Where can I get assistance for Christmas in SW PA?

Question

Okay, here's my problem. My husband is laid off & yes, he can get unemployment...BUT there is a 3 week waiting period & he can't open a claim until December 10th, making the first check date Dec. 27th. We don't get cash assistance. We have 4 children ages 15, 14, 12, & one who will be 6 on the 28th. The older 3 belong to my ex husband who is almost 14 grand behind in support payments & I've called & called enforcement BUT they can't locate him to get payment enforced. I don't belong to a church & because I don't get public assistance I don't believe I can go to the Salvation Army to sign up for their program. We have $1300 in our savings, but we will definitely need that to eat & to pay our shelter costs. I inquired about Toys for Tots, which is an awesome program except they have one downfall, the kids pick out their presents a few days prior to Christmas...which means I would have to let my 6 year old know there is no Santa & the magic he gets in his eyes about Santa is the best part

of the season, to me the excitement & joy he gets is MY Christmas present. I thought about waiting until the 27th to celebrate bc the older kids woudl understand, but again that would mean disappointing my youngest & possibly telling him there is no Santa. Is anyone aware of anything I can do in SW PA Washington Westmoreland or Fayette or Allegheny County areas? Any ideas would be appreciated more t han you know. We also have the hubby's resume out there in the meantime instead of doing nothing waiting for unemployment.

Answer 1

I know in NE PA the salvation army does things for the kids for Christmas. I would check there website for sign up expiration.... Also we do a support for families at work through an organization in OHIO called caring families. We sponsor one family a holiday and get things for the kids, and parents, also Giant Eagle food certificates so that they will have food for Christmas. I hope this is helpful, and I hope you find what you need for Christmas. Merry Christmas!!!!! and Happy Holidays!!!! remember you still have each other.

p.s. This is the salvation army of Lawerence County....

Answer 2

I know you said you don't belong to a church, but many will give you gifts even if you don't belong there. Also, in Cleveland, United Way has a "help line", 211, I'm not sure if there's an equivilent where you are, but try contacting your local branch of United Way to see if they can tell you about agencies that are helping needy families, or try 211.org and see if there's one for your area. Also, I don't think you have to be on assistance for Salvation Army to give you toys. Try the YWCA and YMCA, as well. You might also try going to a dollar store or something like that to get a few toys for the 6 year old to say they're from Santa and still let them all get other toys from Toys for Tots. As far as the child support, if you go on public assistance, they get a lot more cooperative to find deadbeat parents to recoup the money that welfare pays you! Also, if you have any clue as to where your ex is, try one of those private enforcement agencies, they'll charge you a third of your award amount, but only if they get it for you, there's nothing out of pocket with them. I know this because my mom went through one and started getting child support from my dad for the first time shortly after my 30th birthday. It's worth a try.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear about the crummy situation that you are in. BUT I think it is time for you to get creative, kids don't need lots of presents to play with for a week and then forget about later. Christmas is not about Santa and gifts and maybe it's a good time to ensure that your kids know this. Sure a few small gifts would be nice but there are many more important things to focus on.
I personally don't remember more than 2 gifts that I got for Christmas during my entire childhood, I do however remember sitting around the fire and making popcorn chains for the tree, baking pies and breads, toboganning, making cards for all the people that I love with extra sparkles and stickers, and I could go on. My point is only that I wish you could see this as a blessing to your family in the way that you all must get together and make some memories. Memories that can't be bought at Walmart.
If you can't see things in a different way, I truly hope that there is an organization out there to help your family have the Christmas you invision.

Answer 4

Your Local Red Cross, Salvation Army, or Churches.

Answer 5

Why don't you try and contact the toys for tots program in your area and see if you can shop for you youngest? Maybe you could bring your older ones and if they are worried about you cheating their program, maybe you could bring all of their birth certificates including the one not there? Try contacting your local agency and tell them your situation and ask if maybe they have other suggestions.

Or if there is no luck with that, maybe you could tell him that Santa is very busy and he gets to pick out his own gift! If you are excited about it, he will be too.