Annual Valentine's Day Mattress Winner! We delivered Bailey's brand-new Immunity Queen Size Mattress Set valued at $2,999. She was the lucky winner of our annual Valentine's Day giveaway. "I'm very grateful that they can do this yearly," said Bailey. "It gives people a chance to do something for themselves. Like most parents, I put things on the back-burner if it doesn't involve my kids." Winning the mattress was just what she needed. The past few years have been challenging. "In late 2022, I left a really bad relationship. The majority of my belongings were tossed out or destroyed." Due to a work-related injury, Bailey's been out of work for over a year. After three surgeries, the doctors are unsure if she can return to her position as a medical assistant. "When I saw 16 Cents' Facebook post about the contest, I thought it could be an amazing opportunity to get a new bed," said Bailey. "I needed one but didn't have the funds for it. All our extra money goes straight to the kids." Bailey has been sleeping on an old mattress purchased several years ago and is looking forward to sleeping on the new one. "It was hard to believe we won until 16 Cents messaged me," said Bailey. "I'm looking forward to having a new mattress, let alone a whole new set. It's really special. I feel like this is going to be our year."
For the first time, Gemechu Wedesa and his family have a home of their very own. We first met Gemechu in September of 2017 when he applied for a job at 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks as a bookkeeper.
“I was new to the country, and initially, I couldn’t find any jobs. I was educated in Ethiopia, and no one recognized that foreign education. World Relief Spokane told me 16 Cents had a bookkeeping position, and I filled out the application. Jason, the owner, was interested, and then I started,” said Gemechu.
Gemechu, along with his three kids and wife, left Ethiopia a few years ago to escape political, religious, and civil unrest.
“We as a family couldn’t stay there. We wanted to be in a safe place. So, we moved to Indonesia for five years while waiting and processing paperwork to come to the United States,” said Gemechu.
Gemechu and his family recently moved to Ohio to be closer to a large Ethiopian community. Gemechu works remotely for 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks, and through hard work, patience and determination, he bought a three-bedroom home with a big living room and basement.
“We were very excited because we never expected that we would-be homeowners,” said Gemechu.
Gemechu is thankful for the opportunity to provide for his family and lay a foundation for a better life.
“I used the money I made from 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks as a down payment for our new home,” said Gemechu.
Congrats
on the new house, Gemechu! We admire your dedication and appreciate all your hard work!
