Christmas help for a single mom?

Question

I have a really good friend who just lost her husband last week. She has a daughter who still very much believes in Santa Claus but unfortuanetly christmas funds went for funeral expenses. I really want to help her but I cant because I am on the financial down slope and am out of work myself. Does anyone have any ideas how I can give christmas to this very special girl. I did try Salvation army but according to them there is a waiting list. I also called area cheurches but they are not memebers so I am getting no where...please help

Answer 1

Try other groups like the Lions, Elks and even the police and fire departments. If nothing else maybe there is some way you can get together some stuff for her.... Garage sales, ask other friends, check around your own house maybe there is something you could make her something out of... teddy bears out of older clothes you dont wear any more... just look and use your imagination.. :o)

Answer 2

I know you are going through some financial difficulties yourself, but you have it in your power to provide a wonderful Christmas to this girl and her mother. Do they have a place to spend the holiday? If not invite them over- you may have less leftovers, but you'll be full in the way that matters. I don't know where you live, but try shopping at dollar or bargain stores- they have things little girls love, usually for 99 cents or less. By spending 5- 10 dollars, you can give many gifts, all of them appreciated. You still have almost a month until Christmas- even if you could only afford to put away .50 cents a day towards the gift you would have 12.50 the day before to get some gifts. Remember, a gift doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Just the fact that you did anything all will mean the world.

Answer 3

Where I live most of the churches do not require you to be a member to receive assistance. They may ask you to stay for a service though.

Also contact your local TV station, they may have a list of Christmas charities. There are Toys for Tots and Pat's Kids in addition to the Salvation Army around here. I am sure they can hook you up with a great list.

Good luck and kudos for trying to help someone in need!

Answer 4

I know that you don't have alot of money, but maybe you could find something at good will, or if you have a dollar tree ( everything is only a dollar ). You might also check with the local fire station, or police office, sometimes they do things. The other thing you might do is do hand made gifts.

Answer 5

If she was located in Houston or surrounding area..I would try calling the Christian radio station: 89.3 FM KSBJ They do something every year, where people can nominate familys for help getting needs met when they are having major difficulties. If she's not...are you a member of any church? I would ask around. Tell your friends what you're trying to do. if all of them bought just one gift for one member of her family...that would be a good start.
Hope it works out for her and her kiddos!
Erin

Answer 6

How about a fundraiser at her work or your work. Get everyone to chip in to give them a hand with xmas, it can be tough. I know that in our area the police dept. has a toys for tots drive is there something like that in your area? Good luck i hope it goes well!

Answer 7

No family to help her out? Call Catholic Charities. Or wrap up a toy from your own kids' toys and give it to her.
Sheesh. Sometimes Santa just doesnt come, ya know? Giving kids this unreal expectation of "GIMME GIMME" is not a good thing to teach.

Answer 8

Try Toys for Tots. I had my neighbors 2 little girls signed up for it for the last 2 years.

Answer 9

Call 211 which is a community resource clearinghouse. Also call United Way.

Answer 10

I am so sorry...that is awful. You can go to your local churches, toys for tots helps people out tremendously. But talk to them asap, they usually have a deadline for helping families. Hope this helps!!