Brianne's post got me thinking

Kaitlin'smom wrote: with christmas comming up and all the families struggling to make ends met thanks to the ecomomy and the millions of jobs that are lots, what programs are out there to help them?

Maddie&EthansMom replied: We have Toys for Tots. Local churches usually have an angel tree, where you pick off a name and buy what is on that list. Our church did a Thanksgiving food drive and decorated and filled stockings for underprivileged kids.

There are so many great programs out there for families who really need the help this time of year.

luvmykids replied: I'm not sure, other than the Angel trees Aimee mentioned. We have Toys for Tots too, I'm not sure how to find out who qualifies though.

MommyToAshley replied: I was going to say the same thing as Aimee ... we usually give to Toys for Tots, the local food drive, and do the angel tree during Christmas.

BAC'sMom replied: There is a charity guide online to help you find charities in your city/town. Most stores have a drop off box for new toys to give to a child in need. I heard the other day on the news that the food banks are way down this year because of the economy. So my DH and I have decided that instead of over buying for the kids this year, we are going to donate to the food banks. I am also going to find out where my 2 older kids and I can volunteer. They are both old enough now to learn about the real world. I want them to have first hand knowledge of those who are less fortunate.

lisar replied: I differed my car payments. And I am using that money to buy christmas this year. Its basically skipping my car payments but with the loan companys letting me. I dont have to play catch up or anything.

Kaitlin'smom replied: I know of a few of those but I was more wondering how you can find them and help others apply, and no not for us. Sure things suck right now for us with DH still out of a job but we are better off than aa few I know and I would like to help find ways for them, as I cant be the angel this year.

Oh and how do I find a soup kitchen to help out at, Kaitlin has asked to do this on more than one occasion.

mckayleesmom replied:
I was wondering about the soup kitchen thing as well...I would like to take Mckaylee to help out...but is there an age requirement since they would be around food?

Kaitlin'smom replied: I can't even find one near me, so I am not sure. There has to be something....I will keep looking

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Do you have a Faith City Mission, Salvation Army or something like that?

mckayleesmom replied:
We have the salvation Army, but they don't have a soup kitchen in our city.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
there is a salvation army downtown

lisar replied:
Ours has a soup kitchen in it and there are age limits. You may want to give them a call. If they dont have a soup kitchen try calling some local churches they normally can atleast steer you in the right direction

moped replied: There are so many things here........Operation Christmas Child, Adopt a family, United Way, so so many more that I can't even think of.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Google "homeless shelters" in your county and see if they have anything. I know in order to volunteer at ours, you have to fill out an application and attend training. So it's something you want to do in advance, to allow yourself some time. And they serve food daily, not just on the holidays...so it's something you could do anytime!

mckayleesmom replied:
That is good..I will have to do that. Maybe after the holidays since we will be out of town..although we will be here for thanksgiving.

Maybe they will let her just walk around and talk to people...mckaylee loves to talk...