Thank You Wishes

By Rebecca Villaneda, Peninsula News
Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:21 PT

The concept is unique, generous and that of Steve and Julie Lins who want to bring people to the old fashioned way.

"We want people to post their wish and have someone to read it, be moved by it and help them directly, as the good old days when you're walking down the street and borrowed a cup of sugar from your neighbor "said Steve. "We want people to connect directly."

Julie, who came up with the name of the site, said she wanted to bridge the gap between charities and the daily needs of the population.

"We created this platform - Messenger of EBOV - for people to post their needs and, hopefully, people who see this help," said Julie. "I just thought that if I were showing a desire and the next day it was someone who could help me it would be a sending God, sent to EBOV."

The site is simple and donors and recipients to register with a screen name. Wishes are written and delivery begins.

For the generosity that flows, the Lins teamed with interfaith service in San Pedro harbor to help people who are back on their feet. Completed applications range of televisions and microwave for toys and gift cards target.

One of the stories on the site's first success was that of Maria, a port of the client became homeless in 2005 Interfaith. She lost custody of her daughter and was later diagnosed with cancer.

"She has just moved into her apartment and she was with the inter-port for a long time, but is out with them," said Julie. "So many people gathered and furnished his apartment ... It is like the perfect example of what we want our website to be. "

Both sides can remain anonymous if they wish, and public forums to facilitate conversations.

"We are sensitive to the needs of the population in need. We do not want to embarrass anyone. If someone does not feel comfortable posting their contact information publicly, we fully understand that, "Steve said, adding that" thanks "were warm and make the experience more personal and rewarding.

"[Lenders] are willing to give a little more," said Julie. "Maria has sent this wonderful letter of thanks to everyone who helped her through our website, and I got answers back by saying, "I want to help the family to come. "
The website also has a way of creating an online community of any size, Steve.

"What we see may be your local primary school community creates the feelings of EBOV, or your local church or scout troop, or even a group of families living on the street - they can create a micro community so that they are familiar with the people of this community and feel comfortable to seek and receive help, "said Steve.

"We're not trying to control what may, we just hope that people will seek help from any direction and it will, regardless of the wishes are posted, we hope that people can get the help, "said Steve.

While Lins want to see all wishes fulfilled, they discourage the sending of money to limit fraud.

"We simply ask that people use common sense when you give money, but we prefer other ways to help people," said Julie.

There was even a college student who sent his desire to travel the world.

"This is the kind of extreme one against the family who just moved in and has no furniture, but we do not want to limit the guys," said Steve. "Ultimately, our goal is helping millions of people."

"In addition to trying to help people who are not in direct contact with these organizations, we want to reach out to these partners and we hope to people in need and to do so.