Donations Start Pouring In
When news of the miracle pregnancy traveled around the world, people from all backgrounds started to donate things that would be useful for the unexpectedly large family. The donations began pouring in well before the babies were born and continued years after that. From a free house with new appliances and furnished nursery to a lifetime supply of diapers, a 15-seat van from Chevrolet, a furnished nursery, a year’s worth of free mac and cheese from Kraft, and free cable television for seven years, the McCaugheys were flooded with goods and services.
CARLISLE, IA – NOVEMBER 21: This 21 November photo shows the Carlisle, Iowa home of Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey and their first daughter Mikayla. (Photo credit CHRIS STEWART/AFP/Getty Images)
Bobbi and Kenny couldn’t believe how generous people could be after they have received so many gifts. Their tiny two-bedroom ranch was no place to raise eight children, so the incoming mayor in Carlisle promised to build a house on a plot of land and fill it with appliances. Several local banks opened accounts for the couple to hold the seemingly never-ending donations.