posted on December 18, 2000 06:46:14 PM new
I have a girlfriend who's down on her luck, With 2 kids (6 and 8)and no money at Christmas. I also have 2 kids and no money. Anyway, She had 3 presents apiece for her kids. I felt bad! I called the kids school for help. I didn't know they were gonna help, so last night I went shopping for her kids. I spent about $30. Today I called my friend and the school has 8 present apiece for her kids. Should I take back the ones I bought them and buy my kids an extra present or give them to them anyway. I am a stay at home mom. My husband just started a construction com. and is now cutting firewood to bring in income. But am I being selfish if I take the gifts back to the store? Just something to get feedback!
posted on December 18, 2000 06:54:09 PM new
I'd take them back and get a refund or credit and buy your kids an extra item.(Or YOURSELF something).
My daughter works part time...her hubby's full time job isn't enough..they are below poverty level with 4 small boys.
Now, my hubby and I could-would get these boys ANYTHING they needed(note NEED)..so the parents don't really have to worry there would be no Christmas etc.
Well..I didn't shop as much as I would have...why? Because my daughter told me 3 different organizations have adopted their family so the boys will have lots of stuff.(At Thanksgiving they got 2 baskets delivered..and turned away the 3rd!)
What I would like to see is the working poor..that have to pay for everything..and get nothing given to them.(I was in that place when my kids were small)..Those are the ones who fall through the cracks and have a need..don't you agree?
posted on December 18, 2000 07:15:52 PM new
Mysi2:
I have an idea. I know that you are tight yourself, but how about this. A three way split. Another $10. gift for each of your children, and a $10. gift for the other kids MOM.
I bet that $10. gift would be worth a million bucks to her. Otherwise, everyone will have recieved a gift except her, and I know it would really make her holiday.
I have so much respect for what you have done, and I myself buy gifts every year for children that would otherwise go without.
It is so much more special coming from you then me however, because you are sacrificing without really being able to.
posted on December 18, 2000 07:22:10 PM new
mysti,
I don't think there is a right or easy answer to your question. If you said that you were leaning in either direction, I believe there would be good reasons to go with either choice. It's really nice to help someone needy. It's also nice to have a little more to spend on yourself or your own kids at Christmas, especially when your own resources are a little thin.
I'll vote for taking the things back, if only because I believe in providing for one's own first. Perhaps you could just pick up some less expensive items for your friend's kids. My kid seems to play with the little toys from the Dollar Store as much as he does with the more costly things.
posted on December 18, 2000 09:23:47 PM new
I like Pocono's idea. I'm sure the mom has sacrificed a lot this year for her kids and would probably be touched to receive something unexpected for herself.
Since your husband is working extra to bring home extra money, I think a lot would depend on how he feels about it too.
posted on December 18, 2000 10:06:07 PM new"My daughter works part time...her hubby's full time job isn't enough..they are below poverty level with 4 small boys".