Mini Miracle Family Overwhelmed by Donations from the Community

WBSM held its Mini Miracle program on Friday, December 6, which is also Saint Nicholas Day. We were honored to work with the United Way of Greater New Bedford to make sure that the Art family received the help they need this holiday season.

We aired the interview with Peter, Audrey, Eleanor, Julia, and Penelope on Friday morning. Within minutes, our phones were ringing off the hook. Donations via text came pouring in. Pledges were made and fulfilled thanks to the assistance of Victoria Grasela from United Way.

We even had a surprise call from the incredible mom of last year's Mini Miracle family, Alissa DeSousa.

With the help of our sponsors and the generosity of our amazing audience, we were able to raise nearly $5,000 for the Art family in less than 24 hours. That money will help cover physical therapy sessions for Ellie, get the girls new furniture, and take care of a few things around the house to make them more comfortable at home.

In addition to these blessings, items were donated to the Art family to help make their Christmas a little brighter. Care Free Homes donated a trip to Great Wolf Lodge complete with a Slumber Party Pack which included mermaid blankets, fuzzy socks, sleep masks, nail polish, and "indoor snowballs."

ProGroup Contracting donated new beds for the girls and Cardi's Furniture and Mattresses donated new twin mattresses so they will sleep safely and soundly. The YMCA Southcoast donated a one-year family membership so the Arts can spend some quality time together while getting active again.

Interiors by Paul Chaisson, Cottage Street Motors, Tremblay's Bus Company, and Hair in Motion Cosmetology Academy all made monetary donations to the family to make this Christmas a little easier with Ellie being in the hospital right now.

Jack's Kitchen donated a gift card for the family to get prepared meals when things get crazy. Riccardi's donated gift cards so the family can enjoy a hot meal after a long day at the hospital with a tough commute from Boston. Since mom and dad have not been able to spend much time together due to switching shifts at the hospital to watch over Ellie, Airport Grille donated a gift card for them to enjoy a date night whenever they get the opportunity to do so. With their ninth wedding anniversary coming up, this will definitely come in handy.

Peter and Audrey Art sent a video to thank everyone for all of the love and support through the Mini Miracle program and gave a quick update on Elle Belle at Boston Children's. They would also like to give a special thank you to Victoria Grasela and the United Way for making all of this possible.

There is still time to make your donation this holiday season!

Text to Donate: Text WISHES to 313131. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select MINI MIRACLE from the drop-down menu.

By Check: Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write MINI MIRACLE. Checks can be dropped off at WBSM studios during normal business hours or mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union Street, Suite 105, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Donate by Credit Card: You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card HERE. Select MINI MIRACLE from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

Donations of Gift Cards can be dropped off at WBSM between Monday, December 9 and Friday, December 13. Please leave a note saying the card is for MINI MIRACLE along with your name.

The United Way of Greater New Bedford is committed to helping families in the local community year-round. This week, we were able to help the Art family. In the future, please consider making donations to this organization so that more families can receive necessary assistance all year long.

WBSM's Mini Miracle with the United Way of Greater New Bedford is an extension of the Annual Holiday Wish program. Families have been pre-selected. Support for this program is made possible by Care Free Homes, Interiors by Paul Chaisson, Cottage Street Motors, and ProGroup Contracting.

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