This is now about Ben's brother Nate (Newtown, CT)

Looks like the 28th.

LostLobster, glad you received the package. Thanks for doing all of this.

Peace to be with all of you, your families and your community.

-EN

Is there anything else the family might need? Does Ben have any other gaming systems? I'd love to send a care package full of goodies. I'll definitely donate if that's not possible.

Does Chipin only update once a day or something? It's strange it's not showing any activity.

I don't know what's the deal with the ticker. Last time I checked we were at $305!

I think the ticker problem stems from me not having verified my bank. I've tried to do that today but am having issues -- with PayPal, not my bank.

Can you add a blurb or some details to the ChipIn site on who Nate is? Tried to rally some of my gamer friends to donate and they thought it looked a bit scammy.

I've updated the page with a brief blurb about what we're doing. Hope that helps.

Will definitely chip in as well.

Also, for locals: check with your local fire department. Sandy Hook FD is a volunteer FD and they were wiped out of office supplies during this tragedy. The State Police and FBI used all their supplies, so the local FD here in Falls Village is doing a drive. I think other departments are doing the same, but I'm not sure.

Edit: just checked, it's just our department. I can try and get more info if people want it.

Okay. My bank account has finally been verified! I guess that's what you get for trying to do things like this the weekend before Christmas.

The ticker on the ChipIn page is now live and working as well. We're up to $350. I've pushed back the closing until 12/31, since I won't be back until the 1st anyway.

I picked up the generous donation of RockBand instruments (keytar!) from Tanglebones, and Edgar Newt's EA Sport games carepackage has arrived. Thank you to everyone who has donated.

I hope everyone who celebrates is having a good Christmas.

http://daveriedy.chipin.com/nate-whe...

Donated. I hope it helps to brighten Nate's Christmas a little bit.

I was dreading trying to explain Newtown to my own kids, one of whom is in first grade. It turns out that they already had heard all about it. My wife and I were talking about something in the car, and one of us mentioned that something was sad, and my 6-year-old son pipes up from the back seat: "What I'm sad about is that a bunch of kids got killed at their school."

Podunk wrote:

Donated. I hope it helps to brighten Nate's Christmas a little bit.

I was dreading trying to explain Newtown to my own kids, one of whom is in first grade. It turns out that they already had heard all about it. My wife and I were talking about something in the car, and one of us mentioned that something was sad, and my 6-year-old son pipes up from the back seat: "What I'm sad about is that a bunch of kids got killed at their school."

Kids are much more perceptive then we give them credit for. They listen and in their own way, they process what they hear/see. Mine might be almost 19, but I try to hug him early and often. I love you can never be said enough.

Our five year-old daughter doesn't know, I don't think. Although she must know something is up, since we'd been crying so much for a while. Before we all go to visit in the new year, we'll have to explain of course. Our twenty month-old boy kept reaching up to my wife's face and wiping away the tears that Friday.

Back home, so chipped in as well.

Chipped in.

I chipped in as well and hope it helps.

bumping this for the final weekend. We're closing in on 500 dollars. That picture of Ben and Nate brought tears to my eyes.

Chipped in a little. My sons are a little younger, but are about the same range. I can't fathom what they are going through. I hope this helps Nate somehow. Give him a hug from us.

I just added some but its not showing on the site. I didn't click the link for my receipt or to leave a comment so it may just take some time.

It came through on my end ccesarano. Thanks.

Added a little something and hope it helps.

It's not much, but I added a bit to the fund, too. I just worry about Nate seeing missed opportunities for co-op.

Just made a contribution. I wish it could go further.

ianunderhill wrote:

Just made a contribution. I wish it could go further.

Me too. It's times like these that I really resent being poor.

Chipped in. Hope we can get a smile out of the little guy. <3

Bear Clan chipped in. Please give them all a hug from us. Nothing will replace Ben. I hope this little bit brings some comfort to the family.

Final tally is $710. Thank you to everyone who donated!

Update: the Wheelers have appointed a friend to be in charge of the donations going in to the family. This person has been asking people to donate to the Wheeler fund instead of being creative and giving them presents. (For instance, I'm part of a group who did theater with Nate and Ben's dad, Cole, back in the day and we were going to buy the family tickets to Hawaii to visit Cole's brother — which they've never been able to do. We were told not to do this.) So, I'm a little torn. I really think the PS3 would be something Nate would like, but they might just need the money.

I've read in several places (not here) about how the people in that area are all rich, intimating they don't need donations, but Cole and Francine are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. Cole is a designer in publishing (which is my fault) and Francine is a music teacher. They make just enough to get by. With the cost of the funeral and lost income, they might really be strapped for funds right now.

So, there's a possibility that instead of buying Nate a PS3 it might be best to give them money — and I'd transfer it directly to their donation page. If that was to happen, anyone who felt like they were being given the bait-and-switch, or already donated elsewhere, or for whatever reason wanted their money back, could PM me and I'd be glad to give your money back. The games/instruments I'll donate to the school library, unless people have another idea for them, or want them returned.

I've contacted the woman in charge of the Wheeler's donations and will see what she has to say. I will let you know as soon as I know. I'm also going to talk with Cole and get his thoughts if possible.

I'm sorry for the confusion. I perhaps should have just suggested we donate directly to the fund. I still want to do something nice for Nate, if possible, though.

LL, so long as it helps the family, I don't feel bait-n-switched.

McIrishJihad wrote:

LL, so long as it helps the family, I don't feel bait-n-switched.

This.

ccesarano wrote:
McIrishJihad wrote:

LL, so long as it helps the family, I don't feel bait-n-switched.

This.

Nth'd.

momgamer wrote:
ccesarano wrote:
McIrishJihad wrote:

LL, so long as it helps the family, I don't feel bait-n-switched.

This.

Nth'd. ;)

Many times.