Tree's for "needy" kids

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

These stories certainly have a way of warming the heart!

 

[CEDmom]

I know what you're saying. I actually feel badly for the kids. I think someone should guide them to put down things more reasonably priced. I have to guide my 7yo DD is making a list with things in a vast price range.

Honestly I won't pick one from a tree in a store. We have one at our church and both DH and I do stuff through work so it's a little more controlled.

What honestly gets me more than the extravegant gifts are the kids that ask for boots or a coat. That just breaks my heart and honestly I'm more apt to pick that child and get one of those plus some extras.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I know I helped out with one charity in IA. The various Christmas charities actually had a data bank where the kids names/social were put into it so they could not get multiple gifts from multiple charities. The registering parent had to bring forms of ID for the kids.

We do an angel from the angel tree every year. We try to get everything on the list.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I would like to know what the opinion is here on the Dis about the Christmas tree's that you see in most stores and restaurants. They have a lots of tags on them with ages of kids and there request for gifts.
We do not have much for money but often the years that I could I have taken a tag and gotten gift for a child off those tree's.
This year every tree I have looked at has requests for HUGE gifts. Just an example, one tree alone had requests for Ipods, PS3's, $60.00 video games, etc.
I guess maybe its me but I think those gifts are a bit much to ask from perfect strangers.

Don't get me wrong, I understand NEED, we have been in many different situations in our life. I still can not imagine asking for that type gift in that way (needy family application).

What's your take on this? Do you think its no big deal to ask for such gifts??

I think the children are probably told to ask for the stuff they want the most, not what they think they deserve, being poor and dependent on others.

There are some awfully nice people out there who DO go out and buy stuff like IPODs, by the boatload, to donate to children living in what used to be called orphanages and such. God bless them...and the kids, too.

 

[camreesmom]

Our church has a tree up and the folks on there were asking for stuff like nightgown for a 1 year old, a sweater for a 7 year old, the adults asked for food and paper towels. I couldn't pass those up. When we do Angel Tree at work, the tags are for stuff like beds, blankets, etc. so we haven't seen any that have been for outrageous items. If I can't afford to buy it for my own child, I don't plan on buying it for someone elses.....not trying to be ugly, just a fact.

 

[ilovejack02]

My Walmart has a tree from a group that works with the mentally handicapped, it has all ages on it and all different needs to children that cant hear or see or a 12 yr that has the mind of a 3 yr old to much older adults that need socks and sheets and pillows and hygiene items, plus all of the person's family members. Most of the request are clothing and household items, food, the older kids ask for footballs and baseballs and clothing. The items they ask for are really basic everyday needs, you can tell these folks are really poor. I always give to them and usually pick a teen boy and fufill those needs and then sometimes ill just buy extra stuff and throw it in the box, for whoever they need to give too.

 

[Hannathy]

I wish there could be more of a check on who is putting their name in for things and if they really need all they are getting. There was a girl in my son's kindergarten that was supposedly needy and when she had on her 4th new coat last winter the teacher said isn't that another new coat and she said yes, we just go to the Boys and Girls club and they show us a room and let us pick whatever we want. The teacher said but do you need 4 coats and she said oh I have 6! She also had many new jeans, tops, jewelry.

Our church has a tree that has names of prisoners children and ideas. You have to agree to only spend the set amount that year-so all kids get equal gifts in case a family with 3 kids doesn't end up with one child getting much more. Last yr the amt was 35 dollars. They let the parent put there name on the gifts. After all the children are innocent and maybe if they feel their parent is involved they will have a better outcome. The Teen I had wanted twin sheets and sweater.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I've worked one of those trees.

They tell the children to write down what they want from Santa Claus. Since Santa can do anything, the kids honestly write down what they want.

jeez,and then when they don't get the IPod but another kid does,I wonder if they think Santa doesn't like them?

 

[fivefordisney]

I am definitely in the minority here. I have no problem with kids asking for bigger ticket items on the "angel tree". It's the Christmas season and I think that kids take a chance on making a wish or two! Many of the kids may need undershirts and socks, but come on! It's Christmas.

This year we bought for a 17 year old boy. He listed an Ipod and his clothing sizes as requested by the organization that represented the kids. We got him the refurbished Ipod shuffle, the Ipod accessory kit, a jacket, a long sleeve thermal shirt, a long sleeve tshirt, a dressier shirt, a new toothbrush, some cool whitening toothpaste, some shower gels and soaps and some candy. Believe it or not, thanks to the DIS Budget board, we spent just over $100.

I am always in awe that complete strangers will help you when you tell them you are buying gifts for someone off the angel tree. During the madness of Black Friday, two teenage boys working at Old Navy helped me pick out clothing that would hopefully enjoyed by our "angel". They were so funny, they respectfully helped me put back everything I had picked out and replaced it for more hip, age-appropriate clothes. One young man was so bummed that he couldn't find me a pair of "on sale" jeans in the correct size to complete the outfit!

It is in the spirit of giving that I do this...I don't mind trying to make someone's Christmas a happier one. Some of these teenagers may be asking for big things, but most of the teenagers I know are doing the same thing...

And, I do agree with the poster that said, ..."I think the children are probably told to ask for the stuff they want the most, not what they think they deserve, being poor and dependent on others."

Tomorrow, we go to an Advent celebration and are bringing gifts for "Operation Santa Claus"--I made sure they are gifts my own kids would like and not "knock-offs." I may like to take part in some charity but never want kids to feel like charity cases.

Just my very humble opinion.

 

[SleepyMom]

Walgreens has a tree for the elderly- these people ask for things like a can of nuts or a pillow or blanket. I know for a lot of people Christmas is about kids, but those kinds of requests touch my heart a lot more than a teen wanting a $2000 purse.

Nursing homes are another place to check out if you want to donate to an elderly resident... so many of them have no one that visits, so it is especially heartwarming to them (and you) to be remembered at Christmas. Our church also puts up a "mitten tree" that has a local nursing home residents requests on it, they ask for so little and appreciate it so much.

 

[Linzybrooke]

I'm glad I'm not the only person that noticed this this year. I get asking for what you want, but I would think the reasoning would be a little bit better, perhaps list a few things that are lower in cost and then the high end? Personally, I couldn't tell the difference between a Coach bag and a Coach knock-off...the fact that a 16 year old on the Angel Tree can floors me! I agree, they are allowed to ask for what they want, but its a little bit out of hand.

When I was president of an organization in college we would adopt a family from the local MHMR chapter. Each member would donate what they could and then our chapter would match it. We would have so much fun shopping for the whole family. My last year we even bought them a Christmas tree and ornaments because we had some extra money to spend and thought it would be a great holiday extra for them. I remember picking out clothes and jackets and toys and other fun stuff. It is one of my favorite college memories.

 

[DVC Sadie]

My dh and I have been adopting a Christmas family for years but we have certain criteria that the family must have in order for us to "sponsor them".

First off, one of the parents must work or be a single parent of pre-school age children.

When we sponsor a family we pay for not only their Christmas but for the entire years worth of expenses, including clothes, books and toys with the understanding that they help another family as soon as they are able.

We find that the families that are truly willing to help themselves out of their situation do not ask for 300.00 to 400.00 dollar gifts/toys but ask for help in regards to their education or other bills.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I've worked one of those trees.

They tell the children to write down what they want from Santa Claus. Since Santa can do anything, the kids honestly write down what they want.

Sorry but teens know the truth and should not be encouraged to asked for IPODs etc. I always put those back. We were in a Publix in near WDW when we saw a tree. We were going to take a name off, but only saw teens. DH thought he saw one for a younger kid (the ribbon covered the 1 before the number). We opened it to see a list for IPOD, Designer clothes etc. We put it back. No way that we need to buy that stuff for a 17 year old. They are old enough to work.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I always wondered what happened to the names that don't get picked off the tree. Do those kids just not get anything?

 

[mickeyfan2]

jeez,and then when they don't get the IPod but another kid does,I wonder if they think Santa doesn't like them?

 

[mjc05]

I work in a residential facility for children, most of which are wards of the state (ages 12-17) and have no family, they are waiting for an opening in a foster home or ILP.

We do have the kids fill out wish lists for the local McDonald's to put on their wish tree. I've seen 14 of the wish lists go out this year from the kids I work with on a daily basis. Not one of these lists had an iPod or anything like that. I don't know who is filling out wish lists for Coach purses and iPods, but my kids asked for things like a winter coat, or a new outfit from Wal-Mart. One of the boys asked for a pair of shoes, but he didn't specify a brand, just the size shoe he wears. One of my girls asked for a "pretty" shirt, meaning a pretty shirt from Wal-Mart or Value City, not A&F. Another boy is going to ask for a CD, but again, that's the most expensive thing he is asking for. CDs cost what, $15?

I'm amazed that someone would have the guts to ask for such expensive items as a PS3. The kids I take care of are just hoping for a pretty shirt or a pair of shoes that fit.

 

[mickeyfan2]

My dh and I have been adopting a Christmas family for years but we have certain criteria that the family must have in order for us to "sponsor them".

First off, one of the parents must work or be a single parent of pre-school age children.

When we sponsor a family we pay for not only their Christmas but for the entire years worth of expenses, including clothes, books and toys with the understanding that they help another family as soon as they are able.

We find that the families that are truly willing to help themselves out of their situation do not ask for 300.00 to 400.00 dollar gifts/toys but ask for help in regards to their education or other bills.

At work a few years ago they adopted a family that had the utlities turned off and were going to be evicted from their apartment. The department donated and we paid their overdue rent, the next three months rent, all overdue utility bills, prepaid others and then put toys and clothes under the tree.

We also adopt-a-family every year from the Salvation Army. We always ask for a larger family in the area that we live. There is poverty all around us. This year's family is a mom, dad and 6 kids. I called the SA about some of the requests. She said the volunteer taking the requests should have not put on some of the stuff. I am afraid that two of the six kids will be unhappy with their gifts. They asked for heelys, live rabbit, bikes, gift certificate to BABW etc. The person at the SA said how will they feed a rabbit when they cannot feed their kids. We always go over the limit set by the SA. All the kids are getting 2-3 toys, 3-4 outfits underwear, socks, filled stocking, winter coat, hat and gloves. The parents needed a vacuum and tools. They are getting them too along with a few small items. We give gifts that we would like to receive. The thing to remember is we are giving gifts to people we will never meet, not their personal money tree.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I'm amazed that someone would have the guts to ask for such expensive items as a PS3. The kids I take care of are just hoping for a pretty shirt or a pair of shoes that fit.

Sadly this seems to be a trend. We see it with the adopt-a-families now. Our first family only asked for a single gift for each kid (not one request was over $30) and the parents (after much tooth pulling) asked for a coffee maker. We really enjoyed buying for them.

The SA had said that lately PS3s etc have become so common on the asking list. I think many are now seeing charity as an entitlement not a gift from the heart.

Also look to the ARC for a great place to give. The limit is $25. They handle mentally challenged people of all ages living in homes. On year we had a 30ish male ask for black sweatpants and a 70ish women ask for a house coat.

 

[nealymouse]

The trees I do gifts from are for foster kids. Hey, every kid wants a special toy, and I have no problem with buying a nice toy for a needy child (all foster children I have ever known were indeed needy).

Not all foster children need gifts. I am a foster parent and yes there are struggling foster parents out there and every bit helps. We had a family call us up one christmas to offer my foster DD gifts. My Foster DD mom was in jail and put her DD name on a list. I tried to explain to this family we were not NEEDY and there were several other families who needed it more then our Fdd did. They came any way and we were very grateful as was my FDD.

This year my foster DD is getting a Zune, Intendo DS lite with several games as her 2 big gifts and several smaller gifts.

The State of Maine gives each Foster Parent $30.00 extra to spend on christmas for their foster child so giving to them is very nice of you. I just will never let any foster child have anything less then what my own children are getting BUT.....some Foster parents only spend that $30.00 the State gives them.

Thank you.......Foster kids are really special kids

 

[fabshelly]

jeez,and then when they don't get the IPod but another kid does,I wonder if they think Santa doesn't like them?

Well, rich kids, good or bad, usually do get better presents than extremely poor ones, good or bad. It's an awfully young age for someone to learn that the world is cruel.