Community Chat

[mormel20]

This time of year collection boxes for toys appear for under privileged children. I have wonder about something. I understand parents may not have money. But what about grandparents? Or Aunts and Uncles? Surely they would step up to help the child. Or do people not have close family, or do they not have money either? I guess I over think it. I do donate. But I think it ever year.

[lgfan]

Many of the children are either in foster care or orphanages. Grandparents might be on a fixed income. Aunts and uncles have their own children to worry about.

[haddon9]

I have no idea....some just might not have extended family or they are not in great financial shape either.

So many small businesses have "Toys for Tots" boxes.  I have given a few times.  Our local post office has an "Angel Tree" in the lobby.  You pick an angel off of the tree and it will tell you what to bring back unwrapped with the angel tag attached. 

Most of the requests were for sheets which I found unusual.

[Kachina624]

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@lgfan wrote:
Many of the children are either in foster care or orphanages. Grandparents might be on a fixed income. Aunts and uncles have their own children to worry about.

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@lgfan.  Do orphanages still exist?  I haven't heard that word for years.  I think homeless children are all in foster care now days.

[Carmie]

Sometimes the toys are for children of incarcerated parents so they have something to give to their children.  It doesn't matter if they are rich or poor.

Also, Parents can sign up for gifts for their children at local churches, food banks, etc.  Many times these children receive gifts from a few charity sources.

Often, these kids get gifts from their family/friends as well. They are the lucky ones.

Unfortunately, there are still many children who get very little or nothing.  

I used to work with somone who would sign up her family everywhere she could to get free stuff at Christmas and all year long.  She tried talking me into doing the same and I refused.  She was quite entitled.

[mrshckynut]

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@mormel20 wrote:
This time of year collection boxes for toys appear for under privileged children. I have wonder about something. I understand parents may not have money. But what about grandparents? Or Aunts and Uncles? Surely they would step up to help the child. Or do people not have close family, or do they not have money either? I guess I over think it. I do donate. But I think it ever year.

@mormel20   i agree "you over think it". 

mrshckynut 

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[Snowpuppy]

@Kachina624  orphanages do still exist here in Michigan but fortunately they are few. Some kids have medical needs more than foster homes can provide.

As far as Toys for Tots, I volunteered my time sorting and organizing donations. I gave toys when I still lived in the city. Most donations to community bins were shameful. Coloring books that were colored in, filthy stuffed animals, dolls with missing limbs.... I guess if you're in need people think you'll accept trash.

I hope some here will consider the people of Appalachia and the Carolinas who were victims of hurricane Helene this Christmas. Some people are still living in tents and camper trailers as they try to rebuild their lives. It's cold out there.

I hope the OP continues to never experience poverty. It's tough to escape and she'd never survive.

[SloopJohnB]

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@mrshckynut wrote:

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@mormel20 wrote:
This time of year collection boxes for toys appear for under privileged children. I have wonder about something. I understand parents may not have money. But what about grandparents? Or Aunts and Uncles? Surely they would step up to help the child. Or do people not have close family, or do they not have money either? I guess I over think it. I do donate. But I think it ever year.

@mormel20   i agree "you over think it". 

mrshckynut 

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She was just asking.  No harm no foul.  In the end, she admits that she does donate.  My workplace helps sponsor the yearly Toys for Tots runs.  Some years they help with the motorcycle run, this year they are helping with the Exotic Car Toy Rally.  It is a fun & worthy event every year.  This year it is coming up in 2 weeks from now.  All the participants (drivers) are to bring toys worth a minimum of $100.  I guess they figure if you can afford a car like that you can afford to fork over that amount.  

[Cakers3]

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@mrshckynut wrote:

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@mormel20 wrote:
This time of year collection boxes for toys appear for under privileged children. I have wonder about something. I understand parents may not have money. But what about grandparents? Or Aunts and Uncles? Surely they would step up to help the child. Or do people not have close family, or do they not have money either? I guess I over think it. I do donate. But I think it ever year.

@mormel20   i agree "you over think it". 

mrshckynut 

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@mrshckynut  I agree. I know she said she donates herself and that's great but I do not understand wondering about aunts and uncles etc.

Just donate and be happy you can. It doesn't matter why a child needs a donated gift. 

[Cakers3]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

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@lgfan wrote:
Many of the children are either in foster care or orphanages. Grandparents might be on a fixed income. Aunts and uncles have their own children to worry about.

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@lgfan.  Do orphanages still exist?  I haven't heard that word for years.  I think homeless children are all in foster care now days.

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@Kachina624 The word orphanage has been replaced by a variety of other terms such as residential care, shelters, and as you mentioned foster care.

😔 Sad for any child especially the ones who age out of any system.