The Brengle Family to Receive Multiple Mini Miracles This Holiday

WBSM held its third Mini Miracle program on Friday, December 4. This annual day of giving is typically held as close to Saint Nicholas Day as possible since he is the patron saint of children and the families are selected based on the needs of the children in the home.

We were honored to work with United Way of Greater New Bedford to make sure that the Brengle family received the help they need this holiday season. We featured their story last week.

We aired the interview with Sebastian and Jenn 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 the United Way.

We even had surprise calls from both Mini Miracle families of previous years. The DeSousa family from 2018 called first, followed by a call from the Art family of 2019. It is so heartwarming to hear from these incredible humans and to know that their generous spirit continues to give back to this beloved program and the families who deserve so much love.

With the help of our sponsors and the generosity of our amazing audience, we were able to pull off multiple mini-miracles. Araujo Bros. Plumbing and Heating is going to take a look at the house to see if they can do a bathtub install so Gwen wouldn’t have to use her dreaded shower chair anymore. She can enjoy a safe bath at home. They are also going to look into installing an AC unit so Gwen can relax at home.

Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses donated store credit to the family so that mom and dad can select a rocking recliner of their choice. Gwen loves to listen to Harry Potter on Audible. This chair will make 3 a.m. snuggle sessions a lot cozier with mom or dad.

Each dollar donated to the Brengles will be put to work in an effort to make their lives easier and safer. From purchasing a handicapped car seat and buying a special chair that will allow Gwen to engage in family time in the living room, to converting the family van into a wheelchair accessible vehicle when Gwen is big enough.

Sebastian and Jenn have been completely overwhelmed by the support of the SouthCoast community. They just wanted to improve the overall quality of life for their little girl and received so much more than that with each donation made.

It truly is an honor to work on this project. Each year, I find myself speechless and totally humbled by the experience. I pray that everyone has a chance to perform their own version of a mini-miracle this holiday season. We could all use a lift in spirit this time of year, but especially in 2020.

A special thank you to Victoria Grasela and the United Way for making all of this possible. The United Way of Greater New Bedford is committed to helping families in the local community year-round. This season, we were able to help the Brengle family. In the future, please consider making donations to this organization so that more families can receive necessary assistance all year long.

Due to the overwhelming response from our generous community, any donations made to the Brengle family after we reach a predetermined amount will be redirected to the general holiday fund in order to help other families in need this holiday season. Thank you for making this holiday season brighter for families on the SouthCoast.

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 Tastebuds Bistro and Catering, Cottage Street Motors, Lech Auto Body, Araujo Brothers Plumbing and Heating, Seaport Inn Grill, and Couto Construction.