I want to express my surprise and heartfelt thanks for the caring package that was left at my door. I am battling breast cancer, along with the loss of my special daughter in law and your organization checked in on me at a time that I really needed it. I know that they also came to my daughter in law and I am realizing how important this can be to people .... I am praying that I can bring a smile to someone in the future at a time when they need it. Please keep up this wonderful practice… And let others know if the need is there to help. Thank you so much!!!!!
My thanks is extraordinarily inadequate
Dearest “Ordinary Women”, The words of appreciation and thanks that I have for you seem extraordinarily inadequate. However, I'd really love for you all to know how profound the impact your gift had on me. I have struggled for years with assurance of my salvation, mainly because I had a significant unconfessed sin that I had hidden deeply for 23 years. Although because of God's mercy and grace, I had repented and never repeated the sin, I was ashamed and didn't confess it until I was confronted 4 years ago. Since then, the LORD has been so sweet to remind me of His character and forgiveness in many ways but none so impactful as in the ways HE encouraged me this year. One of those ways, was your surprise note and gift I found in the “black hole” that is my purse. It came toward the end of May this year, just shortly after my husband and I gave away our first daughter in marriage and were still reeling from the significance of that and also finally “dealing with” the fact that the LORD had granted us another blessing in my womb, #11(at age 47 and in the middle of menopause 😉). He knew I would need encouragement and reminders of His love and faithfulness not only then but now too. We have had one medical “crisis” after another this summer and it seems as if that is going to continue for a while. Please know that your sweet words of encouragement and your commitment to pray for me have had a profound effect on me and has strengthened my faith in God and His provision. Although I still don't understand all He is leading us through, I am encouraged to acknowledge Him in all things, to trust Him because He is trustworthy, and to KNOW that He will direct our steps. I have kept your note close by and wear the beautiful “hope” necklace often! They are both sweet reminders of His love for me. The money that you included also made a big impact in our lives and again reminded us of God's provision and trustworthiness. Thank you for ministering to me and my family in such an extraordinary way. We truly have a God that is beyond compare. To Him be the glory!
You will never know the depth of my gratitude for your kindness
I do not know who you are or how you know my situation, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. A young lady about my age knocked on my door this afternoon and handed be a gift bag and said this is a gift from 12 ordinary women who want you to know you are loved and know what you have been going through these last couple of months. I accepted the gift bag and said thank you and away she went. I then looked in the bag and found a a very sweet note with no names, simply signed Love, 12 ordinary women. Inside the bag I found a Kindle fire and a $150 gift card for Target and an inspirational necklace that represents bamboo. I am so overcome with emotion that I have not been able to stop crying since. I immediately got on my computer and found this site. You will never know the depth of my gratitude for your kindness. This unexpected kindness came on a day when my physical and emotional pain are affecting me more than usual and I have not had the strength or energy to put on a brave face and go out into the world today. What you do makes a difference and you are a true blessing.
MW
Minneapolis Star Tribune tells our story.
'Ordinary Women' offer a shot of hope for people in need
A nameless group delivers thoughtful gifts to people facing tough times.
They asked for only one thing and left much more in return.
“Are you Melissa?” they wondered.
Melissa Wickstrom-Sirek didn’t recognize the two women who approached her as she was presiding over outgrown toys, out-of-style clothes and used furniture for the yard sale at her Eden Prairie home.
Unassuming, dressed in shorts and T-shirts, one wearing a baseball cap, the women looked like they were out for an afternoon stroll. Wickstrom-Sirek gave the response they were looking for — “yes” — and one of them handed her a gift basket.
Then they turned and walked away.
It was last August, and the kids’ school year loomed ahead. Most of her yard sale customers were neighbors who knew her story: a single mother of four children, three of whom are on the Autism spectrum.
Wickstrom-Sirek had organized the sale with a neighbor to help to cover what her one full-time and three part-time jobs couldn’t: tuition for a school offering specialized training needed by one of her kids. One shopper paid with a $50 check — insisting she wanted no change — for boys’ toys valued at a few dollars.
Confused by the arrival of the gift basket, Wiskstrom-Sirek took it into the house before looking inside.
“I just started crying,” she recalled.
Inside the basket was a wallet filled with gift cards for gasoline, groceries and Starbucks, other knickknacks like notebooks and soaps, a children’s Bible and a book of encouragement.
The senders went by a name she didn’t recognize: “12 ordinary women,” was all the card said.
The group 12 Ordinary Women was conceived seven years ago.
One ordinary woman was lying beside her husband in their home in Franklin, Tenn. They had food, clothing and warmth, but the country was caught in the recession, and some of their neighbors were scrimping to afford rent, bills and groceries.
“I can’t do enough to help someone,” she told him.
“Then why don’t you?” he responded.
It turns out this woman wasn’t alone. She approached 11 friends of different backgrounds, education levels and ages. They were onboard. And thus began their monthly anonymous giving under the collective pseudonym “12 ordinary women.”
The flagship group has inspired others, from Florida to Texas, as well as two groups in Minnesota.
One ordinary woman from a Twin Cities western suburb started her group in March 2014 after meeting the founder in Tennessee. The group meets once a month to nominate recipients for a surprise token of optimism purchased with their “ordinary woman tax.”
Nominees are people the group recognizes as being in need. Although the recipients often are people that someone in the group knows, they go to great lengths to keep the beneficiary from figuring out the connection.
“We make sure there’d be no way they can connect the dots right back to our group … I cannot lie to save my life and so it’s always fun to come up with ways to help people without them knowing anything about it,” the Minnesota founder said.
The gifts vary by need. There have been provisions of comfort and rest for a cancer victim, a new computer for a high school graduate and a photo shoot for a dying mother who wouldn’t see her children into adulthood.
Other times, a dozen handwritten letters have fit the bill.
“We have found that it’s not so much the gift — whether it’s a financial gift or a care basket or whatever it may be — that’s not really what it’s all about,” the founder said.
It’s about hope. “It’s letting someone know that they’re seen, they are heard. Someone understands their situation and cares about them deeply,” she added.
There have been offshoots like “12 Average Joes,” founded by the original ordinary woman’s husband, and “12 Ordinary Families,” which functions the same way. The only way to contact the groups is through a blog to which recipients from across the country sometimes submit thank-you notes.
“We want them to know that we understand their pain and struggle,” the Tennessee founder said, citing the proverb “blest be the gift and the giver alike.”
“I think there’s more blessing for all of us who give than there will ever be for a recipient,” she said.
Late-night visitors
Jennifer Stepan and her family were getting ready for bed one April night when the doorbell rang. Standing on her doorstep in Victoria were two unfamiliar women toting a large gift basket.
They handed her the basket and turned away, leaving Jennifer and her husband, Jamie, exchanging confused looks.
Jamie had lost his job in January, and the family of four became dependent on a single income. They were getting by, but just barely. Even such a simple outing as taking their kids, 6 and 8 years old, out for custard at Culver’s was beyond their means.
“It’s the most humbling experience to know that you can’t do what your status quo has always been,” Jennifer said.
Inside the basket were gift cards for groceries and gasoline. There also were cards so they could take their kids to an ice cream shop and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
The Stepans scoured the Internet hoping to discover whom they could thank, but the search uncovered only the anonymous organization’s website.
Jennifer vowed that they’d repeat the gesture once they had the means.
A public thank you
After two women showed up at Liz Sosin’s doorstep, she spent the next couple of weeks trying to track down their origin. “Twelve ordinary women?” she’d ask to random people, to their confusion.
“I didn’t bust anybody, and if I did, they covered it really well,” she said.
Sosin was out one day when her husband, Phillip, answered the door of their Minnetonka home to find two strangers holding a package. It was a rarity that he was at home that day in April. He had spent much of the previous few months in the hospital because of a series of colon surgeries.
Inside the package were Twins tickets for the Sosins and their two children, as well as gift cards to Potbelly and Caribou Coffee.
“It happened on a day when you try to keep your chin up and march one foot in front of the other,” Liz Sosin recalled. “But some days it’s just bad. You’re tired. You’re losing faith a little bit.”
The gift brought a bit of fun back into their lives that had become bogged down by hardship.
“I have no idea who they are,” she said of the donors. “You must be talking to them, so would you please say ‘Thank you’?”
Natalie Daher • reporter
Don't know how you knew
Like many who have posted on your blog, I have no idea how you got my name or know about my situation, but I am so grateful! Today a lady came into my work place and dropped off a card and a gift certificate, saying they were for me. I don't think I formed a coherent sentence, I was so shocked. Your generosity left me reeling and is truly inspiring. Thank you to each and every one of you who participated in this gift and who are continually praying for my mom, family, and me. I am truly touched.
Traci
East Berlin PA thank you
You've taken my words with your gifts, I just want to say thank you so much. I was feeling quite sad today realizing I will be starting radiotherapy soon and not looking forward to it. You brought me out of my funk, made me realize this group exists and what a wonderful thing to be a part of. I HOPE to do something this great for others who could use it and soon. So again thank you, for the food, the gifts, the realization. Naomi – East Berlin, PA
12 Ordinary Women- You are beautiful! Thank you.
was sitting on my porch this afternoon looking at forms trying to decide if I should swallow my pride and fill out a form for reduced lunches at school for my children. I was trying to figure out how to tell my children what I had to do…but not scare them. Their world has been shaken enough over the last few months. Earlier today I was researching how to get back to school to finish my degree to be able to support myself and children and be able to pay for school after being a stay at home mom for over a decade. I was just trying to figure out life and how to survive and felt so overwhelmed how can I do these things and still support my children? Then two wonderful, beautiful ladies of honor, grace and mercy pulled up to my house. I was curious and a little nervous. Then I was stunned when they gave me such a HUGE gift. My pantry is packed, my fridge is PACKED, my dog is fed and I can breathe for a little bit. We prayed. I cried… we hugged. Not just the little meaningless hugs but a true bear hug from the heart as if we've known each other for years. In fact I was so stunned I cannot not remember their names. I will call them Grace and Angel in my mind =) Looking back I think I lost all manners. I didn't offer them a drink of water or even to stay and sit to chat.... All I can do is say thank you though email.
My children came home from school a few minutes after “Grace and Angel” left. I was putting away all the groceries. They asked where it came from. I told them a group of ladies we never met wanted to bless us to show us Gods love. Let me tell you, these gifts were certainly from God. The things in the grocery bags were so “us”. There were things that I don't think you would normally see in food pantries or other services. Things that are my children's favorite candy, cookies and lunch box items that they LOVE. Items that I was out of but could use such as flour and sugar. I ran out of garbage bags today and there was a huge box of garbage bags. there were homemade jams and jellies and syrups and fresh fruit and veggies and gift cards, and money.... I could go on and on!!!!!! These were things only God could have only organized with favorites and current needs. My kids were on cloud NINE! I felt so happy -still stunned- but happy. My kids were happy and EXCITED… there was soooo much!
Then I felt guilt. Who am I to deserve all this? There are more people out there in much greater need than me. I have a roof over my head, at least for the next month or two. If you were to pull up in my neighborhood, to my house you would think how well off I maybe. I live in a fancy neighborhood. You may think why would someone in a neighborhood like this need a handout. You would never know behind the fancy house there was a newly single mom just a month or so ago was crying in her pantry because her kids were hungry after coming home extra late after serving in church and having nothing quick to make such as a sandwiches or mac and cheese. That summer day we had soup with no crackers because I didn't have any. By looking at me you wouldn't know I would leave lunch meat off my sandwich (or eat ramen noodles and take the lack of nutrition instead because its cheaper) so my kids could have it the next day. I didn't want them to notice what we didn't have anymore. Yes, I felt like our world was changing drastically and many days I felt like I was drowning…but WHO AM I compared to the next person who dealing with as much as I am or most likely even more. There's alway someone who has a greater need.
Then I remember… When I pray…I mean world is tuned out around me kind of praying- I've been having this image of God cupping my face. I don't see my face. I see His hands through my eyes. The image of BIG, STRONG, TENDER SWEET hands reaching for MY face. Theres a glow all around the hands almost like beams of light but its soft and gentle glowing. I lean into his warm hands. but there's no heavy feeling of my head. I don't HEAR words in my ears but I hear them in my heart and in my soul. God is telling me HE is taking care of me. “I've got you. I've got you” slow and gentle “I am taking care of you” “I'm right here.” “You're safe” “I've got you”
This was a very hard weekend and beginning of the week for me and my children due to some bad things going on in our broken family. Plus one of my biggest human cheerleaders/supporter and best friend moved a long way away yesterday. 12 Ordinary Women reminded me today that GOD HAS ME. HE IS TAKING CARE OF ME. not just barely covering my needs but abundantly taking care of us. He knows…I just sometimes need to be reminded. A physical out pouring reminder is what I needed. I am God's daughter. Just as I don't want my children to fear, he does not want me to fear. He's got me.
12 Ordinary Women- You are beautiful! Thank you.
CW
Thank you New Freedom 12OW
I would like to thank you all for the massage gift certificate! It has been some time now, and I apologize that I'm getting this out so late. It was a great surprise to get something like that in the mail. I have never heard of your organization, and wasn't sure who it was from.
Thanks once again for your kindness. Sincerely MaryAnn
Thank you
A few days ago I was very surprised to receive a package from these 12 women. I feel blessed to be given such wonderful gifts. The gift cards were sent for me! As a single parent with two children who struggles financially, I hardly get anything for myself, because I always give to my children first. I am honored that someone recognizes how much of my life I dedicate to my children. Thank you so much. God is so good!
MP
Dearest 12 Ordinary Women of Orlando, FL,
A belated sincere thank you for your kind gift to my wife, Lisa. It has been such a blessing to us. We are so thankful to you and the Lord for the generosity you have shown us. You are God’s hands and fee in my eyes. I purposely waited to write to let you know your extremely gracious gift greatly assisted us with medications that are extremely costly but needed to provide some temporary relief of constant body pain she is currently witnessing. It also allowed Lisa and I to make out of town trips to see our son, Ryan, go through his Air Force Pilot Graduation as well as another outing to see our daughter take part in her dear friend’s wedding.
Being diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer deepens Lisa’s heart to see her children reach certain milestones in their lives. Your gift did so in such a way that allowed her to see these events with a light that the Lord was with her and wanted her there. Lisa’s faith has been steady in her journey with cancer. Your wonderful gift has underlined her faith that the Lord is with her at all times, good or bad.
Please know we will never forget your great act of love and kindness and how the Lord works through his family of believers.
With the peace of Christ,
Bob