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Neighbors' Place, based in Wausau, has a Christmas Assistance Program that provides services to area residents. Through their Sponsor Program, qualifying children receive gifts, including mittens, shoes, and clothing. The organization's Christmas Store is an opportunity for parents in low-income families to shop for gifts for children at no charge.
Catholic Charities of Milwaukee provides aid to Wisconsin low-income families through their Christmas Giving Program. The program helps to provide clothing, household items, games, and toys to families in need during the holiday season.
Feeding America, located in eastern Wisconsin, has a Food for the Holidays program.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My family is in dire need for Christmas. This is our 2nd year for no presents under the tree. My husband lost his job after 26 years 2 years ago and is working a job for little wage and my unemployment will run out in March. We have 2 teenagers at home and we also lost our home to foreclosure. What help can I qualify for to give a gift to my children? Thank you.
By annette from Appleton, WI
Your teen agers are old enough to understand the situation. However, if you have some cash coming in, you should be able to get each one of them something. WalMart has funky tees for under $10.00. It isn't the cost or the electronic type things that count, it is the thought that counts. I bought my granson a two piece gift set of deoderant and cologne for under $5.00 at WalMart. I think you are past the deadline to apply for Christmas help from the charities that do that type of thing. Most of these charaties also have income guidelines, and age limits of up to 18. A lot of things like the angel tree, etc. do for different organizations each year, anyway that is how they do it where I live. For instance there is a boys ranch close by that houses troubled boys and it is a very successful place, but some years the angel tree has serviced them, and this year there are three different trees of that type in different locations collecting for residents of area nursing homes.
Try the Salvation Army, NEWCAP if they are in the Fox Valley will be able to tell you where to go or get in touch with your own, or the nearest church. This is a Christian holiday and most churches are more than generous when it comes to helping out families in need.
Check with the Marines. I donated coke reward points to toys for tots tonight and they also listed toys for teens. The local recruiter should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Check with your local food pantry-they probably know where you can get help. Call your local chamber of commerce as well. God Bless! I understand what you are going through.
Check with your local church, if you have one. They often have an emergency fund they can help you with. Also, check out thrift shops for inexpensive novels, puzzles, games, and videos. Your local library usually also has books for sale. Maybe you could take dvds out at your local library and have a free holiday movie-a-thon. Your food pantry might be able to help - and maybe you could make a few giant cookies to give your teens for gifts. A free gift idea: Write each child a letter, something along the lines of "Ten Reasons I'm Glad You're My Child." Good luck, God Bless, and Merry Christmas.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
I would like to know where I can sign my kids up for the angel tree and where I can get some help at for Christmas for my family.
By lucille from Racine, WI
I would contact the local Chamber of Commerce, or some of the non-profit "club" organizations in your area. Even some churches do all they can to help during the holiday season. God bless and keep your spirits high! (11/08/2010)
By dede smith
When these places are ready to start taking applications it will be announced in the news. (11/08/2010)
By Joan
When we pick from the angel tree, it's always run by the Salvation Army. No matter where we find the angel tree (mall, Hobby Lobby, or Hasting's), all the forms (the angels with the kid's name and requested gifts) say Salvation Army on them. (11/08/2010)
By Lisa
Salvation Army does the Angel Trees. Call you local chapter. You can also contact this charity and ask them.
http://www.loveinc.org/our-work/locations/
(11/10/2010)
By Lee Taylor
Charities that offer help during the holiday season in Wisconsin. Please post feedback about any charities you may know about.
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