Salvation Army online tree question

[DisneyLover83]

I was looking to "adopt" a few kids this christmas but I am noticing they want/need Ipod's, guitars, Nintendo DS's.... they are all out of my price range, I don't even have an Ipod BUT does anyone know if it is okay to "adopt" them and just buy them other things or do I just skip it. WWYD?

We have the extra money and I want to help some kids have a better christmas but if I select them then I am assuming they are taken off the list, what if someone else comes after me and could afford those gifts, then did I do the wrong thing selecting them?

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I didn't even know there was an online tree. I usually pick my child from the tree in walmart when it goes up later this month. Usually I try and pick something from their list but I also have been known to buy other things as well that wasn't on the list.

 

[soccerchick]

I've wondered this too. I don't pick them. I've seen xbox systems and Wiis listed. I guess I would/could do old (cheaper) Nds + game, but that would be it. Not sure how much the ipod stuff is. I also try to pick kids the same ages as my kids. Makes it easier to shop as I can pick up bargains all year for goodie bags or travel stuff and use them for the stockings, too.

I always try for three "big" gifts, plus a really nice stocking packed with fun little items, and then some basic clothes including hat and gloves, sweats (Hanes - can be used as pjs), underwear, socks and plain tees or turtlenecks. I know kids don't want them, but I feel better knowing they have some of the basics.

I am so moved by the ones that ask for "anything" or aren't so picky and specific. I find I spend way more on thosehumble kids.

Have you tried calling a SA office to ask? That would be good info to know.

 

[DisneyLover83]

Have you tried calling a SA office to ask? That would be good info to know.

Not yet, I just started looking today but I think I will give them a call in the morning and see what their opinion is.

 

[luvsJack]

We have always tried to pick one that was asking for something in our price range. I don't want to get them something "cheap" but I can't buy something like and IPod or Wii.

You could give donations of toys so you don't actually have to have a name from the tree to give to.

Once when dd and I were dropping off the gifts for "our" child, I was amazed at all the stuff that was stacked in the gym to be given out. It was halfway to the ceiling and you couldn't even find the workers for all the toys. Talk about looking like Santa's workshop!!

I was a bit disappointed to find out though that the child we picked things out for may not even get those exact gifts. They said that some kids get a ton of stuff bought and some kids only 1 or 2 things. They try to even it out so they will trade the things around to do so (especially in families).

 

[pickles521]

I have the same issue. I don't own a wii because I won't spend the money. I'm uncomfortable getting it for a child I don't know. Some years I just bypass those children and go for the ones that have what I consider more realistic choices. Last year, though, I change tactics completely. I moved the "angel tree" to the "elder tree". I still get the warm fuzzies from donating and I didn't see a single Ipod/wii requested!

This year my and my best friend are doing an entire family. I'm really hoping a wii isn't requested, but I suppose if every kid asks for it, I might consider it as the only gift. I don't really want to though - I prefer getting individual gifts.

 

[LadyZolt]

It's the same with the actual tree in our local mall -- the kids want expensive stuff and games, etc., that really don't indicate a truly "needy" child. I prepare one of those shoeboxes for the ministry that does that (Billy Graham's son, I think, runs it), and then I discovered Wal-Marts will often have a giving tree for senior citizens, who are so often forgotten this time of year. These elderly folks ask for things like slippers, pajamas, a bathrobe, some new combs, bubble bath, that sort of thing. Now I choose one of those and get them what they want, plus something extra to make it especially nice for them, and I feel like they appreciate it even more than those not-so-needy (dare I say "greedy"?) Salvation Army tree kids.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Joseph-Beth Books also has a gift tree. They offer a discount (10% I think) on books that go to the kids. The gift requests usually list the kid's name, age, reading level and topics they are intested in. It gives me a good excuse to buy some books I loved as a child and pass them on to a new generation.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I always try to buy things that will not need a future investment. The Wii will require games which aren't cheap and the iPod will require purchases from iTunes (at least I would hope that they would purchase music legally & not just rip it or "share").

I try to find kids who want books and staples. I love buying books. I also try to find girls as I don't have any and I love buying pink/frilly things that little girls love.

OP: let us know what the SA says. Thanks!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

It's the same with the actual tree in our local mall -- the kids want expensive stuff and games, etc., that really don't indicate a truly "needy" child. I prepare one of those shoeboxes for the ministry that does that (Billy Graham's son, I think, runs it), and then I discovered Wal-Marts will often have a giving tree for senior citizens, who are so often forgotten this time of year. These elderly folks ask for things like slippers, pajamas, a bathrobe, some new combs, bubble bath, that sort of thing. Now I choose one of those and get them what they want, plus something extra to make it especially nice for them, and I feel like they appreciate it even more than those not-so-needy (dare I say "greedy"?) Salvation Army tree kids.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

I Totally agree!

 

[honugirl]

I tend to do little kids or seniors. If I do little kids I'll go shop on the Target clearance rack and get several outfits and some socks and stuff and a toy. For a senior I'll get whatever is on their list plus some gloves, a scarf, and a few other little things.

Forget the teens. All they want is the high end stuff. While I understand they want to keep up with the kids at school, there's a limit to what I'm going to buy for them. If they ask for something reasonable I'll get it for them.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I don't think it's out of the ordinary for teenagers who are on the salvation army tree or whatever tree to want these kinds of items. Just because they want it doesn't mean they will get it. I mean they already know this considering they are on the tree.

I try to pick children from all age groups including teenagers. I don't purchase the super expensive things that are listed but they still should get presents.

I'm not sure what I will be purchasing this year. In the past I've done the newest movie dvd's released, mcdonald's gift cards, makeup/perfume/cologne kits, new cd music, new dvd movie game like scene it or boys vs girls, movie tickets, personal steroes or cd alarm clocks.

I know that the children ask for expensive things but it's not out of the ordinary of everyday kids that parents are discussing on here.

 

[hentob]

.......and then I discovered Wal-Marts will often have a giving tree for senior citizens, who are so often forgotten this time of year. These elderly folks ask for things like slippers, pajamas, a bathrobe, some new combs, bubble bath, that sort of thing. Now I choose one of those...........

GREAT post!!

You have NO idea how thankful most lonely elderly folks are for small things like you just listed. They also love notes and letters--So jot a few words down and put it on their gift and you will make their day

 

[MichelleinMaine]

How about skipping the tree/preselected items and donate the items you would like to buy to Toys for Tots/similar organization?

Please don't overlook buying for teens altogether. I know our FD often has a hard time because everyone just wants to buy the cute little toys for donation and so they don't have anything for older kids. There are lots of lower ticket items that would make great gifts and not require additional purchases. (DVDs, CDs, board games- Apples to Apples is huge with the teens at our church, there are themed SceneIt games {I think I even saw a Twilight one recently?} The Twilight books would be a hit too.) Sure, alot of them ask for big ticket items (heck, my kids did when younger, too!) but there are plenty of other good options too.

 

[barkley]

just as a heads up-often times those giving trees use fictitious names and gifts, and then determine who they can help after they've seen what they've collected.

this was the way the giving trees one of the big national organizations were set up when i worked with them via social services. we got hundreds and hundreds of requests for gifts and there was no way the organization was going to take the chance that only one kid from a family got picked, so they figured out what the most popular (and reasonably likey a person would purchase) items were for kids in certain age groups, made up names and ages and put the ornaments up. then another group figured out a priority list of who would get served and as items were donated that fit a family on that list they were checked off.

i'm always surprised when i hear of organizations even listing playing systems-the groups that served our clients discouraged people from donating anything that would 'cost' the recipient to use it (lots of batteries, cd's or music downloads to use players, gaming systems needing games...). when they got the occasional unsolicited highend item they would try to return it to one of the merchants they worked with in order to use the funds to purchase multiple items that could serve more kids.


i encountered what i thought was a great collection drive the other day at the dollar store-they had a whole cart with baby items (wipes, washcloths, sippy cups, rubber tipped spoons...) and they would ask each customer who was making a purchase if they were interested in picking out any items to buy and donate to a local holiday drive-they had the bin right there and apparantly the group organizing it had told them what they specificaly needed. i did'nt see a single person decline purchasing at least one item and donating it


btw-if you do donate to a 'giving tree', if the item you donate takes batteries consider giving 2 sets. that way when the first set dies the toy is'nt cast aside by virtue of the parent being unable to purchase additional ones.

 

[DVC Sadie]

We do Toys for Tots every year and the angel trees but last year was the first year that I saw such high ticket items on the angel tree. The problem for us was that the kids didn't ask for more than one or two items, one girl wanted a Coach purse (only thing listed) one boy wanted a Wii or Nintendo Game System (only items listed).

 

[luvmy3]

I donate to Toys for Tots every year so I don't do the Angel Trees. When it gets closer to Christmas I notice that there are still several tags left on the trees and its always the ones that have the big ticket items. I always wonder if they are given something from what is collected. OP, please let us know what you find out.

Last year I was sent a wish list for some local families in need. On it were modest wishes and also things like Wii's, Xboxes, computers (all new of course). I do not fault kids for asking for those gifts, but my problem with this particular one was that the kids ages were listed as 6 to 21. I had planned on donating but after seeing that, I decided against it.

 

[LisaR]

I don't think it's out of the ordinary for teenagers who are on the salvation army tree or whatever tree to want these kinds of items. Just because they want it doesn't mean they will get it. I mean they already know this considering they are on the tree.

I try to pick children from all age groups including teenagers. I don't purchase the super expensive things that are listed but they still should get presents.

I'm not sure what I will be purchasing this year. In the past I've done the newest movie dvd's released, mcdonald's gift cards, makeup/perfume/cologne kits, new cd music, new dvd movie game like scene it or boys vs girls, movie tickets, personal steroes or cd alarm clocks.

I know that the children ask for expensive things but it's not out of the ordinary of everyday kids that parents are discussing on here.

I agree. These kids likely go to school with kids that rave about their ipods and Wii's. It is what many kids have today so it isn't unusual that they would want them too. I get that it seems greedy to some people but most kids don't have the fortitude to say, "gee, I really want that cool itouch that Joey brags about but since I am poor, I guess I will just ask for underwear and a book." They're kids. Normal, typical kids. My own kids ask for things that they don't stand a snowballs chance of getting. Try not to hold it against them.

 

[allison443]

just as a heads up-often times those giving trees use fictitious names and gifts, and then determine who they can help after they've seen what they've collected.

this was the way the giving trees one of the big national organizations were set up when i worked with them via social services. we got hundreds and hundreds of requests for gifts and there was no way the organization was going to take the chance that only one kid from a family got picked, so they figured out what the most popular (and reasonably likey a person would purchase) items were for kids in certain age groups, made up names and ages and put the ornaments up. then another group figured out a priority list of who would get served and as items were donated that fit a family on that list they were checked off.

That's actually something I wondered about, I really don't think all those wish trees are really specific kids' requests...I think the organization could be accumulating items and then giving them out as needed/requested...otherwise, it wouldn't be very good if one sibling received the wii and the other sibling's ornament wasn't "picked" off the tree.
I helped with our church's angel tree last year, and some of the recipients were clients of social services agencies and they did have actual lists of each family, with the kids names, ages, what they wanted/needed, etc.

 

[DisneyLover83]

I nice lady from the SA just called me back and told me that the gifts on the tag do not necessarily go to that child. Some children never get picked and they would be left out, so the presents are pooled together and then their parents pick them out. I am really glad I called and found this out. I was also told that I could just bring any gifts to the drop off location in my area without having "adopted" a child.

This is in Charlotte, NC and she did not say if this is how it works other places.