Robert Little works for the Sedgwick County Public Works department as a traffic technician. He hired on with the county less than two years ago, but has earned a reputation as conscientious and hard worker. Unfortunately, Robert Little and his family have been beset with a flurry of recent tragedies leaving them in great need of compassion and assistance. And as we enter this season of giving, I felt compelled to share their story in the hopes that we might bring some relief and aid to this family in need.
Shortly after hiring on with the County, the Little family suffered the death of their six year old daughter. Then on April 2nd, 2008 one of their 2 year old twin sons (Josiah) was diagnosed with Lymphocytic Leukemia. On December 2nd, Josiah contracted a virus which led to a staff infection. The infection led to the development of Toxic Shock Syndrome affecting his gallbladder, which has since been removed. In his efforts to help his family get through these crises, Robert has had to take time away from work and has long since used up the vacation and sick time he had accrued. So even as they deal with the painful issues of death and illness, Robert is currently going without pay.
Then, last Monday, December 15th, a house fire destroyed their home and their vehicle. Their home, which had been dedicated to them by Habitat for Humanity, is now untenable.
One family; dealing with the loss of a child, a diagnosis of leukemia for another, the loss of income, and this week, losing all their possessions, home, and vehicle in a house fire. Their children’s toys are not salvageable. All of their clothing is damaged. The Littles are currently divided/having to stay at three different locations, apart from one another, since their home is not livable.
Please consider making a donation to this family in need. The family is humbled, but spiritually strong. The parents have asked for nothing, but with encouragement, have helped us come up with a list of needs:
The Twins (Josiah and Elijah)
Shirts/Pants - Size 3T
Shoe - Size 9 or 9 1/2
Socks
Room was in “Cars” the movie theme- favorites: Lighting McQueen, Mator, & Mac (Had Cars collectibles-gifts)
Eli loves “Cars” & baseball
Joey not as active (due to side effects from illness)
Size 5 diapers/pull ups
Hotwheels
Spiderman toys
Thomas the train toys
Cody (age 14)
Loves anything with Astronomy! Had Solar system themed room with 70’s lava lamp styles.
Pants 14
Shirt 14/16
Shoe 7 1/2
Any Hoodies- (Does like “South Pole” JcPenney)
Belt- Sz 30-32 Kids (L-XL)
Coat-not picky
Country music fan
Loves small room water fountains/neon signs
Video games- sports or action adventure
Movies- Action Adventure
Socks- Crew style
Mom- Clarrissia
(allergy to citrus)
Loves sweats!
XL-pants
4X - shirts
Shoe- size 9 1/2 (tennis shoes)
Not a fan of turtleneck sweaters.
- Dream gift ideas- Spa time for mom /California Nails gift card
Dad - Rob
Stocking cap
Lost all work clothes- (i.e. does snow removal work)
Had work clothes from Tracker Supply*
- Bib overalls w/Jacket
- work gloves (insulated)
- Ranger boot, size 10, thinsulate
- Gator for face protection in cold weather
Socks-gold toe or gray heel/toe
Pants- 36X34
Shirt- XL- Short or long sleeve polo style
Shoe- size 12
Had Redwing, pull-on, brown steel toed boot.
Lost Grandfather’s Bible in fire (passed down to him)
Hygiene supplies (Razors, shaving cream, etc)
Most miscellaneous items lost were Christ based. Biggest needs clothing/food/basic necessities, ideas below:
Any everyday basics- toiletries/kitchen basics/wipes/hand sanitizers (all lost in fire)
- due to risk with immunity they originally had hand sanitizer wall mount dispenser in each room.
First aid needs
- basic adult size, wire-nosed, mask for Josiah- (tolerates this size)
- band aids (material only- allergy to plastic band aids)
- hand sanitizers, etc.
- metaphor tape
Food ideas:
Josiah loves chocolate milk!
Meats (Any but deer or lamb)
Crackers- Gold fish, saltines
Chips- Corn chips, doritos-cheese, Tortilla, BBQ, Cheese Puffs
Salsa- Mild or Hot
Fruits- Apples (Any- note-dad likes California Golds), bananas
Veg. - Okra and basic vegetables
Cheese- American, mild cheddar
Drinks- Milk, any juices, juicy juice type individual containers
Breads- Wheat or White
Pasta- Any
Seasonings- Any for cooking
(Family had been living on a lot of hamburger helper due to financial constraints)
Any gift cards (i.e. gas cards, Dillons, grocery, restaurants)
Bathroom- Had a rubber ducky theme originally, any basics (i.e. towels, q-tips, kleenex, toothpaste, toothbrushes)
The Little family has a dog named Jenny (Pomeranian) suffered from smoke inhalation.
Dog Food Supplies (i.e. IAMS (green bag) Pro health
If you are in the Wichita Area: Donations may be dropped off at Sedg. Co. Fire Station 32 (I-135 & 77th St North)
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 am
Thank you for writting about this and raising awareness to the community about this family. You guys are AWESOME!
Dan
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
WSU Hosts Fundraiser for Little Family
Wichita State University’s Rhatigan Student Center is hosting a fundraiser for the Little family on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets will be sold for two-hour time slots of unlimited bowling and billiard play in the William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center for only $10 per person or $30 for a family of five.
A benefit poker tournament will also be held simultaneously. There is a suggested donation of $25 for entry into the poker tournament. Prizes for the poker tournament include the president’s skybox for a WSU baseball game, with all food and tickets for 10 included, hosted by Don and Shirley Beggs.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from all ticket sales will be donated to the Little family.
Rich Renollet, manager of the William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center is excited to be hosting this event. “It is WSU’s mission to be an urban serving university,” Renollet said. “As such, the university partners with our community in many different ways and sometimes that calls for giving back to the community.”
To purchase your advance tickets for the Little Family Benefit hosted by Wichita State University, contact the William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center at 316.978.3479 or stop by the basement of the Rhatigan Student Center to purchase your tickets in person. This event is open to the general public. For more information, visit http://www.wichita.edu/rsc.