More than just clicking "Like"

My phone rings. It's J. She needs to talk, she says. We met on Saturday, she'd come along to the Young Moms group with her friend who'd been before. They live together in Ocean View.

I ask if she's okay, but she's not. She doesn't know what to say, or how to say it. She's embarrassed, ashamed, asking a stranger for help.

"We don't have food, Tracy. We've got nothing."

She's waiting for her grant but it hasn't come through yet, because she moved and had to reapply. Is it just a sob story? How can I really tell? I can't.

Can you help us?

And there you go, that's the question. Can I help her? I don't have cash lying about, every cent of my salary has a home to go to, and by the 14th of the month, I'm starting to look forward to payday again.

Then I remember the chocolate I had yesterday. The fancy cheese I didn't need. The expensive school fees and the safe roof over my children's heads – not my very own roof, sure, but a warm home and family nevertheless . The IPad I was lusting over, even though I know I'd never afford one, it's still on my radar.

I have everything I need, and some things I don't. There are many things I want and don't have. But we're safe, well-fed and healthy.

J and B have children with empty stomachs. Think about that for a second. A two year old going to bed hungry.

They have to phone a woman they've just met, to ask for help.

I tell her I can't help again, it has to be a one off. She knows, she knows. She's so sorry, so ashamed, but she had no other option, she says.

In her position, I'd do exactly the same thing. So would we all.

They hugged me so tight and didn't want me to leave. They want me to help talk to B's ex, to convince him to pay maintenance. I came home and cried.

I tweeted their predicament and within 15 minutes, while on the way to the shops still, I had offers of help and an actual cash donation. I haven't asked permission to mention the person's name, so won't just yet. But they know who they are and the difference they made to J and B's week, their lives, their children's health – is just immeasurable.

No, I can't keep doing it. Yes, I need will need help. Our little moms and tots coffee meetings have taken on a life of their own, much faster than I ever thought possible. Our moms need all kinds of help – some with self-esteem issues, some with maintnenance or parenting advice, and some, like J & B – need emergency support just to get through the day.

I've added a DONATE button to the website – it will take you to Paypal where you can donate any amount in dollars – no matter how small, every cent will go to moms who really need it.

It's easy to dismiss appeals like this, I know. It's easy to click "Like" and move on. I do it myself.

Please don't. Not this time. This is me asking, and I don't do it lightly.

My life has been changed in the short time I've been involved in this group. I care about these women. They are my people now, they need me.

We need you.