Specific Places That Have Christmas Help?

R.,

I don't understand why you haven't been able to get public assistance. If you are truly needy - it should be there for you.

At some point Catholic Charities and other organizations will only help so much, then you need to be able to do it on your own. It's not permanent help.

Go to the library. Borrow books by Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman. Even with a part time job - they show you how to manage your money.

It's October - start going to Goodwill and other places similar to that and see what you can get. Christmas isn't about buying your kids the latest and greatest. It's about celebrating the birth of Christ.

Get your children's father on-board. Where's his child support?
Why aren't you getting more from him?

Where there is a will, there is a way. Through Christ all things are possible. So if you believe in God. Have the will - God will show you the way.

Good luck

If the two children you are talking about have aged out of free gift programs then they are old enough to understand the realities of your financial situation. Explain to them that Christmas will be limited this year because of lack of money. This is a great way to begin to teach them how to live within their means.

You do mean your children and not your grandchildren? - as their parents should be providing for their Christmas - especially since your prior posts stated that all the grands had moved out of your home. And since you cannot afford to give everyone a present.

If you receive other state/federal aid, then you should have a caseworker. Ask your caseworker if you still feel that you need more handouts.

Is your husband still receiving SSDI? While that is not a king's ransom, if budgeted wisely you should be able to eek out a few small presents for the children still living at home.

You are too focused on handouts. You should be focused on helping yourself and working your way to independence. If not, your children will grow up to be adults who depend on handouts and the cycle will continue.

You got one part time job - terrific - now go out and get another. There are tons of seasonal positions right now...just what you need to get you through the holiday season.

Every church I've been to that has a "Giving Tree" doesn't have an age cap on who they help. I've bought for 3 year olds, 17 year olds, and 40 yr olds. Call the churches around you and ask about their Christmas help.

The Salvation Army always has Christmas programs for needy children. Local churches as well.

http://www.snagajob.com/job-search/w-tuckerton,+nj/q-seas...

I thought years ago they had a toys for teens, which is a branch of toys for tots. It was more electronics and I remember seeing it at Best Buy. It maybe something to look into if they still do it. Also, check with Toys for Tots and other organizations just in case. Often times they do get limited gifts for older kids. I know I always gave toys for older kids because I always felt they got left out. My sister works for Catholic Charities and I know they get gifts all across the age groups and you don't have to be Catholic to benefit.

I don't think there is any resources for older kids. Older kids know there isn't Santa, know there is such a thing as a budget. Those programs are more because every child should think there is a Santa not because everyone is entitled to free gifts.

I could be wrong but even the charity I worked with will only give teens a small gift if they have younger sibs in the program and it is only a local program.

R., when you say help, do you mean you're seeking an organization that will give you donated Christmas gifts for older kids?

Try the Salvation Army. Tell them you have older kids and are being told by some churches that they don't do collect donations of gifts for kids your children's ages.

Also, be sure to go privately to your kids' school counselor and explain the situation and ask if the counselor can connect you with a charity that provides gifts to families in need; in our elementary school, it was the school counselor's office that was always aware of who needed help. Our counselor even ran an annual holiday donation drive that collected gifts for kids in entire families, including much older kids like middle schoolers and teens.

If the Salvation Army or the counselor can't help directly, ask them for ideas on where to turn next. The Salvation Army is a very helpful organization and will assist you with information at the very least.

R., I hope you and your kids have a good Christmas and that you find some help providing them with gifts.

My family has "adopted" a needy family at Christmas in the past. We bought presents for the whole family, kids and adults. I'm not sure how or where you sign up but I'm sure you can google it.
ETA: google "adopt a family christmas"

You are more than likely too late for any sort of Christmas help. The Salvation Army did their intake in early October. Most places have already done theirs too. They have to take the information, get it organized, get it out in the community by Thanksgiving, etc...

It still won't hurt to go and find out. I'd call 211 and see if they have any information.

From my past experiences, it doesn't seem that there is help for older children. Maybe if there is a women's shelter near where you live give them a call and see what they suggest. Good luck to you and God bless!!!!!

Call the salvation army in your area. They will tell you where to call.

How old are they? I have purchased Christmas gifts for infants up to age 19, but many organizations don't have an age cap. Our local family services accepts donations for entire households, regardless of age.

I'm glad you have found a job!

Try calling the radio station in NJ 101.5 FM. They have a really good "adopt a family" program. Not sure what their criteria is, but it's worth a shot.

There is a national hotline to access all services for families. It is coordinated by the United Way. Dial 211. The operator (sometimes a volunteer) will be able to tell you of the services in your area. This assistance could include Christmas help, but also social services and job training.

Have you looked into Adopt-A-Family? My MOMS Club usually adopts a few families every Christmas. While some of the requests are for toys, we also get a lot of requests for clothes, shoes, books and even groceries. What sort of things are you hoping to get for your children this year? I will be honest and say it's a turnoff when kids ask for expensive video games.

It would be helpful if you gave the age of your children. You should try contacting United Way as they work with many different organizations and can recommend one that you qualify for The reason most organizations (including Salvation Army) do not provide "toys" for older children is that they are too old to believe in Santa and are old enough to learn the realities of life. Our middle school nurse distributes gifts of personal care items to many students, and these kids are grateful just to receive some nice body wash.

Now would be a good time to begin teaching your older children about the true meaning of Christmas and the value of giving to others.

If it's that important to you that your older children have toys, then if you begin saving a few $$ each week, by Christmas you'll be able to afford a toy for them.