Just had surgery. I only have money for the bills. The kids father just passed away 8 months ago. I'm still paying for the funeral. I want my 3 girls to have a good christmas. I just need to know what to do to get money for gifts. I also have no family around to help. I can't work for 5 more weeks. Please give me advice. I live in binghamton,ny.
2006-12-03 11:40:24 · 14 answers · asked by single mom dad passed away 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Contact your local foodbank. In my area, it is the local foodbanks that distribute toys for the Toys for Tots. People like you, who are in temporary tough spot, are the ideal candidates for that charity. In my area, each child gets four toys. I don't know how old your girls are, but I'm sure you could explain that Santa did the best he could and if you have raised them well, they will appreciate what they get.
2006-12-03 11:48:28 · answer #1 · answered by Cyndie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried talking to the local department of human services or local churches? I don't know about where you are, but in my small town the Church on the Rock is good about helping out people in tight situations, even if they aren't church memebers. They love the people in the community and want to help. The dept of human services may ask for proof about your financial situation. - Hurry though if you are gonna go to them. I think their deadline is early December if not late November.
Unless you are a good sales person or something, I don't know where you can get the actual cash. But presents do not have to be expensive. How old are your girls? At any age, finding activities to do together as a family can create cherrished memories. The last couple of years, I hit the 88 cent rack at Walmart for my girl's presents. And she seemed to enjoy the cheap things I got her as much as (and in many cases more than) the more expensive presents from other family members. They have all kinds of things... I don't suggest the dolls (similar to barbie, but much cheaper) They break too easily. But the small animals have given my daughters hours of entertainment! You could also spend Christmas Eve making simple crafts... Do you have paper, scissors, crayons ... ? Do you know how to make paper snowflakes or anything?
I have never been to New York. What kind of fun things do they have to do for free? Last night the small Texas town that I live in had their park lighting. There were free hotdogs, cookies, and drinks and music and Santa. Right before that was a parade. It was fun! And although stuff like that may not happen on Christmas Day, it is still a part of Christmas.
I wish you luck finding money. But remember that the financial side of Christmas is by no means the most important part. The important thing is to enjoy spending time with your loved ones. I know it will be different this year. But you can still make it special. It would be easier to think of ideas if I knew how old your daughters are. Maybe if you feel bad about giving them cheap gifts, you could give them each a chance to choose an activity to take up 2 or 3 hours of the day?
2006-12-03 20:06:59 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom was in the same spot as you when I was younger. In 1999 my step dad died and she had to have help with Christmas presents too. As other people have said, I would contact a church, Salvation Army or Department of Family Services. Or, if you don't have any animals or the kids want another cat or dog or something like that, there are lots of free animals in the newspaper. I think that would be a great present and it could be for all three of them! And this would be a great time to teach them the real meaning of Christmas while the money is low and you four still have each other. I wish you the best of luck and you will be in my prayers. God Bless!
2006-12-05 02:09:52 · answer #3 · answered by LeAnne & Enrique 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister was in a bad situation one year. She had the kids write a letter to Santa Clause and mailed them. The post office has different organizations that pick up the letters and help the truly needy get Christmas presents.
You could also call the Salvation Army and some of your area churches. There are lots of people out there that will help; you just have to start calling some of the charities and churches.
2006-12-03 19:48:59 · answer #4 · answered by leaving.florida 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is where your imagination comes in mom. First of all, I'm sorry you are in this position. I'll say a prayer for you, to give you strength. When I was younger, my parents were in a hard financial situation a couple years. My mom was a genious when it came to making a poor holiday a GREAT holiday. We decorated the tree with all homemade ornaments, popcorn strings, those sorts of things, but the point was that we did it together. We sang Christmas songs and told stories, especially on Christmas eve. We would bake cookies together, read the Bible(the real Christmas story). On Christmas morning, we got together, had a great breakfast, and opened our gifts. Our gifts were handmade those years. Mom sewed me a doll, and she wasn't the greatest seamstress, but I loved it. My dad took two 1x12 boards and cut them smaller to make an x, you know, criss-crossed each other. Then mom painted it to make 4 different rooms for my barbie dolls. (A homemade barbie doll house) It just takes imagination. Look on HGTV.com. Also, depending on the age of your kids, if you have a walmart around, go to the toy section, there are tons of 88cent racks with all kinds of little toys, perfect for kids ages1-12 or even a little older. Don't sweat it. Your kids will understand.
2006-12-03 19:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Please contact the Salvation Army in your area. They'll be in the phone book. Sometimes they're really busy this time of year, so they may not be able to talk much but they will be glad to help. They can help with the Christmas gifts and possibly with other assistance. If you're affiliated with a particular church, please contact them, too. They'll want to help. If you're not affiliated with a church, phone a larger one in your area and briefly explain your situation, then ask them for the names and numbers of agencies in your area that can help. (To find a 'larger' church, use the Yellow pages and look for a church with a prominent advertisement. This method is about 85% accurate. My job requires that I sometimes contact churches about various things.)
Also, money and gifts aside, start a new family tradition this year as a symbol of your new beginnings as a family of 4 instead of 5. This is often meaningful to the kids.
2006-12-03 20:05:24 · answer #6 · answered by thejanith 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay just the interest on your bills, or call the creditors and ask for a skip pay option. Some companies will honor that and just charge you the interest. And contact toys for tots. Bless you and your family, chin up!
2006-12-05 00:50:54 · answer #7 · answered by kitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your church and any organization around you. If you cn't find any or little help I will donate some new toys. I have been through a lot this year too I can help.
2006-12-07 09:58:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do like I do woman, beg , grovel, sign up for anything you can, humiliate yourself in any way possible to make your children happy.
I am sure yahoo is not the first source you have tried, so keep digging, you go momma! My heart is with you as we both try to make our children's Christmas bright.
2006-12-03 19:54:02 · answer #9 · answered by crct2004 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to your Bible and search it from cover to cover and you will see that NOWHERE in the entire Bible is anything ever mentioned about Christmas or it's observance. Don't you think that if Christmas were something God wanted us to observe, it would be MENTIONED in the Bible, at least in some form?
Christmas is a pagan holiday that no true Christian celebrates.
2006-12-04 11:03:23 · answer #10 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋