What do you do for the less fortunate?

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Just throwing it out there as that time of year again is upon us.<br />I for one have for the last 20 years played Santa to the many children that are cooped up in hospitals here in the tri-state area.<br /><br />Here is a picture of me and my now 20 year old daughter the first year we done this.<br />

<br /><br />My year starts on the 12th. this year and goes ever Fri. and Sat. night till the 24th. when we all get together at the local Shriners to get a ride to the local hospitals to visit with all the little ones that won't be home for Christmas.<br /><br />Makes life just a little more easy on them and their parents.<br /><br />Also a great joy for me and my family.<br />God bless you all at this time of year and have a Merry Christmas.

 

[tylerin]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

You're a good man Spinner

 

[gonfishn]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

Your a good man Spinner to share with other folks as you do..As i have shared before on Thanksgiving and most holidays I work at the Homeless Shelter serving dinner to those who aren't as blessed as myself..With the help of meal on wheels I will visit a couple of folks who are home bound and share time with them..<br /><br />I get a very deep satisfaction out of seeing the smiles and gratitude on the faces that have nothing to look forward to during the holidays..

 

[BrianFD]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

SBN & Muskie, you guys are heros!<br />At my office, we adopt a needy family at Christmas. We contact a Social Services agency for the name of a truly deserving family. This year we've adopted a family of 6 kids, ages 6 mos to 12 years. All have asked for just one gift each: certain toys, clothes, a personal CD player, etc. They have never asked for anything extravagant in the 10 years we've been doing this. About a week before Christmas, we'll deliver the packages, along with a turkey and a tree.<br />In addition, all year long we have a canned food drive which we send to the local food pantry. Even though it doesn't seem like much, they are always most appreciative.<br />Here's hoping everyone has a blessed holiday, whether it be Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanza, and a safe and prosperous New Year!<br />Brian

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

Around here we have Toy Time. They take donations, new and used toys. I donate 2 days a week for 3 weeks before christmas to help fix the items that are donated. This program is for the families that can't afford gifts for their children. They usually get around $30k a year and about 5 to 7 hundred bikes!. Thats not counting the other things that are donated. It really brings lots of smiles to the kids.<br /><br />Spinner and Gonfishn, keep up the good work, and Brian what your office does is a very good thing as well.<br /><br />Take great care...SS

 

[neumanns]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

We provide gifts to a couple of kids off a wish list, one gift each. Hardly seems a dent after seeing what you guys do, but for now thats it. I have healped in bigger ways in the past and will eventually do more again. I must admit though seeing what you do and knowing what I have done in the past kinda makes me feel sheepish about what weve done the last couple years.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

My sister & husband, my parents, and myself, have cut our gifts back to each other, $10-20 max.<br /><br />The money we used to spend on ourselves, now goes to others.<br /><br />Then we donate cash to a fund my mother helps run, to aid 2 local families in need.<br />All items come from neighborhood shops, which usually give use below wholesale pricing.<br /><br />Also, our church helps families that are trying to turn their lives around. What ever they need, from refrigerators, to furniture, to microwaves, to silverware, to new mattresses, to coloring books, to simple household tools, to lightbulbs and underwear. We try to get their complete household set up. Of course there is a bit more emphasis on childrens gifts during the xmas season, but these kids usually ask for shoes or mittens, or something that they can give to their mom.

 

[DJ]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

We all tend to think that money will cure all.<br /><br />Sometimes all it takes is: A smile, a wink, a gift, a helping hand-with whatever.<br /><br />Give a little, of yourelf, to someone you do not know.<br /><br />Merry Christmas! <br /><br /> <br /><br />Yes, I said it, the dreaded "C" word.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

I'll give to food banks and that sort of thing. I have been on both sides of the fence, so I know what it is like to be without, and to have all I need. Growing up, we had to hit the food bank on occasion, and we had some really rough times, even lived out of a car for a period of time, but I now know that those rough times didn't need to happen. My mother made choices that resulted in us going through several years of bad times. In the end, a good percentage of those who are needy are in the position they are in due to their own choice. Yes, I do understand that sometimes things like job loss and layoffs happen, but there is work out there. It may not be the work a person may want to do, but it is still better than living off of the system and expecting a handout. I have seen more than my share of "needy" who just won't work at McDonalds, but are waiting for that big salary job to hire them. Meanwhile, the family goes hungry. Yeah, I am a bit jaded, but most homeless people are homeless because they either abuse drugs, and alcohol, or are criminals staying out of the system. It is hard for me to support those who in the end just want to get drunk and have a free meal. That is why I mainly stick to food banks. At least I know what I provide will go to children, who in the end are the only true victims of bad choice.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

My girlfriend has a friend who hit on hard times. She has a job but has had some hard breaks, both personally and financially. Ann took up a collection at work and with friends and family and raised just over 800 bucks. With that we will be able to remodel her kitchen. She hasn't had a stove or refrigerator for two years. I am reinforcing the structure (the upstairs was about to become the downstairs), installing new cupboards, cabinets, and countertops, new ceiling, flooring, lighting, and found used appliances for about 150 bucks. Stove, Refrigerator/freezer, washer and dryer.<br /><br />People can be very generous when you tell them what you are doing and what you need. We sent out the call and many people have offered time, money, and supplies. Don't fool yourself, we are a very generous and giving people. Especially when they know where it is going. There have been times in my life when I needed a hand up and someone was there (usually my family), and if I have the time, money and skill to give back to someone, then I am a better person for doing it.<br /><br />Best of the season, to everyone!!!<br /><br />Doug

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

genuinely inspiring you guys.<br />and bubba claus... can I have a new ambassador<br />for x-mas?<br />blessings of the holidays to everyone,<br />M.Y.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: What do you do for the less fortunate?

What a kind and caring human being you are,such is truly a wonderful blessing that is bestowed upon thee .But Mr SBN "where are the funnies?"