Back in October, I made an error in my checking account.  That error cost me over $500.00 in overdraft fees.  I admit this was MY error. 

When I called my bank (a Fortune 500 company) for assistance, I was referred to the branch manager where my account was opened some 10 years ago.  It was late on a Friday so the branch manager said that she would get back with me on Monday and to have a nice weekend.  I awaited her call on Monday.  It never came. In the meantime, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trying to figure out how I would pay my bills. 

I made arrangements with creditors where I could.  I e-mailed the branch manager the following week.  That’s when she e-mailed me back the sad news that she couldn’t help me because it was not a “bank” error.  So, I went higher to the regional branch manager and asked for a “one-time only” refund for a PORTION of the total amount.  

She had the branch manager (where my account was opened) to call me again with the same sad information.  That really hurt me because I worked at a bank for 9 years.  In those times the manager had access to those customers who were on the brink of over drafting their accounts. This is what was done:  The manager would call the customer to let them know that they were about to over draft and asked if they wanted to bring in some cash or transfer the amount from their savings accounts!  I know companies are huge and pretty much “impersonal” from the "Down home" humanitarian days of the companies of yesteryears, but nonetheless I felt a little disheartened.  

I have always been a person to help a fellow human being when asked for my assistance or if I saw that my assistance was needed. I have done many things to help others because I always want to treat others as I would like to be treated, not because I am looking for anything in return.  I have assisted others by teaching them how to create their own essays and research papers for classes and resumes to find jobs, contributed to employee assistance funds, (even when I could have used a boost myself), read to school children through the Rolling Reading program, helped build houses with Habitat for Humanity (when I actually needed one myself), served dinner from a local rescue mission to the homeless ...and not at just holiday times either. 

I don’t do as much volunteering now because my daughter and I care for my elderly father who has Alzheimer’s and she’s also attending nursing school.  We alternate between me working and her going to school.  I am assisting her as well so that she can make it through school.  Although I love helping others, this one financial burden has become very stressful for me.  So, I am actually in tears because I can’t meet my financial obligations.

I know $500.00 sounds like a little, but when you don’t have it and bills are due it seems as large as 10 million dollars.  This is a GENUINE cry for help. 

I WOULD NOT ASK IF THIS WEREN’T A DESPERATE SITUATION. If anyone could assist me with this situation, I would appreciate it so much. 

I need money before December 31st, if possible.  If not, whenever it’s available for you to do so.  Also, any amount would be a blessing to me and when I am able, I will certainly continue to do for others what I can.  Donations may be sent to my Pay Pal account.  Thanking and loving everyone in advance.