What do you think about this?

[Disney4Drew]

My sixth grader brought home a letter from school yesterday. Her class is sponsoring a family of 4, a recently widowed father and daughters ages 16, 13, 8. The list was a complete turnoff for us, as they only wanted gift cards! The stores listed were Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Starbucks, etc.
We don't go to Starbucks and we shop sales. It is insulting to read these lists and know that these families are asking for handouts. We find it very hard to buy for the adults. My daughter's scout troop is sponsoring a family and the list is everything down to shoe sizes for 5 kids(16 month old through 13 yo), as well as both parents. As a parent, my kids come first.

Instead of feeling insulted, try imagining how that family will feel on Christmas morning when their mother/wife isn't there with them. Perhaps the father wanted to pick out his own gifts with the cards or the sisters for the father. And why does it matter if you don't go to Starbucks? I would rather donate money and have people get what they want than buy random things that have no use. It's not about what I want, but how much I can afford to give and what will bring joy.

I really don't understand why people seem to begrudge kids for wanting things. Isn't this the society that has been created for them? To have to fit in you need to have x, y and z. Also, some kids still think Santa will bring them whatever they ask for.

 

[Nancyg56]

Here are a few from last year.

One child, around 7 had never seen shrimp. DW explained to her what they are and had her taste one. She loved it and shyly asked if she could have more. Needless to say she ate well that day. Here's the kicker, DW asked the same girl what she would like for Christmas. She said shampoo.......shampoo. Dang. DW still tears up on that one.

Another child same age was amazed that he could have a whole can of soda. He promised he was going to share it with his little brother. DW gave him a can for his brother also. He walked away holding those sodas like they were treasures. And they were to him and his.

I don't know how DW does it every year, but I respect and love her more because she does.

I guess what I am trying to say is, 'tis the season, and who knows....maybe that gourmet coffee keeps someone's mother from giving up on this world.

I am all for it.

Regards,

I feel the same way that you do. We also participate in a giving tree at church and my DGD's 1st grade has "adopted" a family. I have no problem giving gift certificates for something that is a luxury for the family. We are not well off but we are comfortable, I have enough for us and enough to share some treats during the Holiday season. For a child to ask for shampoo for Christmas or for some families to need cleaning supplies for their gift just breaks my heart. I will gladly add a little extra for a Starbucks treat or anything else that makes life a little special.

 

[shirleyb]

A friend of mine delivered a Christmas gift basket to a family in our area with 13 kids. I am sure with 13 kids, money is very tight, no matter how good of an income the parents have.

She put in a bunch of Avon items that her sister had given her.

She said the excitement these kids had over getting Shampoo and Cereal brought tears to your eyes.

I've been broke in my life, but never to the point where shampoo seemed like a luxury. It really brings a new perspective.

 

[undertheradar]

Instead of feeling insulted, try imagining how that family will feel on Christmas morning when their mother/wife isn't there with them. Perhaps the father wanted to pick out his own gifts with the cards or the sisters for the father. And why does it matter if you don't go to Starbucks? I would rather donate money and have people get what they want than buy random things that have no use. It's not about what I want, but how much I can afford to give and what will bring joy.

I really don't understand why people seem to begrudge kids for wanting things. Isn't this the society that has been created for them? To have to fit in you need to have x, y and z. Also, some kids still think Santa will bring them whatever they ask for.

I guess that I don't understand. We choose not to spend our hard earned money on luxury items and then ask for a handout from others. This is how I view some of these requests. Some of these charities have become so rigid that there is no deviation allowed pertaining to the lists. The letter that applies to the family being sponsored by the class requests that only items on the list be donated - that is what I don't care for.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I can understand both sides of the coin I suppose. Some of the gifts requested are so expensive that I wouldn't even buy them for my own kids. It is a bit over the top.