Pedxing Donation Thread

“I posted this on the other thread but didn't want the idea to get lost in the condolences.

I know it is too early to make donations to the family, and it is quite possible that the family may not answer turthfully as to their needs. However, it is not too early for someone to collect donations for the family. At an appropriate time, the total donations could be given to the family. What they need right this moment is not going to be what they need some time down the line. If we could get someone to be the collector and keep a running tab of the donations, then when the time comes for us to meet a need of the family, we can instantly with the already collected cash, items, etc. I myself would not mind at all getting this started but I don't live on the east coast. All we need is an address and we can start sending at least some money. This is just an idea. Someone please step up. This gives us all some time to come up with a significant donation whether it be cash or items.”

“Good idea, Wolfeyes. I'm sure everyone will be willing to help in one way or another.”

“yeah, i thought about making this suggestion... but it's a good idea, if everyone chips in a little bit, we should be able to come up with a pretty good sum that will help out considerably.”

“Okay, I'm in. Let me know where to send a check.”

“I was thinking, is it opropreate to vistit him in the hospital in a few months or so?

It may not be, I'm not sure, but I would think, the visitation of fiends would make him feel better, emotionaly. IDK?”

“mike and I are in, keep us posted!”

“What we need is someone who is actually close to the situation to keep us informed. There are times when a visit is a waste of time (Like now where they have him unconscious). Or later, it may be really inconvenient, when he really needs to sleep and being the polite fellow he is, he may not ask you to leave after driving hours to visit him. We are all ready to go see him, about 2 hours away, but really, now is not a good time.

If flowers are sent, he'll never see them before they wilt, and the cards may not keep up with him as they move him from room to room.

That being said, I think we all are ready willing and able to do for him. And we all want what we do to matter. We just need someone to choreograph it a bit for us.

Anyone close enough that has the time to do this? Perhaps Mad River could get his girlfriend to post here for the time being, but wait a little while before asking her. I'm sure she has enough on her plate.

Just some ramblings......”

“Just set up an account at any local bank in a trust fund in his name and he can use it when he needs to.”

“In case of any accident, I think ready cash is always needed....due to lack of paycheck....the bills still come..... count me in....get us an address!!!”

“well....regarding cards, gifts, flowers - I'd think that since he's in a burn unit nothing would be allowed in for fear of infection. but...it might help ease some of the pain the family is going through to know that so many people are caring for Ped and them through this terrible time.

Donations of money. excellant idea - the medical bills will probably be horrendous. does the family have home left? is this something matt wants to undertake - this would be a great way of localizing any donation effort...

Matt?”

“Stick a gift card for a general merchandise store (Kmart, Walmart, Home Depot....) in the get well card. Friends of mine had their house burn down a couple of years ago. During a time when mourning the loss of their son, they had to deal with losing all possessions. You don't think about only having literally the clothes on your back. No toothbrush etc. They'll have some immediate needs. Keep us posted.

Great thread Wolfeyes.”

“I think using a local bank is a great idea. That's done around here all the time. Get a specific "backpackers" account set up OR just let it go into a general account that someone in that area would most certainly set up for the family.

People around here use a bank account all the time for such purposes. It puts it in a professsional place, where that's what they do, and saves the effort to any one or group of individuals otherwise attempting to set something up. And it takes the responsibility off that one person or people.

We can all then make donations by just sending a check to that bank and specific bank account.

Good idea!”

“The gift card idea is great Dhutch!”

“I'm down with that. Not that I need someone else's tragedy to show my blessings but when I think of someone as nice as Ped having nothing when I'm so fortunate and blessed does make me think.

The local bank thing sounds great plus it can be there for multipul donations so that people who can help can continue to help in the months ahead.”

“Maple and I are in for whatever we can pitch in for. As far as setting up this account, it would be something that needs to be done locally, if I understand correctly. We are still a good 4 hours away from there, but if the help is needed, we would be willing to do the legwork, if necessary. I am not sure who is up in that area or close, for that matter. I know that he was pretty much the only active TT member from Mass. Please let us know if the service is necessary. I would be willing to take the drive...”

“The local Red Cross is usually the agency called to help the victims of fire...call them and ask if they will do the leg work setting up the account, they would also know if there is already an existing account set up by others in the community, like close family friends...”

“I'm just over 2 hours away from Boston. I'd be glad to help any way I can.”

“When I used to play in a band, we used to play "benfit" shows for people who needed help......

Is there any way we could do a "hiking thang", say hike a section of the AT, NCT or PCT (or all of them for us TTers accross the land) and have it be a "benifit" for Ped and family?

In the meantime, I think the local bank thing is the way to go, IMHO. Gives peeps across the land an opp to donate, plus the money earns interest.

One thing we must all remember: Let's not trip over ourselves in helping. Patience is key. I know if you feel the way I do, it's hard to sit from far away and not be able to do anything to help them right this minute. There's a great amount of resources between all of us. Ped and family WILL be taken care of, have no doubt.

Just my 2% of a dollar bill....”

“ok i just talked to treebeard and this is how we would like to help Dave and his family.

I understand they lost everything in the fire. I am willing
to give my home address to anyone that wnats it so they can send things to me for Dave and his family. What im talking about are clothing, household items ect..

when we have enough items and Daves family is ready to revc them, we will be willing to drive to Boston and hand deliver the items to his family.


If this is cool with you all, then just email me and I will email you back with my home address...”

“I think Vermont's Long Trail would be very fitting, seeing as Pedxing was planning on hiking it this August.”

“Copy and pasted from other thread:
"If we realy want to set something up for donations I think that we need to find a bank in his area that can act as the collection spot. I think that this is the way that most of these are set up. That way we can send checks or cash to a trusted place(not that I wouldn't trust anyone here) that can deposit the checks into an account in his families name.
If anyone is in the boston area maybe they could call a bank and see. If no one more local steps up I could make some phone calls."

That is a great Idea about the household items Maple. Do you have the storage room?”

“yes plenty.

tree even offered his bar room for storage..”

“Not a bad idea. How about multiple hikes in TTers area's on the same day? Some could do the LT, while some do a section of the AT. Wasn't there someone (maybe CnC or something "mamma) that hiked the AT for Breast Cancera while back? I'm thinking along those lines. Donations could be gathered from local outfitters, sporting goods shops......something like that. Might be too big of a task, tho. It mighth be best to just K.I.S.S.”

“we are in.

The tree family will hike Harriamn State Park.”

“I'll design the T-shirt!”

“If no one minds, I'll contact the Red Cross - maybe they can tell us the best way to do this and help us organize.”

“good idea, twig.”

“Matt could make this a pay site and send the money to him.”

“Great idea twig, and maybe they can tell you what is actually needed.”

“Ok, I e-mailed our ideas, then called. The person I spoke with is going to find out who can help us and have them get back to me.”

“Not to be contrary, but does anyone know if they NEED money? Maybe they have good insurance, which provides temporary living quarters and day to day stuff. I thought most did.

We do know they need our prayers.”

“And that's why we'll pray for David and family, but I can imagine there are plenty of expenses that insurance doens't cover.”

“thats why i thought that gathering items and taking them to his family only when they are ready would be a big help. anyone that has been in a house fire and has lost everything knows how little things like dishes and bath towles
and stuff like that can really be a big help.
our offer still stands.”

“I don't know anything about insurance, but wasn't pedxing self employed?

His family will have to pay for parking and meals while at the hospital. Gas to go back and forth, stuff like that. It'll add up over the months...”

“It was my understanding he was teaching.

Is anyone in touch with the family? Madriver?”

“Yes twigeater, that is something we might be able to help with right away.

The Vermont hike is a good idea,
if not to raise contributions, then to raise spirits and hope for all involved.”

“I like the hike idea as well, Mark.”

“The only contact I have had is with David's girlfriend Ellen. I did mention a desire to create a fund, but I haven't heard back from her as of yet.”

“MadRiver.


Please keep us up to date on this becuase we would like to send some money or do something.

8)”

“What do you all think of this?

I would like to put together a little video of pictures of David on past hikes with everyone. Kinda like a musical montage.

I have experience with this. I edited a piece about 5 years for a woman suffering from breast cancer. Doctors said her chance of survival was less than 20 %. After she saw the video, her health improved.

Tell me what you think.”

“That sounds like a really good idea!!!!”

“wounded knee, that sounds nice. I have some pics around here somewhere I can scan and send ya, if you get this thing started.

:o)”

“When you get an address for the bank account and account number please post it or email me, fogduo@ywave.com, so that I may send a check and a place to send a gift card too, this way they can buy what clothes, etc. they may need.”

“Could you please post on backpacker.com too, any addy's or account info. Thanks”

“I have all kinds of mens clothes that I don't wear anymore. I was going to sell them on eBay but I'd be glad to donate any of them. I haven't read the entire thread yet so whoever is in charge of donations in the form of tangible items let me know what to do.”

“I'm in, for whatever is needed. Thanks to all that are keeping us informed.”

“I'll be glad to put in a chunk of money for Ped. He's a great person.
I want him and his family to know that there is a country full of hikers out here that are ready and able to do what we can for a friend.


Wounded Knee,
I got some pictures of Ped from a White Mountains Trip. I'll be glad to send them for your video idea.”

“I suppose I can find pictures on peoples webshots sites too, huh?

Not only will I need pictures, but a song to put the pictures to.

Any suggestions? Does he have a favorite band/singer/song?

If people want to send me photos, please do so at the below address.

Brian Beanblossom
3343 Garfield
Highland, IN 46322

After scaning them into the computer, I will get them back to you.

Any more ideas, please let me know.”

“I don't have those pictures up on my Webshots page now so I'll post them and If you need the actual pictures, let me know.”

“I'm in too.

Lots of help is needed all around...this way I can at least feel like I'm helping in some small way.

Good thoughts and Prayers”