OT: Cheap Christmas, need ideas and maybe cards

I feel weird going here but I need help and ideas BADLY This is my fifth time writing this. My computer keeps messing up. So I’m not going to go into as much details. Long story short, due to deaths in the family and health issues I’m trying to help my family find a good Christmas. My mom is now raising an 8 year old by herself (my brother and I try to help) but she’s only got SSI due to her health issues. He’s special needs so she needs to be with him. My best friend is a single mom and barely making end meet. I’m just starting work so I have no money for the holiday. We’re behind on EVERY bill and just scrapping by with stuff not being shut off. So I’m trying to find a cheap place (or places) that we can get gifts for an 8-year-old boy, 7 year old girl and 6-year-old girl. I don’t care if they’re donations or cheap. I just need to try to find these three kids a Christmas. Right now I’ve got 2 wigs from when things were marked down at Kroger. I’ve sat down and talked to my daughter so she knows that there won’t be much this year but my brother doesn’t understand that. He’s 8 but he’s got problems. He was shaken as a baby (that’s why my mom and dad was able to adopt him) and has seizures and LD problems from that. I’ve had health problems from a low immune system since surgery. Right now Sara and I have phnomia (sp) so we’re really sick. YET, I’m still working (only work 2 days a week and that’s only 4 hours a day) but that’s not helping me get better or money really getting here. Does anyone have any ideas on where I can get cheap gifts for the kids? Would anyone be willing to send Sara cards? She loves getting mail and I think getting cards would be a great thing for her this year. The others don’t get into the mail things. Sara (my daughter loves it). Any cards that people would like to mail to her would help. That alone would make a good holiday for her. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Mail cards to:

  PM for addy, took off for safety

Hi - I am in Minnesota, but I used to live in Columbus.  Do you all still have Big Lots?  That is one of my favorite places to get inexpensive Christmas things.  I,too, have had to explain to my kids (15 & 17 that it will be a lean Christmas this year - their toys are more expensive now!.  I know what it is like.  Try Big Lots - they usually have cheap things that can put smiles on little faces. You might also try thrift stores, and contact the schools.  My children's elementary school always adopts families in the school (identities are kept secret so other children don't poke fun.  Anyway - they adopt the entire family - one family per grade level and provide Christmas for them - food included.  It is a woonderful help to those who just need a little help this year.  See if your school has something like that.  I wish you all the best, and I will keep you in my prayers. Love  to you and your family! Laura

Christy, I have to agree. Big Lots is a good alternative if you have it there. As far as local schools and churches, leave your pride at the door, please. There's no shame in asking for help when you're truly in need. Donated many times for others. Send me a PM with names and addy's, and the cards will be there be there. Doug

Christy, Send the addy and a wish list and I will try to help. Sandy G

i have to echo the other's comments- leave the pride behind girl! i'm a mom and gramma and was a 12 year Girl Scout leader---help is there- so many get it that maybe really won't appreciate it--please send me your addy and wish lists  etc too...my own holidays will be slender but there is always love for one(or two or three) more child! and cards- will be happy to!!!!!!!!!

Please send me your address.  My daughter loves to make cards and we will be happy to send her one.  I know there are several places that help families in need including radio stations in Columbus. ~Patty

Thanks everyone. I had made a promise to my dad before we lost him at a young 52. I have always made do for my daughter and brother. I'm a very proud person and because of being overweight and having health issues I have not been about to work for about a year. So its nice to know that I'm not being judged.  I'm doing as much as I can just doing part time and getting back into the routine. It really warms my heart to know there's others there that care.

We do have a big lots and I'll be hitting it on the first when we get paid. I'll send everyone a pm with the addy and such. Thanks again for the kindness. It warms my heart to no end.

I work at KMart part time and we still have a LOT of "summer" toy that are DIRT CHEAP right now 90% off.  Check around to see if yous has a clearance section of toys.  Kmart also has their brand of toys that range from $5-$25. There are Bratzs, Barbies, Hot Wheels, etc just KMart brand. Yea they look a little different but they all play the same.  Call your local county offices and ask about help also. You would be supprised how high income can be and still get help.  Good Luck,  Robin

Thanks for the idea of looking at the reduced stuff. I didn't even think to look there. I have not even gone into a store because of money. I'll be doing all the shopping the 1st and the 15th. So I'll be checking them all out. Thanks for all the help.

Have you contacted your local Community Action Agency?  Or Human/Family Services to see if there are any programs that assist low income families?  They may be able to put you in touch with your local organizations that help out families (especially children) at the holidays.  You need to move fast though, 'cause the funds/gifts are usually all allocated in early December.  The other shopping ideas were good too.  Of course, you can always grab a paper tomorrow to see if there are any awesome deals for the "Black Friday" day after Thanksgiving sales... If you're willing to brave the masses:) I don't know if it was suggested, but maybe you could have a "homemade holiday" and get the kids involved in making gifts and the rule will be that everything has to be homemade, whether it's crafts or holiday sweets like popcorn balls or rock candy that they can give to different family members.  Then they can know to expect homemade gifts from the rest of the family.  You'll only have to go out and get the "Santa Claus" gift then. Whatever you decide, good luck.  I know how special the holidays are.  Please PM me with the addy, I think my kids (6, 8, and 10) would love to make homemade cards to send to Sara.