What Should I Do? WWYD?

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I have this neighbor. He is a very nice man in his early fifties. He moved in about years ago. He works construction and in our area that industry has taken a hit. After talking with him and other neighbors I learned that he almost got evicted (he rents) but worked out a deal to do all upkeep of the home (and other rentals) to stay in the home. Well talking with another neighbor I learned that this guy hasn't worked in 2 months. He isn't lazy when he is employed he works 16 hours a day 7 days a week. He is just having a real hard time. My neighbor let me know this guy is almost starving and my other neighbor has him over for dinner a couple nights a week. Our town is so stretched thin as far as helping the needy that they only help those with children. I feel so sorry for him I have lost sleep. I am wondering if I should put a care package at his door when he isn't home or what. My DH works nights and sleeps days so having this guy over for dinner isn't the best option. I just feel like we are in a position to help out. We have been down on our luck before but now we are doing ok. WWYD?

 

[brekin67]

Absolutely, if you are able to help out, you should leave a care package.
I think that it would be a very nice gesture.

 

[lecach]

If you are able I would totally put a care package on his doorstep. Sounds like he could use the help. Put things that are easy to fix and filling.

I think it's wonderful of you to think about him. A gift card to the grocery store or to Walmart would be useful too. Even putting a $10 bill in with the care package would mean a lot. When you are that broke, anything and everything is appreciated.

 

[ToTLaugher]

We have given grocery store gift cards in cases like this. Either you can include it in a care package or give it alone. That way he can stock up on things he needs.

Thank you for caring! At times like these we all need to be paying attention to the needs of others.

 

[secretpantssam]

I think leaving him a care package is a wonderful idea!

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I am going to get him a gift card and put in in as well. I was thinking of not only putting in food but toiletries and common medicines...would this be weird? Since I have been CVSing I have a stockpile of extras. I was thiking of adding a nice razor, deodorant, soap and toothpaste. Also daytime cold medicines and things like Advil. Everything is factory sealed of course. I was just thinking of all the things that people would be willing to go without if there was no money. I would hate to be looking for work (which he is right now actually) and be sick with no money to buy cold med.

 

[Shmily1]

That is a great idea!! I also like the idea of the toiletries and think that maybe a roll of paper towels and some tp would be great. We did the same thing for DH's ex wife and her mom a couple months ago and last month. We gave them gift cards and some to BBW so they could get some girly stuff for Christmas.

 

[mickeygaga]

Very kind of you! I think all your ideas are great. He is lucky to have you in the neighborhood!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Do you need any work done around the house? Can you offer him odd jobs?

If not, invite him for a meal on a weekend and tell him about your bargains and your closet is overflowing with freebies. Can he use XX? ANd fill a bag with stuff.

Thank you for wanting to help this man. We all have hard times and nice to be able to pass it on when you can

 

[Mrs. Charming]

That's so kind of you, I'm sure he will be very grateful!

 

[lpizzuro123]

Besides all the above suggestions, if you cannot have him over for dinner, why don't you try giving him a pot of homemade veggie soup, or chilli or maybe a tray of lasagna or baked ziti. This would give him food for a few meals. Maybe leave him some muffins or cookies.

Linda

 

[puffkin]

Definitely do the CVS stuff. I give bags and bags of that stuff away to friends and family and everyone is always so appreciative, and they are nowhere near as in need as your neighbor.

Another idea is you can pack up TV dinners with your leftovers for him. That way he just has to heat them up. WE always throw so many leftovers away...that might be an option too.

Whatever you do, I am sure he will be very grateful.

 

[dismom2]

I think that would be a very nice thing to do for him--very thoughtful of you.

 

[wdwfan16]

I would take over a care package. That is what neighbors are for. Maybe you can make a little extra dinner and take that over.

 

[Kitzka]

Is there a possibility that he may be too proud to take a care pacakge that is too big? Maybe aproach it as "i take advantage of the cvs deals and was wondering if you cuold use these toilitries?" maybe leave the gift card or other food annoymously?

lara

 

[funnygarcia]

Toilet paper, cleaning , laundry supplies and HBA stuff is an excellent idea as food shelves don't always have that and you can't buy it on food stamps.
Maybe a gc for a local gas station? Hard to get work if you can't get there.

I'm so thankful for my stockpile, we may not have much money for ourselves but I can help my in-laws (small town with few jobs) when they visit and our neighbors from my extras that I bought for pennies each.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I am taking over a late Christmas gift. I haven't seen him in a while and we bougt him a hickory farms basket and doggie bones. I was planning on taking the other stuff when he leaves in the a.m. He leaves every morning to go down and see if he is able to work that day so I thought I would drop it off then. I think he would have a hard time if I gave him the stuff in person. Even if he figures out who gave it to him he wouldn't have to say anything and I wouldn't want him thinking people felt sorry for him.

 

[pixiewings71]

OP do you have any odd jobs he could do for you in exchange for some $$? I know you've got some CVS goodies and I think that's a GREAT idea to share with him but if you're worried about him being offended by your offers of food maybe having him do odd jobs would be the solution? Or drop by and say something like "DH and I have been eating some larger meals lately, using pantry items up and frozen foods, we have some leftovers we won't eat, would you care for them?" Maybe he'd be more open to taking them then. I think it's great that you're wanting to help him, I certainly hope things turn around for him very soon!!

 

[mousebymarriage]

I am going to get him a gift card and put in in as well. I was thinking of not only putting in food but toiletries and common medicines...would this be weird? Since I have been CVSing I have a stockpile of extras. I was thiking of adding a nice razor, deodorant, soap and toothpaste. Also daytime cold medicines and things like Advil. Everything is factory sealed of course. I was just thinking of all the things that people would be willing to go without if there was no money. I would hate to be looking for work (which he is right now actually) and be sick with no money to buy cold med.

I think that is a wonderful idea. I know your neighbor would appreciate it.

 

[3boymthr]

I think it's a great idea to give him the CVS extras. Sometimes I wish I had someone to give some of my stock-pile to.