Helping the Needy for Christmas
Christmas is a time to think about others besides your family. Helping the needy is good for you, your children and for the needy as well.
There are many options available and you owe it to yourself and your family the joy of helping others during the holiday season. It’s inexpensive and involves only your time and what you’re willing to donate.
Charities
Start by reading the newspaper for opportunities to help at a charity or donate to a charity. Look for charities that allow children to help so your children can gain in the experience. There are also donation opportunities and volunteering opportunities on the internet. There are sites for volunteering by zip code that will match you to a series of volunteering opportunities.
Child Welfare Services
Check with child welfare services in your community to see what the children need. Many children are in shelters or foster homes and don’t have any opportunity for Christmas gifts other than what is donated to programs to help them. Some programs want only money while other programs will take new unwrapped toys to match with a needy child. Have your own children pick out gifts for needy children so they understand what the process is all about.
Churches
Churches also have volunteering and donation opportunities. Often local families can be ‘adopted’ for Christmas by other parishioners. Information about the family members is given, including requests and sizes and ages, so that you can pick out gifts for the entire family. The exchange of gifts is through a third party so that you can anonymously donate gifts to a needy family. You can also do this by picking out a needy family in your own neighborhood.
Shelters
Donate money to church or to those organisations that collect money for the poor. A little bit of charity spread out over time adds up to a nice donation. In addition, you can volunteer your time at a community Christmas dinner. It takes only a few hours of time and it brings joy to the poor who get a nice Christmas dinner. Speak to the manager of a local shelter and show up Christmas day with treats and tea or cider. Make certain you have enough to go around.
Christmas can be a festive time where you give of yourself to others. Take the time to find a good charity and include your family in your charitable activities.
This year my family will be in poverty for xmas there is not
enough food and money to pay our bills.
I have 5 children and there will be no money to buy gifts for
them.
Could you help us.
Carmen
November 29th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Hi
Its been so hard this year that i dont have any money for food and money to pay the bills are even a tree are toys for my two year old daughter. i feel so down as i feel i am letting her down. I prayed to the lord to help me so maybe your my help.
AND MY ADRESES IS 380 N LINDEN AVE APT 803
Rialto ca, 92376
December 7th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I am a single mother of 2 who is a full time nursing student & full-time employee. I am struggling with my car note (which is why I have to work) instead of concentrating on school. Could someone please help me pay it off, so I can concentrate on my school & spend some time with my children.
thank you
December 7th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
To whom it may conern,
my childern and i have just had a hous fire and havelost just about everything if you know of anyone who may be able tohelp us pleae let me know we would be very greatful
thankyou the heth family
(303)772-7154 jendawnheath@yahoo.com
December 12th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
We wish for our son to have hot showers:) Haven’t had hot water for 6 months. The water is getting ice cold. It was fine in the summer. Live in high desert, it gets as low as 20 degrees. Mobile home uses propane. Had to turn tank in, lost some income. We wish for an electric water heater. My husband and I are disabled, we do ok in the ice cold water, but we wish for our son to have hot showers again. With propane so expensive an electric water heater wouldn’t run out of fuel:) We have been warming up his water on the 5 gallon propane BBQ, since our stove broke also. But we are happy to BBQ every day
December 20th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
I am wondering if this site is for the needy in the us. I live in spokane and we sure need help this year.
thank you and god bless
December 20th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I post every christmas but dont get a answer I lost my house after 20 yrs I wish I could get some christmas card s of hope and merry
September 8th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I have been sick and out of work for some time now, and money is very budgeted. This Christmas season looks like it is going to be a big let down for my kids and grandkids. Because of the financial problems i will be unable to buy the little ones present. If you could help me and my family in any way it would be very much appreciated. Thank you kindly for any assistance you may be able to offer.
My address is:
Carmen Montanez
130 Humboldt St. Apt 2B
Brooklyn,NY 11206
October 4th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
My son needs a pair of boots to keep his feet warm this winter . He wears size 7 (2 yrs old).
216 New York Avenue, NW
Unit 36
Washington DC 20001
October 15th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
would never ask for help but in the beginning of October I slipped and fell and broke my wrist in two places now my work says I am a liability right now and cannot work until I am healed, but they can’t guarantee they can hold my job for me. ( then a week later i get in a car accident, on that same day my other car went out. We then buy a truck with the last of our money and it broke down a week later. I was going to ask for prayers and see if you have any assistance for christmas and thanksgiving. We live so far out of town I haven’t been able to apply anywhere. We live in meadowbrook and have no vehicle and my inlaws are so broke they cant help us at the moment they are scrounging even for gas right now. If you don’t have assistance available would you know of someone else. I am trying to apply for foodstamps but I cant get get the paperwork I need to complete that with no vehicle. The insurance is covering our accident but they are giving the money to bennet brothers where we purchased our vehicle and we still have to pay them 3200.00 after the insurance money. I hate asking for help but I have come between a rock and a hard place.
thanks for reading this,
brandey vigil
33550 e state hwy 96 lot 30
pueblo colorado 81001
vbran601@aol.com
November 5th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I know you are very busy around this time, but I promise to be brief. My name is Elisa Richardson. I’m a 25year old female, single mother of 2, who resides in Joliet IL. I grew up in Harvey IL Where I graduated from Thornton High School and then moved on to college, DeVry University where I received my Associate in Electronics and Bachelors in Technical Management. I then got a hold of several contract work in my field. But Times got tough for me.
Then a tragedy hit in my eyes. A friend I known for over 7yrs got sick to the point where she left her 8 children in the home for weeks with no food, no heat or water on the south side of Chicago. How they managed that long until I came over I don’t know. I tried my best for one week with all her children and my 2, in my 2 bedroom apartment. I couldn’t handle all the pressure so three of her children had to go live with the grandmother. I did not like the fact that they had to be split up but I had no other choice. It was very over whelming. During Jan-June 2008 she checked in to a treatment center and she is trying to get her self together. So I told her I would try my best with the 4 children that still reside with me. When I say it has been a BIG change in my family going from three to seven can be hard and stressful, especially at my age. I don’t even get help from my own baby father. Lately it’s been hurting so much I don’t know where else to turn. I mean we go to counselors and we attend my family church. I try keeping us all busy. But it’s also hard getting a job in my field especially the way the job market is going and taking care of 7 kids when only 2 are my biological children. I love them all dearly but I’m getting to the point where I really need help. Someone to motivate me because im so stressed out and depressed. I know I’m a Strong young lady but I haven’t had anything burden on me like this before. Can someone please be a blessing to our family this year.
LISA R.
502 Summit Street
Joliet IL 60435
November 10th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Hi, I am a single mom in harrison, ny. I have two boys almost 6yrs and almost 3yrs and is expecting again in March.
I need help this xmas for their gifts. I would need a crib and baby stuff for the newborn
November 12th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
My family is really in need of help this year.I have 5 children and i live in the lewisburg area i recently moved here from philadelphia out of a domestic violence relationship i dont have a job yet i receive public assistance and it is really hard for me being a single parent if you could help me i would so appreiciate it if you need to know more please feel free to call me at 570-522-0449 thank you
November 21st, 2008 at 9:29 am
my five children have been talking about christmas for months i tell them santa is coming..I breaks my heart to know santa cant afford to come this year.I really need some help
November 21st, 2008 at 7:25 pm
please help me this year i can not afford to give my kids a cristmas im devestated i want nothing more than to see them happy i have five children who talk about santa all day they have been so good they deserve everything.please if you could help toys or even a small donation it would mean the world to them i wish i could show everyone how precious they are there my world.. brenda sykes 712 indian ave north cape may nj 08251 or call 6098467431
November 21st, 2008 at 7:33 pm
My name is Tamara age 33.
Being a single mother of four boys is a challenging task. I presently moved back to Kansas City to surround us with family support. There is a lot of positive support from family and friends, but what really takes a lot of patience is our lack of transportation.
I have always looked at myself as a survivor that can stand on her own two feet and deny defeat. I came back form Texas to leave an abusive relationship of five years. We had to start form ground zero. Just fine, as long as we had one another and everyone is safe.
I really feel that I would be able to accomplish more for myself and the boys if I had a vehicle to transport us all. My sons ages range from 14 to 5 (14, 9, 8 & 5). My parenting would be a lot more effective if we are blessed with a car. You’d be surprised what a trip to the park could do for an incentive. There is comfort in having your own freedom to get around like you need. The advantage of being able to visit my children’s school to keep up on their grades and behavior is not an option for me. I even moved in a home where necessities are accessible (e.g. grocery store, laundry mat, barber shop and on the bus line (that runs once an hour).
In our home we all work together as a team to get things done, but it gets difficult to teach my boys independence when I have to depend on others. Their individuality thrives on activities such as sports, youth services, volunteering, library trips and of course helping mom with the home business.
A lot of job opportunities for my line of work are outside my county. The bus commute can be anywhere from3 to 4 hours there and back thus reflects my unemployment. While looking for employment I am working on a business proposal for starting a coffee shop. Different types of cakes and doughnuts will be on display as well. The name of my business is “Tamtaions”. Look for me in the future.
I do greatly appreciate any help I receive towards reaching my goals. Thank You in advance for listening to my story.
Best Wishes, Tamara Brown
November 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I can’t believe the responses to your blog. You are giving people advice on how to find a legitimate family that truly needs help this holiday season. Why are all of these people pleading to you for financial help. I think they read the heading on your blog and stopped at that point, because they have know idea what you were talking about. Well Happy Holidays…..
Good Luck America.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hello,
I am looking for help for my 2 children this year for christmas,
I was working for Walmart, here where i live at and filed for workers comp. When i done this they sent me to their doctor (which one took me off work and then the next day the other doctor sent me back to work said that Walmart dont like to have their employees off work on workers comp) so I went to another doctor who agreed that i should be off work, so I have been off work since June and we went to court on October 28th and Walmart finally approved my medical benefits, however does not want to pay me for my time off so i now have to file an appeal and go back to court who knows when this will happen, my doctor has sense released me back to work with restrictions but in the process Walmart fired me, and trying to find a job when you have restrictions and a workers comp claim is proving to be a hard task to conquere my kids dad has nothing to do with them and doesnt pay child support except when he feels like it and i have been jumping thru hoops trying to get child support to help me. We are getting ready to move in with my brother cause i cant afford to pay for anything and we are losing it all, I have no money for anything so any help that can be tossed my way would be greatly appreciated if you can help me please email me at maggie_b31@yahoo.com
Thanks for any help you may be able to send my way.
Thank you and Happy Holidays to all
November 26th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
i need help with Christmas we have no money! and can’t pay our bills, if anyone can help or would like to know more please email me @ maloned19@aim.com
God Bless everyone please help.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:22 am
I also am in need. Like everyone else and believe me this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I have 4 kids 7,9,11&13. I am working paying the bills and taking all we have, my husband lost his job and has been trying to find 1. My kids believe in Santa still, and I have tried to explain to them that we just cant have presents this year, they say well Santa will bring them. It just breaks my heart that when Christmas morning comes and they come out to open presents, that all that will be under the tree is the floor. Could someone please help me so I dont have to LET my kids down. Any thing would be deeply appreciated.
Thank you
LHOGGE66@aol.com
December 5th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
my friend ask me look up on line well i did,,,,,,i asked please help me i got big family i dont have no money at all see can lord help me,, i dont have a car…. one bill another bills i late on my rent one my landlord die he 84years old had cancer i fill sorry for he wife,i am late on the rent all the bill show up …. how my boys and girls have a nice xmas basket can jeuse help me please i got big family i wish i have a nice nice lord jeuse help me it out of my heart please help my family got 4 big girl and 3 littles girls and 5 big boys and 2 littles boys i feel so poor asking for help me i hate be borke all the time the big bills and more bill my dad die last 2 years ago …we dont have no help i feel so bad ask god for help i prey and prey and cry and cry its so hard preety please somebody out there help my family out there please my address 6011 pennsylvaina st.louis mo.63111 its
December 8th, 2008 at 4:45 am
My name is Rita. I live in Safford Arizona. I am having a hard time this year> I recently lost my father, my best friend and now this I had to tell my children that i wont be able to buy them any presents for christmas. My boys 9 years old and 5 months old. My girls 8 and 3 years olds. This was so hard to see there faces watch their tears fall and ask me why? Is Santa mad at me? Was i not good this year? None of this is was why they wont get a gift from santa. I try to explain the economy to them but they dont understand. This has been so difficult to deal with, I cry now as I type this I pray that my children get atleast one gift from Santa. I love them with all my heart. I wish all a merry Christmas!! To those in the same situation as myself hang in there don’t give up. Wake up every day and live and LOVE life.
December 9th, 2008 at 12:39 am
If anyone can help my children please contact me @ austinmccullin@yahoo.com
December 9th, 2008 at 12:42 am
I know this is about finding a cheritable org. to donate to but I am looking for a program or someone to help get toys for my son for Christmas this year. His birthday is also on the 17th and we have no money for that either. Me and my husband and our son Xa’vion moved to Sarasota 2 months ago because we were living in a motel paying 1000. dollars a month for one room and we had a chance to rent a 3 br for 650. It was a no brainer but my husband has not been able to find a job since we moved and we have been forced to apply for welfare and have yet to recieve it. I am disabled and so is my son, he was only 3 lbs 1 oz when born and he has VSD. which is a large hole in his heart. He is now almost one year old and growing strong. He is happy and so handsome but I know my husband is feeling pretty bad that he can’t provide anything for his birthday or Christmas this year. He doesn’t know I’m asking for help and I’m not even sure anyone will respond but as a mother who loves her child I had to try. Anything anyone can do for us would be more than enough and would be more appreciated than you could ever know as we can provide NOTHING at all for him at this point. If anyone can help please e-mail me at retta34236@yahoo.com or send any toys or donations to Lorretta Henley
PO BOX 2776
Sarasota Fl 34230
Thank you so much and have a blessed holiday season.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I am a mother of 2 - my biological daughter age 19 months and my step daughter age 11.I have been blessed to have a job that at least pays the bills. My entire income has gone towards our house payment. I was feeling down about not being able to provide gifts for loved ones and the needy. My stepdaughter told me ” it’s ok, Christmas is giong to be great because we will all be together and I love being with my family. Man, she is so right! I love my family. I thank God that We have a roof over our heads and food to nurish our bodies. I am blessed, truely blessed. This year I will have to offer only prayers that God will feed the hungry, warm the cold, and provide a blanket of comfort to the depressed. Thank you Lord for prayers answered!!!
December 13th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Free Christmas Dinner
Searching for a family or organaztion who would like to share a christmas dinner to a family of 7. I dont care if its just seven plates as long as we get something to eat. I am very down on my luck this year and I hate to beg
I live on the west side of Chicago. Lake and Hamlin
Contact me for details and directions. God Bless you all and merry Christmas
December 24th, 2008 at 6:10 am