[bigshirley]

Ok, so we have been more than blessed this year with number of things...our health, coming home (from a very long deployment), having family time, etc....

So, I really want to give back this year for the holidays....
I know of the salvation army tree...which we will do (as we do every year), but Im looking for a unique way to help this year. I would love to help provide for a family or families that wont be able to have a real christmas this year.

Whether its to provide a christmas tree...gifts, food or whatever....

I'd love to hear your ideas.



Thanks!!

[JaimeDae]

You've already given soo much! You are a GREAT person!!!

[BeckyScott]

This is what I am planning to do with my excess Wag Swag:

My youngest DS's school always does a canned food drive in the fall. I always contribute to that and plan to keep doing so. It goes to one of the local food banks.

However, there are several families at his school that aren't in very good shape, and I'd honestly rather help them than have the stuff go into a "general" charity. The school counselor and nurse both handle this sort of thing, and are aware of what families need help. *Someone* (and I'm not sure if it's the local food bank or some other agency) provides bags of food to send home on Fridays with some of the kids, to get them through the weekend.

The school also keeps a small stock of extra coats, gloves, etc, for kids who come to school without, and sometimes even shoes.

I would say if you're looking for a place to start, an elementary school might be a good choice. It doesn't hurt to ask. They won't be able to tell you where it's going, exactly, but might be a willing go-between.

My mantra has been "food stamps don't buy HBA". At least here you can't do that. You can buy food, but you can't buy HBA or household. So families that are unemployed, you know, they can maybe get food stamps. Some agencies (like the Sal Army) will give families vouchers for clothing. But it seems nobody around here gives away HBA.

[lovemydh]

BeckyScott-thanks for the great idea...I like that idea and I know last year I got a bunch of gloves for like .25, that I wasn't sure what 2 do with.

Bigshirley I agree with PP you do so much for others' already...great that u are so giving and a wonderful person.

YOu might want 2 talk with a local church also. They are always having people calling them asking for things. For me it's the kids who always get the short end of the stick. I feel so bad because my kids always get more presents then they know what 2 do with.

[miralys]

What a great idea and thanks for having such a big heart

I agree you should get in touch with community leaders. They often have a better idea of what is needed where.

[jlaporte]

I agree. I know I have been blessed by the salvation army when we needed it. I always drop my dollar when I can and donate food and I have donated my TIME. Thats a big one they need volunteers too. For all kinds of things. I always donate food to the school drives and clothes to. I buy toys for the kids. When I am the sample lady,I have done this at walmart I have dropped off the extras at womens shelters. Like pads n tampons n such. Also threw the counseling agency my fam uses I have donated many things as well as TAUGHT some ppl there how to go about it and have tought ppl how to coupon. I know it isnt on same level as Bigshirly mentioned but it is also a hand up too not always hand outs ppl need. But even the smallest kindness can be a big diffrence.

[simmonds4]

Thanks Big Shirley for posting the question. We move around alot, so every place we have moved I have to learn how to find places in that community to help out. Several people have also mentioned places I've learned over the years:

1. Local School Nurses & counselors (actually last year the local water department worked with the local school to have an tree with local kids who were not going to have a Christmas - put their wishes on it)

2. You can also ask local priest, ministers, etc at local churches if there is a family that they know needs help. We have helped many families this way, and not just from our church.

3. When Kroger has their 10 for 10 sales, around the holidays I usually will stock up on items that I know the local food pantry is low on (I will stop and see if it is food or HBA stuff) and that way they will have what they need for families.

4. Our local Catholic Social Services - Does a secret Santa for kids in the foster care system. They have a limit on what they would like you to spend, and you just tell them if your looking for a boy or girl and what age level and they will match you up. Every year I let the kids pick their own. We usually now go for the older kids, because most people go for the younger ones. We have been doing 15 and up lately.

5. We also go to the local VA Hospital in Marion, and visit with them, bring them a small bag of treat that the youth have made or homemade cards. They really don't care, they just love someone to come and visit.

6. We also donate things and serve lunch once a month at the local shelter. It started out by doing things at the holidays and has worked into a monthly thing.

7. One other thing we do is check with the local Pregnancy Crisis Center to see what supplies they are low on and pick up those items as we can and drop them off.

8. This is not local but we also do things through the "Books for Soldiers" website.

9 . Local Nursing homes would be another good place.

No matter what way you go, it is awesome for all!!!!

[simba123]

I like to donate to the family violence prevention center ( battered women's shelter) so many of these women leave with nothing but the clothes on their back and are in need of so many things for themselves and their children. They usually have a wishlist if you call the office. Everything for the home where they stay until they get on their feet and then supplies to help when they get out on their own. You can provide meals, cleaning supplies, toys, clothing, H&B stuff.... I guess you can call social services in your city/county to get info.

[sar1]

This is a good question. You always hear about families who fall through the safety net for any number of reasons - make just a little too much money, no access/knowledge of the resources available, other reasons they either don't qualify for assistance programs. I would love to know to get to these families. Also, I feel it's likely some charities have better PR than others and therefore donations aren't spread around as equally.

[kurautismnow]

Your a Doll!!

Shirley, one that is near and dear to my heart.

Childrens psychiatric hospitals. Most of the children in there dont even go home for Christmas. As a former psych social worker I can attest to this. Remember they have a teen unit and a 11 yr. old and under unit, most times. They can always use EVERY book, toy, etc. that is age appropriate, just check with your local hospital/Institution.

[bjhuds]

Originally Posted by kurautismnow

Your a Doll!!

Shirley, one that is near and dear to my heart.

Childrens psychiatric hospitals. Most of the children in there dont even go home for Christmas. As a former psych social worker I can attest to this. Remember they have a teen unit and a 11 yr. old and under unit, most times. They can always use EVERY book, toy, etc. that is age appropriate, just check with your local hospital/Institution.

What a wonderful idea! I'm ashamed to admit I would have never thought of that. Thanks!!!

[CHERYL S]

Shirley, I like to sprinkle my donations all over.........
I am going to help feed 50+ families at a mission in inner city Cleveland so far I have turkey gravy, cake mixes, instant potatoes, oreos, crackers, canned pasta, boxed mac and cheese, canned veggies and paper plates. I take all of my perishable stuff to my Salvation Army as it is 5 minutes away and Cleveland is almost an hour. Then DH and I are going to go to the bank and each do a child and REALLY do them up. Lastly I have a 21 year old friend who I kind of mentored as he did not have a mom and I am going to take care of him as well. I had a TREMENDOUS year with my yard sales so now is my give back time. Maybe you might like to do the Toys for Tots? My step son is a 3 tours in Iraq turned recruiter so we will try to do some for him as well. Thanks for being so thoughtful ESPECIALLY considering what you are going through. God Bless you Shirley.

[kurautismnow]

Originally Posted by bjhuds

What a wonderful idea! I'm ashamed to admit I would have never thought of that. Thanks!!!

Your welcome! I know there are so many that need help at the holidays, but this one will just be a forever in my heart!

[SHERY123]

thanks everyone for helping. i ususally help a family buy donating items all year round.. you never know when you might be on the turn around and need some extra help . .so it is always nice to share when i can

[bigshirley]

Originally Posted by simmonds4

Thanks Big Shirley for posting the question. We move around alot, so every place we have moved I have to learn how to find places in that community to help out. Several people have also mentioned places I've learned over the years:

1. Local School Nurses & counselors (actually last year the local water department worked with the local school to have an tree with local kids who were not going to have a Christmas - put their wishes on it)

2. You can also ask local priest, ministers, etc at local churches if there is a family that they know needs help. We have helped many families this way, and not just from our church.

3. When Kroger has their 10 for 10 sales, around the holidays I usually will stock up on items that I know the local food pantry is low on (I will stop and see if it is food or HBA stuff) and that way they will have what they need for families.

4. Our local Catholic Social Services - Does a secret Santa for kids in the foster care system. They have a limit on what they would like you to spend, and you just tell them if your looking for a boy or girl and what age level and they will match you up. Every year I let the kids pick their own. We usually now go for the older kids, because most people go for the younger ones. We have been doing 15 and up lately.

5. We also go to the local VA Hospital in Marion, and visit with them, bring them a small bag of treat that the youth have made or homemade cards. They really don't care, they just love someone to come and visit.

6. We also donate things and serve lunch once a month at the local shelter. It started out by doing things at the holidays and has worked into a monthly thing.

7. One other thing we do is check with the local Pregnancy Crisis Center to see what supplies they are low on and pick up those items as we can and drop them off.

8. This is not local but we also do things through the "Books for Soldiers" website.

9 . Local Nursing homes would be another good place.

No matter what way you go, it is awesome for all!!!!

Holy COW...those are great ideas....

I know we have a soup kitchen in our community and i have given baked goods in the past around holidays...but didnt think if HBA....IM SURE they could use some......

I should have a pretty decent stock pile when I get home...and it will be fun to refill my stock pile and help others...GREAT IDEA!!!

I also have not been as active in the church as we have intended...we've been looking for a church to join..that will be number one on my list when I get home.

Additionally we have an elementary school right down the street..and we use their outdoors area with our dogs ALL the time...I need to go in an visit..and see how I can help....(this will be where my kids will be going.....when I have them!!)

Thanks again!!

[bigshirley]

Originally Posted by kurautismnow

Your a Doll!!

Shirley, one that is near and dear to my heart.

Childrens psychiatric hospitals. Most of the children in there dont even go home for Christmas. As a former psych social worker I can attest to this. Remember they have a teen unit and a 11 yr. old and under unit, most times. They can always use EVERY book, toy, etc. that is age appropriate, just check with your local hospital/Institution.

What a great idea...I dont think we have one in our local community but in I bet we do in nashville.

I'll start locating that now...I bet I can get some other soldiers together to help make a trip and take some COOL things...

Thanks.....SO much for the idea.

[catzkids]

How about nursing homesor group homes for the developmentally disabled? Have worked in both and you'd be surprised the at the number of residents who have no family.