I know money is tight, but do you plan on doing anything charitable this season? Mike and I "adopted" three angels that we are to buy gifts for, One is Luke, 3, one is Mike, 11, {Where did I decide to choose such good names?

I've also been thinking about baking cookies and taking them to the nursing home part of the hospita my sister and BIL work at. I'm definitely going to give some to our neighbors!

[♥Ashley♥]

We adopted a "family" too! It is actually a young mother (only 19) with a 1 year old son, who through everything (being pregnant and all, and family problems-which led to her moving out and living on her own at 17) still graduated high school and is attending college, while trying to keep a stable home for her little son. Im sooo happy to be doing that this year!!

I know I'm in Social Work for the right persons. EVERYONE is deserving of happiness, and I can't wait to buy and wrap-- although Mike never told me the name of our 3rd child. Giving really IS better than recieving! I can just imagine the way these 3 little boys will feel.

The thing is-- there are no "stereotypes" this year-- it's not just the "typical poor" people. The family next door could have been laid off, and THEIR children could be on the list. The economy is just SO tough! It makes me feel thrilled to be able to help!

[♥Ashley♥]

I know!! I cannot wait to bring her their gifts, she will be sooo happy!!

[~* Helen *~]

Aww thats so nice, I'm not sure we have anything like that round here, but the children have been doing shoeboxes at school that they fill with toys etc and send off.

[LaLaRose3]

We bought some gifts for a child this past weekend. I really want to do another, but I get home too late to do one in my town. I think my mom is doing one for me though, because its one of my favorite things to do each year!

[Mars]

I'm involved in a few charitable events, actually all through the year, but the ones relating now to Christmas are:

- My neighbourhood is giving gifts to the AIDS foundation. We've all bought toiletries, etc (which is what they wanted) and separated them so that each person will get a gift.

- At work, we are collecting foods and donations for the same organisation as well as a few others. When we go to the supermarket, we buy a bag of groceries and we donate it.

- Every year I buy tickets for my entire family to a particular show where all the proceeds go to a children's charity and all the children take a gift to be donated as well.

It always feels so great to help out and give back and some of these persons are just so grateful for the little things it's humbling.

[*Mrs.J.2011*]

Money is tight.. but there is nothing more satisfying than helping others.. especially this year. I used to be able to "adopt a family" right at work with my old job, but i'm not at that business anymore.. anyone know how I can go about this on my own??

[SandKmommy]

Actually no, we are on the receiving end though...

Kaleigh, check malls or local stores for "angel" trees or anything like that. Call up some churches and ask, or ask some people at work. There is always Toys For Tots!

[soImarriedAnerd]

I should get to the states here soon so when I do i always find places to volunteer and kids to shop for!!!!!

[*Mrs.J.2011*]

Kaleigh, check malls or local stores for "angel" trees or anything like that. Call up some churches and ask, or ask some people at work. There is always Toys For Tots![/b]

hmm we are going to the mall on saturday I think.. so I will look then. I was there about a week ago and didnt see anything. It still doesnt seem like Christmas to me.. no one around me is in the spirit yet.. We do live in a city where some parts have some pretty bad poverty maybe I'll call city hall and see if they know of anything local. Asking at work wont help, there are 3 of us.. and we are all wondering the same thing.. lol

[ANGWife]

Well we always give to the Veteran's Home. And I think this year we will donate to Hospice, in memory of my grandmother. Also, I'm having my kids at work bring in a gently used toy for a local charity. I really want to teach them the value of giving to those in need.

[midnight_starr]

Money is real tight this Christmas with DH having no scholorship anymore or financial aid and having to pay tuition by the end of the month for next semester so we'll probably only be able to donate a toy to toys for tots!

[♥Ashley♥]

hmm we are going to the mall on saturday I think.. so I will look then. I was there about a week ago and didnt see anything. It still doesnt seem like Christmas to me.. no one around me is in the spirit yet.. We do live in a city where some parts have some pretty bad poverty maybe I'll call city hall and see if they know of anything local. Asking at work wont help, there are 3 of us.. and we are all wondering the same thing.. lol
[/b]

All that i did was go to google and type in "adopt a family st. louis" and it came up with a bunch of programs in my area. So try that and put in your city!

[Lash]

My mom works in a very low income school and they do an internal angel tree system for the kids. The kids have no clue that the presents come from the school, we take the clothes/present to the parents during the day while the kids are at school, wrapped and everything

So even in school, I helped my mom, but as an outsider, I adopt a family now as can others in the small community. Its a school literally out in the country, surrounded by farms and cows. The closest town or even gas station is over 15 miles away so its a very small supported community that is always in need, no matter what season or year it is.

[*Mrs.J.2011*]

I was able to find a copy of our local city magazine that has a list of local charities and such! I cant wait to start my shopping!