I know some merchants donate but I don't think Starbucks would donate Venti (large) drinks. She was the only one in the line of hundreds with Starbucks and bragging.I believe Starbucks donates frequently to charitable events, so before you judge, that cup of coffee may have been donated.
I get that feeling if I give to the unfortunate, or a friend, so ignore the negative vibe and ride the good vibe! LOL
If I felt that everybody who receives toys from this program is scamming the system that I would not donate to it every year but I truly believe there are needy families out there and being blessed enough to be able to donate to this program and others programs like it I happily make the donation and teach my children why we do so. I am not usually not to judge but this woman in particular rubbed me the wrong way. I do not look down on people on assistance and if you want to buy your kids ice cream with your state aid I say good for you, it's for the kids but if I see or hear them using their state aid to buy for someone else or to sell it then I have a problem with that.So your mad because she doesn't have the right attitude? Who says she's not providing for the kids? Maybe that's why she is at toys for tots, because all her money goes to providing for them.
The reason why I trying to explain Theresa, is because I work with the poor and homeless.
People are always so quick to judge them. If they are not dressed like we think poor people should dress, they are accused of beating the system.
If they buy their kids ice cream once out of the 3 months of summer. People ask why are they getting food stamps since they obviously are stealing "our" tax dollars to buy their kids treats.
Poor people are for the most part, loving parents who want the same thing as "other" parents for their kids on Christmas day.
Maybe some one should tell her that she should be groveling at the feet of the Marines. That would be the proper tone and response....
Maybe she was simply happy to be able to give the kids a few toys and it sounded like bragging?
Oh maybe you're right and she is trying to grab some free goodies, in that case why not say a prayer for her because I believe what goes around comes around.
I got it off my chest, I am not going to let it ruin my Christmas cheer.....If I felt that everybody who receives toys from this program is scamming the system that I would not donate to it every year but I truly believe there are needy families out there and being blessed enough to be able to donate to this program and others programs like it I happily make the donation and teach my children why we do so. I am not usually not to judge but this woman in particular rubbed me the wrong way. I do not look down on people on assistance and if you want to buy your kids ice cream with your state aid I say good for you, it's for the kids but if I see or hear them using their state aid to buy for someone else or to sell it then I have a problem with that.

Theresa,
I totally get where you are coming from. I really do. We all see people who are "taking advantage", of some of the governments free aid programs. On the other hand we all know there are some people who really do need these aid programs. It just stinks that the bad apples who "know how to work the system" seem to ruin it for most, and make many suspicious of all who receive aid.
Like PP said Karma is a great. It will come back at them some day if they are using it unjustly, no need to ruin the spirit of giving wondering if this woman was worthy or not.![]()

Seriously?!! Wow, ok... THAT is just wrong! They could not even pick it up and perhaps just give it to an open pantry or something? They let it sit! Ok, That irks me! Especially since others took the time to buy and drop off the gifts.
Unfortunately that's called human nature. Whether it's Bernie Madoff who for whatever reason felt it was ok to steal millions of bucks and ruin peoples lives or it's the women scamming the medicad program, as long as human beings are involve greed and selfishness come into play.
I'm blessed that I get to see the "little miracles" that happen in the lives of our citizens who are struggling. Toys for tots is a great service that helps children actually be children, even if it's only for that 5 mins when the kid is opening up the gift.
For every "starbucks" drinker abusing the system there are 7 families who are not and are genuinely grateful for the kidness of strangers.
Those are the people I choose to remember.