Support Seven Furloughed Families

At Oblio's Pizzeria  in Denver, CO, we believe we are all in this together. The government shutdown – right before the holidays – saddened us, but when we heard our own customer’s heartbreaking stories about the struggle of being furloughed, we knew we had to do our part. We are offering free meals to furloughed employees and have donated 20% of our sales from two nights of business to seven furloughed families we have “adopted” during the shutdown. As we are a small mom and pop restaurant, we are unable to make the impact we want to on our own. WILL YOU HELP US? Any amount will be greatly appreciated by all of us at Oblio’s, but more importantly…to the families introduced below who are customers or were recommend to us by someone who knew of their current struggles. We will distribute the money in person, via check, equally between the seven families and let them decide what they need the funds for most urgently. We are posting on Facebook (@obliospizzeriababy) as much information as we can. This fund was set up by Melissa Morris who came forward as a volunteer to help us manage everything. 

Family of 3 (1 child)
As an essential employee, this individual must go to work each day without pay. His daughter requires constant care so the mom in this family is unable to work. They were saving for a wheelchair accessible van that would allow their daughter to travel outside the house, but now they have to use those funds to pay daily bills. A friend who recommended the family said of the father, “He is always upbeat and caring and would give the shirt off his back if he could.”

Family of 4 (single mom, 3 children)
This furloughed single mom moved to Denver and away from her support system for a better job – her job with the government. She has already gone to a community center for food and has since decided to volunteer her time there now and in the future. “There are great places in our community that are opening their doors and hearts to us, and that is so very helpful.”

Family of 5 (3 children)
This family’s children are scared, despite mom’s and dad’s efforts to reassure them. They have been trying to manage their finances on their own – saying it is very hard to ask for help – but any chance of making ends meet vanished when the mother of the wife died this past week. Not only did they have to find a way to get 5 plane tickets, they also need to pay for the funeral and other costs. “Despite feeling there is no end in sight, community support will help get us through.”

Family of 5 (3 children)
This furloughed mom’s job allows her husband to stay home and care for their 3 kids, one of which is a son with special needs. They are no longer able to afford much of their son’s therapy and are having to cut it back.

Family of 6 (4 children)
This employee shared that his wife stays home with their kids and without that second income, his family barely makes it month to month. They have only been able to pay one bill this month. Their landlord has graciously accepted half of the rent payment for the current month, but said that is all she can do. They are committed to “paying it forward” once they get back on their feet.

Family of 4 (2 children)
The wife of this furloughed employee explained that her husband has served the National Park Service for more than 20 years and has worked without pay on several occasions, including Christmas. They are trying to figure out how to pay the monthly bills, as well as find a way to fix a broken-down car. Still they have hope and say this extra help is like a “ray of sun during a dark time.”

Family of 3 (single mom, 2 children)
Circumstances have not yet allowed this mother to share her story, but she is very appreciative of any help.