what are your thoughts on the angel tree

[GreatLakes]

Our son's school does these and none of the lists are expensive gifts. We select boxes for boys my son's age and have him pick gifts that match the kid's list. We let it be a teaching moment for our son while another child gets a Christmas. Win-win. I've never thought of writing off the costs, it just isn't very high.

 

[katmigordon]

Why on earth would this need to be an either or situation? Unfortunately there is more then enough need to go around - no matter what your motivation.

And frankly wanting to help because you want to help seems a lot less selfish to me then looking for a tax break.

Is it for people who can write it off or people like me that know what it is like to go without

I look forward to the angel tree every year dh thinks I am depriving people of big corporations the opportunity for a tax right off but as selfish as it sounds I want to give because that is what Christmas is about

 

[katmigordon]

Thank you for looking out for our senior/adult community in need. They get ignored far too often.

We have a local charity that does it this way. This program has a thrift store, food bank, car program, job coach program and utility bill program. They have a very rigid vetting process and it is a well run machine. We have donated a couple cars, once we got a thank you letter from the mother that received it. I wouldn't mind donating toys to them for their toyland since I know the people receiving them are an approved part of this program.

I am hoping the Salvation Army program for seniors is well run. I got names, ages, very specific sizes of clothing needed. The same with no wrapping, just put in together in special bag with tag. They will check it and wrap it. I think going forward if I participate it will be for Seniors or perhaps the disabled who are living in group housing. I know sometimes they have no close by family.

** I did check my local charity and in addition to their Toyland they have a Holiday Gift basket where if you put it together they will take local senior and disabled adults. That might be easier than filling specific needs, and often they are those that are left behind at holidays.

 

[OneOftheB's]

For many years my kids and I have picked a kid from Clark’s Christmas Kids. Clark is a radio host (or was for years) and 20+ years ago started a program for kids in foster care. The kids get to list 3-4 items they want or need and you can buy those items or donate money toward gifts and volunteers will shop with the money. I know the kids in foster care have been in some pretty dire situations and showing them a little love at Christmas makes my holiday brighter