My dear mother has brought something very troubling to my attention. Apparently she went grocery shopping today and came across one of those Christmas trees with the names on them and you buy a couple presents for a less fortunate child. I wanted to actually participate this year, but with this economy it’s just not practical this year unfortunately. After what my mom told me, however, I don’t think I’ll be doing this ever. It’s politically incorrect to challenge charity handout organizations, but enough is enough so here I come to save the day.
She took a quick look at this “charitree” just to see what these “poor precious children” are so desperately seeking this holiday season… a regular ipod, the ipod you can play games on, a mountain bike, playstation 3 system, plasma tv among others. I repeat in this battered economy where parents can’t even afford these things for their own kids, they’re expected to shell out the dough for these things for kids THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW! I’m not blaming the kids on this. They were asked what they wanted and they responded honestly fair enough. However, couldn’t even one of the mentors involved with these kids inform them that their requests are just slight outside the realm of something I’d like to call REALITY?! Whatever happened to humility with kids asking for simple walkmans, movies, cds, and simple clothes? I guess next a broke-ass 17-year-old is going to ask for a friggin BMW. “Now, you ask yourself this… isn’t this collapsing economy the perfect time to give high-end merchandise to low-end snot-nosed brats? I know you’ll make the right decision or be denounced as a horrible, American imperialist monster. Afterall, everyone should be entitled to everything regardless of income.” GO TO HELL!!
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I can believe it now days. I’m only 35 and when I was a child growing up, it wasn’t all these expensive things. I remember asking for a “Darcy” Barbie doll. Not 300 of them, just one. I have always asked for a sled every year growing up. I would really wear out the previous sleds out from past years or break them plowing into snow drifts. When these kids get older and out on their own, the real life is going to smash them in the nose. Maybe stores should start putting christmas trees out for all the homeless adults and see what homeless adults want. It may be the simple things. A coat, scarf, gloves, a pair of shoes, a good hot meal. That to me would be more meaningful to me than buying a child an ipod. I would like to see this tree and light it up for Christmas if you know what i mean. Where is it located. Outraged Kansan!
Hobo on November 25th, 2008 at 6:21 pm | Link
I am one of those familys that can not get my kids christmas this year. iam a singlemother I cry every night because i ask god for a miricle so my kids can have a good christmas this year. but I dont think that will happen
sandra jackson on December 6th, 2008 at 7:05 am | Link
even if you feel this strongly about it, you shouldn’t be cussing out people who make the other decision. I’m a 14 year old and even I can see that what you did is stupid. Just state your point and let others decide for themselves what to do. If you don’t want to buy some kid a PS3 i understand I wouldn’t either, but if someone really wants to, it’s their money. Get it?
nick on December 8th, 2008 at 6:16 pm | Link
Sandra Jackson
May god bless you and your family this holiday season.
Hobo on December 8th, 2008 at 6:25 pm | Link
Sooooooooooo Nick, what are you asking for Christmas this year?
Hobo on December 8th, 2008 at 6:26 pm | Link
Hobo thank you very much every prayer helps in many ways.
sandra jackson on December 8th, 2008 at 6:38 pm | Link
Thank God I’m not the only one who feels this way. My company has always participated in a charity tree. I stopped giving because the gift requests were getting too extravagant - and these were from kids living in a shelter! Unfortunately this year I don’t even have the money to give to the charities I give to regularly. So this started me thinking about the entire process…..first there was Toys for Tots (great organization - go Marines!), then coats for kids, next it was backpacks and then came the kicker - fill up the backpacks with school supplies! Last year we also had Easter baskets and the final straw was snacks for camp. What’s next - have a kid over for the weekend so he/she can see how a real family lives! The company also has a push for 100% participation in The United Way. Heck, I didn’t see my name on their charity list - no one is offering to assist me with my $3,200 hospital bill and that’s over the $635 monthly premiums!
I’m realistic and know that there are many families in need but what I’m not seeing is (and I hope I’m wrong) is that there is no attempt to stop the people who are using these charities not as a need but as “their right.”
Until I can afford a flat-screen tv for myself or even a new winter coat - yup I need one of those - I will not be providing the items for someone I don’t know.
Becky on December 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am | Link
I need to knowif anyone knows of someone i can call to help my family for christmas this year. I lost my job. My kids will not have a christmas this year. They dont need nothing exspensive just anything to open on that day.God be with you all thank you sandra jackson
sandra jackson on December 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am | Link
Sanda,
I would suggest visiting www.toysfortots.org. There is a tab at the top called “Request Toys.” That will direct you to your local Toys for Tots director, and he/she should be able to help you out.
Good luck and God bless you and your family.
R on December 11th, 2008 at 10:49 am | Link
Sandra Jackson-
I will be saying a prayer for your family even though I don’t know you.
Do you live near the state of Kansas? I am not doing much shopping this year for Christmas. We found out my company is shutting down for a couple of weeks. I am just so thankful I am able to get a bath and have heat this year. Last year at this same very time we were without heat and water for a bath for a week. We were in a ice storm.
Hobo on December 11th, 2008 at 8:07 pm | Link
I never thought of toysfortots.org. Thanks for the suggestion “R”. I hope that organization will be able to help you out.
Hobo on December 11th, 2008 at 8:10 pm | Link
R thank you so much and may god be with you and your family to. I live in South Carolina. thank you.
sandra jackson on December 12th, 2008 at 7:32 am | Link
I have contacted toys for tots web site. They will not be able to help me out this year but thanks for the suggestion. God Bless thank you sandra
sandra jackson on December 12th, 2008 at 7:34 am | Link
I THINK THAT THESE KIDS DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE VALUE OF THESE THINGS REALLY. I JUST HOPE AND WISH THAT YOUR BLESSINGS COME TRUE AND HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY. IM A SINGLE PARENT AND DON’T HAVE THE MONEY THIS YEAR AND IM NOT SURE WHAT IM GOING TO DO, I WILL TRY TO MAKE THE BEST OF IT, BUT HERE IT IS 2 WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS AND OUR BOSS JUST TOLD US WE ARE NOT GETTING OUR BONUS THIS YEAR(AND THAT IS MY PRESENT MONEY). TO ALL: HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A BETTER NEW YEAR.
MARLO RAYMOND on December 12th, 2008 at 12:02 pm | Link
Marlo may god be with you and in the end that is all i can do to is try make it the best i can.Happy Holidays.
sandra jackson on December 13th, 2008 at 8:37 am | Link
I do not complain about it. I go to the tree and find the one or two children who asked for inexpensive items. I am one of these families who go help from these trees What I saved from getting help from others allowed me to provide food for my family on Christmas day.
Nadine Edwards on December 15th, 2008 at 5:33 pm | Link
Why does having a good Christmas rely so heavily in the “gifts”? ? ? It is still christmas with out the presents. You can still get together with family and have a nice meal, and celebrate, without a bunch of presents under the tree! I like to give my kids gifts just as much as the next person, but I don’t think that It has to be the whole freaken world under the tree. Some candy, fruit , and a few dollar toys in the stocking, a few gifts under the tree. Something you make perhaps, a book, a new toy. We are middle class, and I have NO problem shoppin at goodwill for gently used items. I have two kids, and I did the math, and figured out with shopping at the good will I could pull of a small xmass with $30 for both of my kids. It’s really not about the gifts. All I keep hearing about on the radio lately is how you can help doante gifts to this single mom and that single mom, and this person is laid off and blah blah blah blah blah,………… I get if you are asking for food to make a nice christmas meal, or clothing for your kids, but beyond that NO I do not get it. WHY oh Why does your child need XY an Z toys, to make their christmas? What are you teaching them if that is the case? Has anyone been to Walmart lately, you can get a doll or stuffed animal for $5! Kids dont need every freaken toy in the world.
JJ on December 17th, 2008 at 9:33 pm | Link
I have a complaint against this complaint…shame on you for cursing these children. These ARE children we are talking about…and most children do not grasp the idea of expense..all they know is they see what their friends are playing with or have and it’s natural for them to have the same wants (didn’t we all have these same urges as children). From what I have seen of those “Angel trees”..there is not someone standing there..gun in hand..forcing people to participate..so you have the opportunity to be disgusted if you so choose and simply walk away. It is your right to feel this way..so simply don’t buy…it is also the right of these children to reply honestly when asked what they would like for Christmas..most of these children do have realistic items on their lists..like clothing, shoes and simple toys…I do believe some of them request things like tv’s and such for their parents..children have big hearts
..they have dreams as does any child..and most of them know..that big ticket items as ps3 are just that…dreams…doesn’t hurt to ask tho. Complain if you want…but goodness…cursing about or at children..well that makes you smaller than a mad elf!!!!
L on December 17th, 2008 at 9:39 pm | Link
I am the Director of a nonprofit agency and this year was our first big toy drive. I was shocked at some of the parents who loudly complained about the “crap” they got. Fortunately, there were only a handful of ungrateful, greedy parents, but the few that were there were dispicable. The attitude that they “desevered” something for their kids for free for Christmas really bothered me. The people who donate to toys for tots and other agencies spend their hard earned money to buy a present for someone else’s child. The parents who complained were those expecting the ipods and other expensive gifts. For those on here seeking gifts for their kids for Christmas - I have a few ideas. You can find some great stuff at Goodwill for next to nothing. Giving up a small luxury here and there (internet, soda, meat several times a week, etc) will provide you with funds to spend at your local thrift shop. If you can’t realistically afford much, this is a good time to start teaching your kids that it’s truly better to give than to receive. Spend the day at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen serving others. Nothing will get you out of your depression or “poor me” feeling quicker than serving the less fortunate. Be thankful for what you have and count your blessings daily.
agency director on December 20th, 2008 at 9:43 pm | Link
U dont have to spend alot on your children for christmas this year. I lost my job and my home and am now living with my sister and I have been wondering how I will have one thing for my children to open this year. I did manage to find a small job that pays me 89.00 every 2 weeks and I went to walmart and bought all six of my children a bathrobe with pjs rolled up in them for 10.00 a piece. They all asked for that one on there list among many other things but that is all i could afford. Its not about the price or how big it is, its about how hard u tried. I would also like to say that we have dollar general stores here and they have some name brand toys there at great prices,alot cheaper then the stores and they have there own brands that are really really cheap, if anyone needs ideas
heather on December 21st, 2008 at 11:01 am | Link
HELLO,
Wow!! I really cannot believe some of the comments on this page. Sure some kids ask for alot more than what most people think they should. Kids are kids. I try to pick a child from the Angel Tree when I can afford it. I had to ask for help one year when I was sick and my husband was laid off work. If it was’nt for the few gifts and food we got my family would have done without. I am a strong believer in “WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND” . You never know what is around the corner. I know there are those few people out there that are not grateful for what ever they may get. But I don’t think it is up to us to judge. If you want to help a family out then do so. If you don’t then that is fine too. Just stop bitching about it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Christina on December 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 am | Link
I agree with you Christina. Thats the way things should be
sandra jackson on December 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 am | Link