Christmas Help
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive July-December 2005:
Christmas Help
I am looking for a website that you can go to to inlist your children to receive presents for Christmas because the parents are not able to give them a Christmas.
We are on the verge of loosing our home and our kids are too young to understand what is going on I just know I don't want it to affect their holiday. Please help. Thank you.
Can you contact your local Salvation Army?
Many churches have "Giving Trees" and/or programs to help families in need.
What about Toys for Tots?
Definitely utilize your local Salvation Army. Best of luck to you
How about a local church? Best of luck
I agree that I would first start with things local to your area. Many churches and sometimes even schools do toy drives and stuff like that.
Never heard of a website for something like this. I agree with everyone else, try a local church or the Salvation Army. Good luck.
If your kids get free lunch sometimes you can get info through their schools. Maybe call your chamber of commerce? I wish you luck also. I know how frustrating financial problems can be, especially at Christmas.
(((((hugs)))))))
I've never heard of an online sign-up for something like that.
I agree with those that said to contact your church. If they can't help, they'll surely know where to send you.
Our local social services does something for children who need it every year. And our school also has every teacher give them a list of names of children who need a "Christmas Angel" to buy for them. Check with both places, and I am sure you will be able to get some help.
Good luck, I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
((((hugs))))))
Try Toys for tots!
I don't think you can sign up on-line but you can look for your community on their website and get the information needed to sign up!
toysfortots.org
((((warm hugs))))
Definitely turn to your community and family. Churches, salvation army (they can atleast give you info on who to turn too), schools, etc... Be greatful to have them to fall back on and when you are back on your feet you can return the favor to another family in need!!!
Our church actually hosts a store before Christmas. They have a shopping day that families in need come in and shop for their kiddo's. They leave with wrapped gifts and never spend a dime. It is all based on donations and it is a HUGE deal now. You would be amazed at how many families are in need.
I remember when I was a kid and my parents lost their farms and my Dad was out of work for awhile. He got really depressed and we were *so* poor!!! Kids understand more than you think. I remember a time when I opened up my pantry and all there was, was a jar of peanut butter. I was in 3rd grade... I remember my Mom counting out pennies for me to pay for my lunches. I have no idea how they bought Christmas that yr. But we had one. My Grandparents may have sent them money...
Good luck, it WILL get better!
I'm sorry you're losing your house sweetie. Can you move in with family until you are on your feet again?
When I was a child, we were always losing our homes and I want to say that we moved probably 10 times. Many nice people took us in. I remember we even lived in someone's garage that they changed to a room. It was one of my most memorable times.
I really think your children will understand that times are hard and maybe do something together, like it's a mission from Santa! (Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt, or make up a situation where Santa leaves "clues".) And then, at the end, have a few small gifts that are meaningful to them.
This is what my mother did and it was SO memorable the way she pulled us all together and I look back and saw what she sacrificed to just have us safe and with food in our stomachs...sorry, I'm babbling.... but, you've got to give your kids credit...they really don't care about things...they care about family, happiness, and play time with you.
Again, I'm sorry you're losing your home. If it's job related, apply for unemployment monies and ask family to take you in for a bit. If it's credit problems, seek out a non-profit group that can help. There are so many resources out there.
Also, if you are in the military, they also have programs that can help!
All of your local organizations sponsor Christmas drives. Your lodges (Elks, Moose, Eagles, Redmen), your VFW post, your AmVets, the fire departments and police departments collect for Toys for Tots. Many local stores collect donations that go to the Salvation Army and the Good Will. Contact your child's school, they usually do donation drives too. Churches usually support needy families around the holidays. I suggest you pick up the phone and start calling around or write a letter asking for help because like the others I don't know of anything on line.
I have had many lean Christmas's. The thing I have learned is that you give them what they need and what you can afford. Christmas isn't about a pile of gifts, it is about the love we are supposed to share with each other daily. A pile of gifts isn't what makes the memories, four months after Christmas you can ask most children what they got and they can't remember even a few of the things.. Ask them what they did and they will light up telling you the stories... Those are what memories are made of.
In my house santa only brings one gift to every boy and girl, exactly for this reason. Some years are tougher than others. I don't want Santa to disappoint, but I sure don't mind me being the one to let them down and say money is tight, this year we are doing such and such for christmas.
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