Editor’s note: The Barley MacTavish Fund accepts letters from Midland County residents about themselves or other people, explaining why they need help and what they have tried to do about their problems. Write to Barley, care of the Midland Area Community Foundation, 76 Ashman Circle, Midland, MI 48640 or call 989-839-9661. Be sure to include a daytime telephone number and email address. Names of applicants are never published.
There is no real Barley MacTavish. This fund was established by an anonymous donor and is being continued with private financial support, plus donations from area residents during the holiday season. The project has been undertaken to help make Midland a little better place to live. Letters to Barley are not from actual applicants, but do represent typical requests.
Dear Barley,
I am a single mom raising two children. My oldest will be in fifth grade and my youngest one will be in first grade.
I am now able to hold down a full-time job because of my mom can watch both girls during the summer. I drive about 30 minutes one way. My car is old and still works okay, but my friend told me I need new brake pads ASAP. But I don’t have any extra money, especially with higher gas prices.
We live on my salary. I don’t get any child support from the father of my children, and I can’t borrow money from my mother. I don’t want to drive an unsafe car. Could you help me out with brake pads? Thank you.
dear friend,
I will be sending a check to an auto repair service for the installation of new brake pads for your car. You are so wise not to commute in a car with faulty brake pads. It sounds like you have a solid relationship with your mom. How wonderful it is for both of you and your children. Best wishes to all of you.
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