I would like to select a good organization for our family to help support this year. We have limited funds and I would prefer to get our kids engaged by selecting toys and clothes for kids and families rather than make a monetary gift. Suggestions??
Try the Sun-times Season of giving. They assign you a child at a school with a short gift list. We do it often. Bless you.
we just did a food drive for the chicago food depository. My daughter helped me decorate a big box and we placed it in a common area in our condo building. then, I encouraged friends, neighbors and family to donate. All the proceeds can be dropped off at your local dominicks. Very easy, but sends the right message to kids. check out the chicago food depository website for details on organizing a drive!
Good luck
Every year we usually go to the post office and pick up a letter to Santa. Some of the children ask for basic essentials such as coats, boots, etc. and of course toys,
The sun-times also has Santa letters too.
Chicago Parent has a piece this month on Chicago Catholic Charities' Celebration of Giving. (the families don't have to be Catholic to receive the gifts.) It sounded like a nice program if you want to gift a specific child or family. http://www.catholiccharities.net/celebration
How about going to the post office and selecting a few "Dear Santa" letters? I'm not certain exactly how it works, but I know in Chicago you can pick a child's letter requesting something you can afford, and then give it to them.
Oh, and many blessings on your family for their good deeds.
Oxfam is my personal fave.
You can pick up letters to Santa from needy families at the main post office in Chicago. I believe it's on Madison. Good for you!
We give toys to New Moms- it's a great organization for young and expecting mothers. Here's their website:
http://www.newmomsinc.org/
It was also fun for our kids to pick out toys for others less fortunate, and teach them the joy of giving.
Merry Christmas!
Jewish Children's Bureau
