Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am out of work and I have no money. I need help getting my kids some Christmas gifts. Does anyone know where I can get help? I don't want them to get up to nothing that morning.
By patty from Monticello, AR
Are you getting unemployment, if you are a single parent are you getting child support, and if you are a widow you must be getting survivor's benefits. You can always pick up some little thing at a dollar store or thrift store. Thrift stores do have some new items. Kids don't need a whole pile of gifts, one will be enought.
Also if your kids have grandparents or aunts and uncles won't they be giving gifts?
Joan, Your reply to Patty's question is very inconsiderate and comes across actually abrasive! Apparently you have never known hard times, or the pain in your chest when the look of disappointment is on your children's faces.
Why be a scrooge at christmas. Maybe the only money she gets goes for food and shelter.
Joan, no one knows someone else's circumstances. Before being judgemental please think with an humble heart. One day you may find yourself in the same situation.
May you find peace and joy this holiday season. God bless you
I'm a single mom with four children, two boys and two girls. We came out of a burnout and are in crisis right now. Where can I find Christmas help? My boys are 6 and 4 and the girls are 6 and 5. Thank you so much.
By Julian
It is getting kind of late to be asking for help, however, you might get lucky and find some organization that isn't. No matter where you apply you will have to fill out an application and list your gross income. HELPLINE! is a national clearing house that keeps a list of organizations in different areas that provide different types of help to people. Their phone number is 211. Also you can call the Salvation Army, they are known to provide help to people.
I assume your kids Dad will be giving them gifts. Also don't they have grandparents and aunts and uncles that will give them gifts. All any kid needs is one gift each from their parents. You can also speak to the pastor of your church. Sometimes they will take up a special offering for a member of the congregation that is having problems.
Your homeowners/renters insurance should help your condition, as far as replacing items that you lost, therefore you shouldn't be that hard up. If you had insurance, you shouldn't have to be using cash to replace things that you might have lost.
Sorry to hear you are having stuggling issues. Check with Salvation Army - they provide food as well. Check with local churches and malls. Churches should have other ideas as well as being able to help you. The malls or local stores have a caring tree, you have to get registered, then they will place a card on the tree for your kids.
One of my best friends just informed me that 2 of her three daughters had nothing under the tree at Christmas. One of these children is 9 the other 15. These girls were destroyed by this. I am disabled and poor myself so I can't help. Does anyone out there know where we can get help for these beautiful children? The third daughter spent Christmas with her father and had a good Christmas. Someone please give me some info on who could help. Thank you.
By Sonya from Searcy, AR
Talk to your church. Or better yet talk to their church. You should be able to get some assistance.
What is the phone number for Christmas Wish in Mountain Home, AR? Thanks
By Joan W. from Mountain Home, AR
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
Charities that offer help during the holiday season in Arkansas. Please post feedback about any charities you may know about.
Editor's Note: Do NOT post here if you need help. ThriftyFun does not have resources to give direct help to those in need.
Arkansas is one of the best philanthropic areas! We have Christmas Wish here in Mountain Home, AR. You take your gently used or new items to the specified location and volunteers wrap and arrange for pick up and delivery of the gifts to families in need.
In addition, cash donations are turned into food baskets to assure that the families have a holiday meal. How wonderful is that? I plan for this all year, setting aside gift items, extra gift wrap, etc. to make my donation a little better each time. I just love it here! What a wonderful place to live!
(Yes, you do get a tax deduction for the donation; but that pales in comparison to the health benefit received when you have a giving spirit!) (07/31/2010)
By PeggySue
