Thanks to the community’s generosity, ‘hard-working grandma’ on her way to getting a new home – Citrus County Chronicle

What a difference a month makes.

On Sept. 21, 2020, the Chronicle ran a story about 66-year-old Sandra Ingram, a 30-plus year Chronicle newspaper carrier who has COPD, heart disease and diabetes and had been struggling to care for her two grandchildren left in her custody after their mother died from cancer in 2019.

They lived in a cramped, roach-infested travel trailer on property Ingram inherited from her mother.

The story touched the hearts of Chronicle readers, prompting more than 500 people to donate money toward getting the family into a clean, safe home nearly $73,000, including several very large donations.

A month ago, Ingram shed tears of worry and anxiety. A month later, her tears are from gratitude and awe.

Has your heart ever been so full of gratitude you felt it would explode any minute? Ingram said in a text to a Chronicle reporter. I am so grateful, and the kids are so excited ... and I cant tell you how amazing it feels to be able to get them things that they need.

Among the donors, a local businessman has offered to pay a substantial portion of the cost of an 80-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom, single-wide mobile home from Gainey Custom Modular and Manufactured Homes in Homosassa.

Currently, the family is staying in a motel as they wait for a number of things to be finalized before they can move in, including having an uninhabitable house on the property demolished.

In the meantime, Ingram has received bedroom furniture for herself and her teenage grandson, and she said someone from her grandsons high school asked her to make a wish list for other things she needs, such as bedroom furniture for her 6-year-old granddaughter.

One month ago, I was living in misery, a silent hell because I couldnt do better for my grandkids, and its all about them, Ingram said. Even though were not in our new home yet, were sleeping in comfortable beds; its clean, and I dont have to worry about cockroaches crawling on my kids.

Ingram added that the reason shes been seen driving a new vehicle is because another newspaper carrier ran into her car and shes driving a rental car paid for by the other carriers insurance company.

People have been asking about it, and I dont want anyone who donated money to think I ran off and bought a new car, she said.

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Thanks to the community's generosity, 'hard-working grandma' on her way to getting a new home - Citrus County Chronicle