Question for all?

Question

I know it's early for this, but every year, just after Thanksgiving, the malls in my area put out their "Angel Trees". It's a tree with angel ornaments of paper with the names of kids from families too poor to get alot. Things like "Peggy, age 5, books, clothes, and a doll" will be written.

I was wondering how many of us (humans in general) actually give from these trees. I try to every year.

Journey, I had no doubt that atheists and pagans also did these trees, as well as Toys for Tots and such. I wasn't implying that it was just Christians.

Answer 1

Every year my daughter and I chose 2 children by some means (we try to avoid religious events, but their are plenty of others) to do something special for. I think it is a wonderful way to focus on giving and helping those in need. One year my daughter even offered to give up her gifts after we found out that a local foster parent with three children had lost their home and all it's contents to a fire. I am proud of her for giving of herself for those in need.

Answer 2

I do. There are a lot of organizations in my area that will gather all the uncollected names and provide for the kids a nice Christmas. So the first trees I go to are the ones set up by the various nursing homes. My kids and I buy gifts for the older folks first. They are old, alone, sickly, and out of their homes, so they tug at my heart. We purchase gifts for them and then we buy for the kids.

edit: atheist also

Answer 3

My wife and I sponsor one to several most years. Also, the paper lists (anonymously) families who need help for Christmas. We often sponsor those families as well. (They tell you the name and address after you choose to sponsor.)

Christians have a heart to help those less fortunate regardless of their own personal circumstance. But there are other ways to give. I wouldn't dream of judging a Christian based on whether they ministered along this particular path or not. Christian compassion and hospitality is certainly not limited by any season.

God bless you richly. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I did, even though I was Pagan, because I felt sorry for the kids. They have them in McDonalds', too.

However, the parent organization, Prison Fellowship, is very hostile to lives like mine, and they try to make things more difficult for us. They also make things harder for non-Christians in prison. I'd rather donate to Toys for Tots.

Answer 5

Even when I was broke and couldn't afford presents for my own family, I would do my dangedest to pick up an angel or two. My family I could give the gift of myself, that young child though... who knows what they'd have gotten...

Answer 6

Yes, either angel tree or toys for tots.
Another atheist, by the way =)

Answer 7

Yes, I do this.

If I am at a convenience store buying coffee and the person behind me has coffee, i will buy his or her coffee.

I also participate in Project Hopebags, a homeless outreach project that gives a bag of food, hope and love to those on the street corner. Learn more by going to http://www.hopebags.com

I believe in senseless acts of kindness.

Answer 8

My family doesn not give gifts to each other, but instead each of us "adopts" a couple of kids from the "Tree of Sharing". We usually go to the mall as a family to do our shopping for the kids and have dinner together. It is a blast.

BTW we are atheists....surprise, surprise huh?

Answer 9

Maybe it's just because I avoid the mall like the plague during the holiday shopping season, but I've never seen one...seems like such a sweet thing though, good for you.

best wishes

Answer 10

Good question - but I live in Memphis, TN - where we are 2nd in Crime in the nation - so we try and stay home and do not visit the malls like we use to before the city went to manure.

But you do have a good question - I hope people do and there are children who get to have a great Christmas because of it!