The readers speak, reach out to family

Today's column is brought to you by you, our soft-hearted readers. When I wrote a column about a Mexican woman a couple of weeks ago and the dire financial situation she faced after the deportation of her husband earlier this year, you responded.

One day I opened a letter and out fell a collection of CTR rings and homemade bracelets, accompanied by a card and a note: "Doug Robinson, you wrot (sic) about a father deported to Mexico. May these braclets (sic) help in a small way. Merry Christmas." I opened another envelope and found a $20 bill with a Post-it note attached to it: "Maria."

I admit that when I wrote the column I expected there might be some offers of help.

But not like this.

Here are some of the emails and letters I received, and if you can read them without getting a lump in your throat, you might be the Grinch's spawn:

I read your touching article in the DN a few days ago and meant to contact you and see if you could use some blankets that my grandchildren have tied. We would also be glad to scare up additional items if you could let us know more needs. Let me know.

Reading your article about Maria, the woman whose husband was deported, we were wondering if there was a way to donate some money to her. Please let me know.

Recently, you shared with us the story of Maria, the woman doing her best to make ends meet and keep a family together after the deportation of her husband. I understand that hiding her true identity is necessary in this situation; however, I'm wondering if there is a way to get a Christmas donation to her without compromising confidentiality?

(Your column) kept me thinking all night about this woman and her five children, and I want to help her out for the holidays. Would she like money or gifts or food or all of the above? I live in Sandy and have three girls and a husband and a home and too much! … Let me know what I can do to love and help this sweet family.

My mom read your article about the family whose father has been deported to Mexico and is wondering what the ages are of their children and how we could donate some articles to them.

I was touched by the troubles of Maria and wondered how we could help her and her children with the Christmas holiday. Please let me know if this is possible.