charities & gifts

[linda/IL]

Been trying to get & keep the spirit of the season and picked up an angel for a child's gift at church, another for Toys for Tots, and will drop in the Salvation Army pot next trip to town.  I was upset by the teacher of the Kids at Risk program at our school when she stated she would not buy a gift for a kid.  That many of the families use the system.  A gal from the doctors office also stated that she sees many that are on state programs driving better cars than she does.

I walked away from them just because I didn't want my bubble burst.  I'm sure there are those who abuse the system and I know the 2 young guys (one's going to be a daddy) are good workers but aren't always dependable in showing up.  Car trouble or no car at all is the main excuse. 

Our local paper has had two issues about homeless & those needing food pantry, which is in short supply right now.

While my beautician commented that she hasn't seen any roaming the streets, the article stated that many are having to move in with friends, then on to another relative, then on again.  Such is the case with the 2 guys we hire occasionally.  The one tried to get low income housing but he started making a little too much (delivering pizzas?)

and the rent went up to $600/mo.  Pretty stiff for a lot of folks so he & girlfriend had to move in with a friend.  Then back with his mom. 

Anyway, what's your take on the subject?  Guess in the spirit of the season I just feel every kid should have a toy

and a warm coat and a meal.  Chelsey Clinton was on TV tonight and whe put these two women to shame with the peice she did.  That we all have to give of ourselves.

[turkey feather]

I went from this site to a daily inspirational email I receive.  Today's message was about giving to children who are in need, especially in other countries. I send shoeboxes to Samaritan Purse hoping it will brighten a child's world. We never know where our gift will really go but when it is send in the Christian spirit that is probably the best we can do.

There are always dishonest people but I think it is up to us to try to do good, with in reason of course. Did you see the story of the chiropractor and his wife who have bee collecting assistance for several years while living in a lake shore home and taking several vacations abroad each year  and driving expensive cars.  Why can't these gov programs check these people out better than this?

[soilbabe]

There are abusers. But Jesus had a special place in His heart for little ones. Don't let the abuse ruin your generous spirit for children. They are not to blame.

[Papa Wheelie]

I rarely give to the big name charities. I try and give or volunteer for local, community based programs.

We have all the stuff we need, if not we will buy it. So we ask friends and family to help us adopt a family at Christmas. I never wanted as a child but many of my classmates did suffer terrible poverty. 

Beside our adopted family we are helping collect food for the homeless students in the Kansas City school district. Over 600 are homeless yet trying to stay in school. I don't live in the district but grew up there and have friends who still teach there. What we are donating are individual microwaveable foods, tuna packs and granola bars. Realizing many of these children have no home, no stove we try and provide something they can prepare or take down to the local Quick Trip and put in the microwave.

A lot of people scam the system, both poor and rich. But those babies, the children, are pawns in a game where they take the punishment for the sins of their elders.

One year we gave to a family in need. They complained about everything they got. Except for the kids, they were thrilled.

I can't save the world but I can give someone a helping hand.

[turkey feather]

You and your friends are doing a wonderful thing for these kids. How tough it must be to go to school under these conditions.

Not giving to large well-known charities made me think of Human Society of the United States, what a sham!  They have only one goal and that is to make the county vegetarian.

[Nebrfarmr]

When in doubt, don't give to a system that allows abuse.  Instead, find someone who needs help, and help them.

[Kay/NC]

I am a Grinch in some respects, I suppose.  Have had an odd experience on Tuesday, and a  totally different one Thursday.  I guess they reflect my feelings pretty accurately. 

Had seen Sunday on TV that Carole King made a Christmas album this year.  Hers is a voice from my youth, so while in town shopping for the kids on Tuesday, I was standing in Target,  picking out the CD.

Saw Christmas ones by a couple of other artists I like, and also Adele's new one, so did something extravagant, and picked up four CDs at one time...I maybe buy that many in a year, most years.  I just wanted some Christmas music to play this year...the only one I have is Yo Yo Ma's from last year...maybe could find an ancient Gatlin Brothers one here somewhere.

As I was browsing and selecting my holiday music, this really odd young man showed me a Susan Boyle CD of holiday songs, and said his wife really wanted it.  I think I just offhandedly said something like, "Yes, she is very talented", and went about making my selections.

I suddenly realized that he was doing the strangest thing, holding that CD in his hand, saying insistent stuff like, "I really hope this is still here on Friday, when I get paid.   I really wish I had some money today..."  It was like not-so-subtle begging., and it honestly irked the tar out of me.  

By contrast, today, my older daughter and I got together in town, and filled two carts with clothes, shoes, and toys, for a family of angel tree kids from SILs workplace.  These are names that are submitted by Social Services to that company, and I guess others, too, each year.   They give us sizes, toy preferences, age and gender. 

We do this every year.  I am jaded enough to feel that there are too many people playing the system; but, like most of you, I know these are county children.  They at least qualify for public assistance, since the referring agency determines eligibility for AFDC and food stamps, etc.   

If their parents are playing the system, this is not the worst they are "putting one over on" working people.  This time of year, I turn my jaundiced eye to that possibility, and feel that helping a kid have a good Christmas is not the worst way to be fleeced. 

This is a fun shopping trip we have shared for almost a decade now.  I don't think it would feel like Christmas without it.  This experience has allowed me to see how thoughtful and generous our child is as an adult. 

Very different take-away feelings....your post really made me think about the contrast. 

[linda/IL]

I read a listing of CEOs of charitable organizations & the one with the lowest paycheck & perks was the Salvation Army, at least according to this article.  So I drop in whatever I have available in the pot when I pass.  Plan to give to the food pantry tomorrow.

[chick06]

I know in our small town the school will usually ask for the businesses to help out with a angel. The teachers know which children really need help. My daughters Salon always gets a child to help. THis year we had a girl age 12, she wanted boots, a radio, and new shirt. We got everything on the list plus some, and we let my grandchildren take the gifts to the school, so they will learn the lesson on to give to those less fortunate.

[soilbabe]

We have a nearby organization run by two Ursuline Sisters. I don't know how they do it but they provide Christmas gifts and food for 400 needy families. I usually buy for teenagers since most people like to buy for the little ones and they never get enough donations for older kids.

This year, for something different, I paid the test fee for five students to take their GED test. All were ready but none could afford the fee.

I love this part of Christmas the most.