys Summer Clothes; Girls Toys; Kitchen Tools/Supplies”. We have no idea if this family will receive 10 boxes or 100 boxes (but if they receive 100 boxes, it will be difficult for them to sort through the items to find what they need). They are in crisis right now so it’s especially important for them to find things quickly. If they need girls shoes, it would be nice for them to find the right box in 5 minutes (rather than 5 hours). 🙂
Thanks!!
Thanks for the suggestion Sarah!
Thanks to all of you for your love, support and prayers during this difficult time. My heart is deeply touch to see so many people come together. volunteers, friends, church family and people from all over. I am overwhelmed.There is only one thing I know…my God is faithful, gracious and might to save. Underneath all the destruction there is a brewing peace that things are going to be OK. My sons home is gone. But, My God saved my family from a violent tornado that ripped their house from off the top of them as they clung to each other.
It is so heart-warming to see the outpouring of love and support …Thanks again. Love and hugs to all.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. These are my husband’s cousins and I know it means so much to them. Our family has been following hip2save for a long time now. Not only has your site saved us so much money, it has enabled us to help others when they need it. You have been a blessing in more ways than you know and to more branches in our family than you can count
Thank you again an God bless
will be sending a box out tomorrow for the duffey family…hope it helps a little…our prayers are with them…thanks for all you do
Thank you Wendy!
Brandy
Hi Brandy! I have sent two boxes, and with the delivery confirmation I checked that the first one had arrived on Monday and the second one arrived just early this morning on Thursday. I just want to double check they were delivered safely. The packages were sent from Brooklyn, New York.
Hi Amy!
Yes I have received two boxes from you!! THANK YOU!! YOU ROCK!! 🙂