I read Craigslist every day and have read some heart breaking stories of people looking for help for Christmas. There was one ad on their that a woman put up looking for help for her neighbors 2 daughters. Since I still have some stockpile gifts left, I emailed the woman and told her that I had some things that I would give her for the girls. The woman emailed me back and said "oh I am not looking for actual gifts, I want gift cards so I can go shopping and get them what I think they should have" Then I answered another, and the person sent me back an email with a list of the gifts that they were only accepting and of course the list had all high priced items.
I hate to complain, but if you were that desperate for help for help, wouldn't you be greatful for anything you can get instead of taking a chance and having nothing for your kids?

On another note, I was able to help 2 families with some stuff. The first family came and have been calling me everyday to thank me and the second family is coming to get their things on friday.

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

Craigslist probably isn't the most reliable place to find trustworthy people. There are a lot of scammers there.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

When I give help it is either through the church or though a school so that the need has been identified and verified.

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

I agree Maryann. If you really want to help people there are many ways to find them through legitimate entities.
CL is bursting with scammers, liars and thieves.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

There are also murders on CL over where we live! UGH!

MaryAnn- I must say what your doing is a wonderful gesture!! Remember, if you give, you shall receive......your day is coming SOON!! I see 2012 as YOUR YEAR!! HUGS! <3

It IS disheartening to see so much greediness. I have learned to be extremely careful about who I give to...including agencies. Although the agencies (and churches) screen recipients, I have seen a lot of "double dipping" over the years. Some people apply for church angel trees, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and anything and everything else they can find. They actually call each other with tips on where to apply...kind of a networking group. I took a woman one year to pick up her Toys for Tots gifts. She got two huge garbage bags full of stuff for each child...then she went and collected gifts from a couple other places. At the time, I had two young children myself and I couldn't afford much for them.

Please don't get me wrong ~ I'm not discouraging giving....just suggesting that you give generously and cautiously.

Merry Christmas!

I have gotten to the point where I give for ME. It gives me joy to give, so that is why I do it. I am as cautious as I can be but I just can't get bogged down with the stress of worrying if the recipient truly needs it, etc.

I give a lot more to family members who are struggling now and also to people I read about in our local paper. We had one story where they had to remove a child from her home, so close to Christmas. I brought clothes and a few toys to the Child Protection Agency, earmarked specifically for this child. I was told that that child WOULD get them. I'm not worried if they do or don't, because I feel confident that if that child doesn't receive them ( and I am sure there will be a LOT of things donated for this child) another child can benefit from them. Also, I got joy just from giving knowing that my intent was good.

Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year!

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.