A family in need.

[RandomAssGuy]

I'm spreading this around to a few boards after reading it. It's a sad story and a tough situation, but every lil bit will add up and help. Some of us blow money on lots of wants instead of needs, and there's families like this out there just happy to have a meal to eat on christmas. Maybe we can all chip in a bit and be a part of a christmas miracle for at least one family. Any lil bit would help and all adds up. Please spread this around the web if you can, I'd love to wake up to that thread on christmas to see the internet was able to get together and make a miracle happen for at least one family this christmas.

http://www.discoweb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72021

 

[SweetErika]

Do you know this family personally? Even if you do, who's to say you're honest, and not collecting money for yourself or your buddies?

Yes, there are a ton of people in need, but there are also a ton of scammers out there. I'd never make a monetary donation to someone who simply left a sad story and an email address via a third party on a random message board. Anyone can set up an email addy and paypal account.

I AM happy to donate to my local food banks (which are totally slammed this year), giving trees and people who are in need that I know personally, though. In fact, instead of buying a bunch of junk for our kid this year (he's too young to know the difference and already has and will get plenty of stuff from our families), we decided to adopt a family with 5 minor children, ages 2-17. They were only going to have a cheap tree and family dinner, so we got the kids gifts and my mom took up a collection for a gift card for necessities. I know this family personally through the Freecycle community, and they have been very generous to us and others in the past, so giving back to them was the least we could do. They didn't ask for money, and were happy with inexpensive gifts, including some gently used toys and books, for the youngest kids, so we were able to give them quite a bit on a budget.

There are lots of really sad stories out there, so I'd suggest giving time and concrete donations to people and organizations with a proven track record. Most of us could spare $10 or $20 in food or money that would feed several families via the food bank, or buy an extra gift or two for those who are truly in need. Likewise, a lot of us have time and effort to donate to good causes all year.

 

[subwannabe]

I was afraid to even click on the link. I don't need any viruses and a lot of people spread viruses in this fashion or want you to click on some seemingly great religious inspirational link. Next thing you know your computer has the flu.