secret santa for a family

[barbarabini]

There is someone in my kids class whose family is having a tough time making ends meet. I don't know much about them except that. Is it overreaching to basically surprise their kids with a christmas? Drop the stuff off at their apt. Not naming who its from. A quick knock at the door and then we dissappear so they don't know who sent it. Is this alright or overreaching? They are really new to the area and I dont think they know about all the adopt a family, or lunch programs ect that are offered.

Any ideas?

 

[marthachick]

Could you get more info from your child's teacher? They usually have a good grasp on families, needs, other kids, etc. This sounds like a wonderful thing to do to me. You will be blessed!

 

[horseshowmom]

There is someone in my kids class whose family is having a tough time making ends meet. I don't know much about them except that. Is it overreaching to basically surprise their kids with a christmas? Drop the stuff off at their apt. Not naming who its from. A quick knock at the door and then we dissappear so they don't know who sent it. Is this alright or overreaching? They are really new to the area and I dont think they know about all the adopt a family, or lunch programs ect that are offered.

Any ideas?

I think it's a wonderful idea and have done similar things in the past. Just a couple of suggestions though. Due to the circumstances, I don't think your child should be involved with it. I normally always involved my daughter when she was young because it was an important learning experience for her, but in this case, your child is in class with the other child and might accidentally say the wrong thing (quite unintentionally and in a very well meaning way).

Also, I would either try to find out more about the family (to better help you focus on how to spend the money), or I would give them a gift card (maybe a couple of gift cards - Walmart, grocery store, gas, etc.).

No matter what, it's a great idea!

 

[SplashMo]

It will work. We have doen it before

 

[momxx5]

When my son was in kindergarten there was a family that was not going to have a Christmas.
Newborn, dad left family, 2 other small kids, etc.

Teacher purchased tree for classroom. Students were asked to "donate" and make ornaments. All the parents sent in decorations. The last week of school, before the holidays, they had a special drawing of name to see who would win the tree. By luck (wink/nod) the family won the tree.

In the meantime the parents were basically given a list of needs and we each picked items for the family. I remember getting a few things for the smaller one at home and also jammies for the mommy & a new Christmas tablecloth.
We didn't want to leave anyone out.

Of course the kindergarteners did not know all this was going on. It was all done by the parents.

I remember DS coming home so excited that "Sarah" won the Christmas tree and she didn't even have one yet...."how cool is that?"
Funny thing, we didn't have our tree yet either, but DS was excited for her.

 

[v.t.]

Have you spoke with the school counselor? Between the teacher and the counselor they will be able to get the kids signed up for the lunch program and help getting the kids on insurance. We purchase for a family but I spoke to the parent and deliver it directly to her. If you are not comfortable talking to the parents then I would go through the counselor.
What a great lesson you are teaching your child.

 

[blackforest]

When my son was in kindergarten there was a family that was not going to have a Christmas.
Newborn, dad left family, 2 other small kids, etc.

I remember DS coming home so excited that "Sarah" won the Christmas tree and she didn't even have one yet...."how cool is that?"
Funny thing, we didn't have our tree yet either, but DS was excited for her.

That is so sweet! Crying at 9:24 a.m. EST! Must be a new record! Thanks for the Christmas reminder. It's really not all about what we get!

 

[2manyprincesses]

Our good family friends are having a really tough time this year. I am secretly prepaying for a Christmas Dinner at their local grocery store. It was $50 and included a ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a pie.

I sent them a card giving them the info to pick it up and including a gift card for another $25 to finish off the meal with drinks, rolls, and anything else they may want to get.

Just another idea.

 

[barbarabini]

Great ideas. I am going to check in with the teacher. I am the class mom so maybe I can figure something out about decorations.

My kid doesnt have a clue - she is little and I am not telling her anything. Also, the kid loves pizza - and told me he never has it because they don't have $ for it. So I think I am going to have the pizza delivery guy deliver a pizza and the bag on the 23rd.

That way they have no idea where it came from ...and he gets his pizza.

 

[luvmy3]

Have you spoke with the school counselor? Between the teacher and the counselor they will be able to get the kids signed up for the lunch program and help getting the kids on insurance. We purchase for a family but I spoke to the parent and deliver it directly to her. If you are not comfortable talking to the parents then I would go through the counselor.
What a great lesson you are teaching your child.

While I think donating items to this family so they can have a wonderful Christmas is very nice of the OP, going to the counselor and the teacher to discuss the families financial situation in order to help get them signed up for free lunch and health insurance is not the OPs place.

 

[RunDanceSkate]

Great ideas. I am going to check in with the teacher. I am the class mom so maybe I can figure something out about decorations.

My kid doesnt have a clue - she is little and I am not telling her anything. Also, the kid loves pizza - and told me he never has it because they don't have $ for it. So I think I am going to have the pizza delivery guy deliver a pizza and the bag on the 23rd.

That way they have no idea where it came from ...and he gets his pizza.

I think the pizza idea is a great one, but instead of having an unknown driver do it, I would pick up the pizza myself and have a friend unknown to the family pose as a delivery guy. Just have him wear jeans, inexpensive bomber style jacket, running shoes (even if there is snow) and a plain red or blue ball cap. He will look like a typical deliver person.

As a former pizza place manager and occasional driver, this would be a less complicate method.

 

[nena]

I think you are doing a wonderful thing!! I know many people are suggesting you get more info from the school, but as a teacher, I can tell you that all of that information is confidential.
I think the tree idea is great. Our school also picks out a few families that could use a Christmas dinner and they just happened to "win" the raffle. In our city we also have a Jaycee Shopping Tour program. Each year, techers get to choose one child that we think are in need of some new clothes. Parents get a letter informng them that their child has been chosen. They get to name what that child needs most (ex. coat, pants, shoes). The parent signs and returns the permission slip. Then they take their child to the mall on a specific Saturday. One of the Jaycee volunteers then takes the child shopping. Most businesses will give out an extra 10-20% off, because they know its for the jaycees.
I think that you should mention to the teacher that you are trying to do something for the family. She might know of other programs that could help them out. She might also have some ideas as to how to "Surprise them". But I really like the pizza delivery guy!! Do you know anyone that works at one? I would make sure you spoke to a manager, just in case.

 

[livndisney]

I did something like this when DD was in K. I had learned of the need, dropped some things off to the school office who saw to the delivery. DD never knew until a few years later and no longer at that school.

 

[Kat77]

I remember DS coming home so excited that "Sarah" won the Christmas tree and she didn't even have one yet...."how cool is that?"
Funny thing, we didn't have our tree yet either, but DS was excited for her.

That made me teary. How sweet.

I think the pizza idea is a great one, but instead of having an unknown driver do it, I would pick up the pizza myself and have a friend unknown to the family pose as a delivery guy. Just have him wear jeans, inexpensive bomber style jacket, running shoes (even if there is snow) and a plain red or blue ball cap. He will look like a typical deliver person.

As a former pizza place manager and occasional driver, this would be a less complicate method.

If you know an older guy who looks a little like Santa this could be adorable