I need help buying a little for my kids for christmas this year?

Question

I have just gone back to work after being off for disability and I am desperate. My kids are too old to qualify for all the organizations like United Christmas Fund and United Way. All they want are clothes and coats. They are 17,15,14 and really good kids. I feel like a horrible mom that I can't get anything for them. My heart is breaking right now. Does anyone have any suggestions at all? I have asked their schools and written to local tv stations but everyone says my kids are too old for help.

Also my 17 year old boy is special needs. He will always live with me and depend on me. My ex husband is incarcerated of course and even when he wasn't I never got any help. I have been raising 4 kids alone since they were 4 years old. I also have a 20 year old in college.

Answer 1

Try local church organizations, just the church congregation, not some program that they have set up for people to give to. Maybe you can appeal to the kindness of amember or two to be a true christian and give where the need is the most great.
You can also try a boy or girl scout organization. They like to "adopt" families that need help, and your may just be the one that they know that they can help and would be able to make a difference because your children would be overlooked otherwise.
The only other thing I can suggest is to contact social services and see if they have a suggestion, they know of lots of organizations that have programs for needy families. They have lists of business' that do the same type of "adopt" a family program. (the type that they know that they can do for everyone, but they know that they can make the difference for one family)
Good luck!
And I can't imagine someone turning away a child in need, Ok the 17 year old may be considered "to old" but the organizations here where I live still do teens, they take the whole family-meaning that if they "adopted" your family, you would be on the list to receive something also.

I am very sorry for some of the responses that you have gotten, some people tend to believe that money just grows on trees and that all you have to do it go out and buy things, "get them visa gift cards." Apparently these people were NOT paying attention and did not comprehend that you have NO money to go get gift cards. Living paycheck to paycheck it tough, and I know the feeling of helplessness when you work and work and still can't afford the little things that your children want or even sometimes need. Some people were right when they said that if there are as good kids as you say, then they will understand why there is nothing there for them, but it is not about them understanding or not. It is about you feeling helpless to do even a little for your children, you feel that you have such great understanding children that they deserve at least a little something under the tree on christmas morning, but no matter how you try, no matter how to attempt to do so , you just can't find a way to get it done. Go to whatever agency or organization or church that you can, don't look as it as charity, for I am sure that when you were able to, you did for others, and you will do so again. Think of it as a helping hand when you need it, and no matter what anyone says, there is alwasys a time when everyone needs a helping hand. I hope that you know that it doesn't make you a bad parent for not being able to do for them, and I know me saying it doesn't make it better. But don't let the horrible things that some of the others are saying get to you either.

Answer 2

If they are good kids then they will understand that what you gave them came from your heart, that it's not the amount of present they get but the quality of the love behind the present. Not every Christmas has to be a big gala with lots of shiny presents under the tree. They are old enough to know the situation you are in and should understand.

You are going to have a very happy time this year, I can feel it. The best presents you give each other are the love that you all share.

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People are suggesting 2nd hand stores. What you can do is go to the bank and get them Visa gift cards to spend on clothes and coats at the thrift stores. More bang for your buck there. For $30 you can leave with lots of stuff, trust me.

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whatelks67 obviously read my answer as saying you should get your kids each hundreds of dollars of gift cards. And I know about living paycheck to paycheck, every paycheck.

You're bank, if you have one, probably has visa gift cards for no fee.

Answer 3

If money is a problem then i suggest that you try out some of the second hand shops, you can find great deals if you have the patience to look through each rack carefully, you can even find some items that have never been used, or you could give them a gift card for the mall or there favourite store, at the age of your kids, they should be grateful for anything you give from the hart. Remember Christmas is not only about the gifts.

Good Luck
and God Bless

Answer 4

Try the salvation army, they have a lot of brand-name clothes for A LOT less. Also try some of these cheap stores and stores with good deals--aj wright,tjmaxx,old navy, rave, jcpenney, sears, marshalls, and of course, walmart. They are cheap stores but you never know, you may be able to find what you're looking for. Even if you can't get them anything, being together as a family is all that really matters.

Answer 5

I am so sorry. Maybe try a few second hand shops. Sometimes you can get lucky and find some good bargains. I know its sad for you to give them second hand clothes, but it may help a little. At those ages they WILL understand that you dont have much money to spend on them. Good luck. I hope you have a wonderful christmas.

Answer 6

if you go to good will or salvation army you can get clothing for really cheap. there are also some places that donate if for free. go to the local good will and ask them if they know. If you lived near me I could help you. I have some old clothing and coats that need to get out of my closet and look brand new.

Answer 7

Why couldn't your older two at least gotten a job to help out when things were so tight? They could still get a job at like McDonald's etc they are always wanting help. They could talk to some neighbors to see if there are odd jobs they could do to help earn a little money before Christmas,there is still time for that. You have already given them something,you are there with them,you have a job again,and all of you are going to be together for Christmas,what about just fixing a meal and sharing it? At least you are all still in one house,that is better than some have it. Where is good ole Dad in this picture?

Answer 8

If you have any relatives that you can talk honestly with, ask them if they have any old clothes that they have no use for. Many ppl overbuy clothes and have lots of jackets and clothes that they would be happy to give you. I am wearing clothes (right now) that a cousin was glad to give me. Ebay is also a good source for both old and new clothes.

Answer 9

Mom, gather you children around you. Make them the best Christmas dinner possible and enjoy the meal. Tell them you love them and your should all be grateful you are well and able to go back to work. Tell them there is not much money for gifts but when you go back to work the gifts will start then.

Stress family togetherness and love.

Answer 10

You don't have to get them anything if they are good kids. just make them a very nice dinner of their choice. if all three like different things to eat them make all of them meals of their choice. and have a nice big family dinner and rent a movie and watch it together. that should make them realize that a family is all you need. gift giving is just a money making business.