I just read a post where a person will not be able to afford gifts for their children this year. Does anyone have some substantial advice on how to make their childrens season a happy one?
i.e. I know there are Toys for Tots, but how do you contact them, what are the prerequisites, etc...
Also, I know many businesses, companies, school districts, faith based charities and other charities collect gifts for children-how would you go about finding out how they distribute them?
My school asks teachers and community members to try to be aware of families that may need extra assistance and reaches out to them, but I'm sure there are some families who slip through the cracks.
Any advice would be great!
2007-11-17 11:59:29 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
(I know non-monetary "gifts" can be even more valuable-but truly, I think every parent would like their child to be able to wake up and find at least one present under the tree)
2007-11-17 12:06:07 · update #1
Call your local Marine Corps recruiter to ask about Toys for Tots. The USMC has done a fine job with that program for so long.
2007-11-17 12:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There was a time growing up, we didn't have much in the house, but looking back, I can see how mom came through. She did a lot leading up to the day.
She made little envelopes, or the 12 days before Christmas, each one to be opened one night at a time. She told us how much her and my dad loved us, maybe had a note for a special prize we would get on a special day in January, February and so on...what she was doing was spacing out the presents.
She made a big deal about popping popcorn and we would thread it to make a loop to go around the Christmas tree. And then she would do the same with Fruit-Loops...and tieing thread to small loli-pops. For a few nights, we would have something different to do, and then ont he big day, we had a feast!
As for presents, some were coupons "Your father will wash the dog and you don't have to", and some were little boxes she filled up with candies. Other boxes small gifts, nothing really elaborate - but to a little guy like me and my brother, it was the huge mound that appeared over night, not how big each box was. And when the gift exchange was over, she also taught us the importance of sitting down and writing thank you letters. She even turned that into a fun game - who could write the longest thank you, who could write the fastest, who could write one with the biggest words.
Mom made Christmas fun... not the presents
2007-11-18 03:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Salvation Army is a good organization that helps people who are in need. If this family would contact their local Salvation Army and explain their situation, I'm sure they will see to it that they do not go without food, clothing, or even presents for their children.
A lot of people at the assisted living centers are lonely, and many of them do not have any family members to visit them on Christmas Day. I don't know about this family's car situation, but if they have transportation, they could take their children to visit these people. The children could take notebook paper and crayons, and design a card which they could bring with them to give to people. They could even sing Christmas carols, the residents would enjoy that too!
I will keep this family in my prayers. You have a servant's heart, and you will be blessed for what you're doing to help this family. God bless you!!!
Virginia
2007-11-17 12:40:33 · answer #3 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a precious heart you have for those, in need. Thank you for asking such a loving question!
The one truth, we cannot help all we would want too. But, you mentioned some great ways to get help for the needy! I will tell you, many fire departments collect toys and such for the needy as well. This may be one great outlet as there are always fire stations around.
The best way I have found, I pray for them and for the situation to be turned around. I pray because, if there is not money, in the budget for gifts, then this means money is very tight, the rest of the year. In as much, I go before the Father, in prayer and ask what HE would have me to do with my limited resources as well. I pray on behalf of those who have less and ask for God's blessings upon them and that He may intervene, in their life....and bless them with careers which will meet all needs. To me, prayer is the best gift we can give another. I will pray that God guides you, as He may have a job meant just for you, through your desire to serve the less fortunate!
God Bless You and I pray your heart always remains this compassionate!
Gail
2007-11-17 12:16:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best things in life are free. Maybe spending time with your children will turn out to be more valuable than a Nintendo Wii or a Malibu Stacy.
2007-11-17 12:02:42 · answer #5 · answered by Psychedelic Pantheist 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Salvation army usually has a gift drive too--check them out!
2007-11-17 12:05:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They can call churches in their area and ask if they can help. Most will, even if the person isn't that religion.
2007-11-17 12:05:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋