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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my family.
        
(Message started by: Redd715 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 7:21pm)

Title: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my family.
Post by Redd715 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 7:21pm

Each and every one of us here has donated to worthy causes over the span of our lives. Either in monitary donations or donations of our time and efforts.

So many times we have no idea what/when/or where our gifts end up, but I plan to change that each and every year while I have the ability.

This year, I know of one particular family in my community who is struggling due to high cancer treatment costs for a 4 year old in their family. Two parents and 4 children ages 4-16 have sold their home and moved into a 3 bedroom trailer home to stay afloat.

I'm not rich by any strech of the immagination, but I've been blessed with this new job where I have it better than I have in 12 years.

My plan this year, is to purchace the makings of a holiday dinner for 6, a gift for each person in that family and leave at their door.

I recall the year I was divorced, and the lawyer who drew up the final papers put the wrong address on them and 2 child support checks went to the wrong address and were cashed and I was broke for the holidays. I of course called the police and made the reports, but still I had nothing and 2 small children to feed. Not only did I find a card in mail box with 200 in cash but on Christmas morning there were gifts on the front step of my apartment for the three of us.

Pay it forward folks. I'm sure we all know a family in need that the "system" doesn't know about: who's faith in human kind could use a little boost.

Can you think of anyone? If not, ask your kids who are in shool. They probably do.

Spread the real meaning of the season, who ever your God may be.

Blessed Yuletide to all....

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Guiseppi on Dec 15^th, 2006, 7:24pm

What a beautiful way to "live" the meaning of the season!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Jonny on Dec 15^th, 2006, 7:30pm

How did someone cash the checks?

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Redd715 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 7:36pm

on 12/15/06 at 19:30:22, Jonny wrote:

How did someone cash the checks?

The address they were sent to, they guy there had a few girlfriends. One check was cashed at a local restaurant, the other at a gas station. The cashed checks were retrieved from the Childsupport office and the guy (at the address) and one of the women were charged and convicted on one of the forgeries, the other one the gal fled the state, so he didn't admit to that one. I was "awarded" restitution for the forged one that was convicted so Child support didn't issue another check for that, but they did for the one that there was no conviction on. Still it took a year to get anything out of it at all.

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Bethany1 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 7:42pm

Pegg, that is really sweet. Paying it forward, your exactly right. Thanks for bringing me back to planet earth.

Bless you-
Beth

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Jonny on Dec 15^th, 2006, 8:03pm

LOL....I guess cashing checks here is way different ;;D

Im glad you got paid for the one though!

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Redd715 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 8:26pm

on 12/15/06 at 20:03:14, Jonny wrote:

LOL....I guess cashing checks here is way different ;;D

Im glad you got paid for the one though!

I live in a town where in-bred Polocks make up the vast majority of the population. Not the sharpest knives.

The restitution I doubt I'll ever see...It's been over 10 years now...he's not about to pay it. Oh well it's his Kharma not mine. ;;D

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Redd715 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 8:32pm

The point in this is...I believe it was the Police officers that took a collection and sent that cash and then also sent the gifts.

We all know deserving people who could use a boost. Who are too proud, or just too "new" to need, that could use the gift of hope.

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Fredmyyster on Dec 15^th, 2006, 9:16pm

I live in a small town and i do volunteer work for the Childrens Christmas Festival every year and its so nice seeing the smiles on these kids faces that are less fortunate.
They have no clue as to their family's income. It is a fun day.

Year round i am also a mentor for The Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization. ( Big Brothers Big Sisters.Org ) As i get older i realize more and more of my family's shortcomings as a child and i feel like that now that i am grown and have achieved my goals its time to give back to the community and it all starts with the innocent. It gives me joy and peace at Christmas and all year long....

Any and all acts of kindness are appreciated for all ages at any time of year.....

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Redd715 on Dec 15^th, 2006, 9:31pm

May the fates Bless you Fred

Don't give till it hurts, give till it feels good.

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Cathi04 on Dec 16^th, 2006, 12:35am

My tree looks pretty empty this year. We have chosen to have gifts only for the children. My adult children, my husband, mother and myself will be dropping off a check at the Oregon Food Bank about equal to what we normally spend. There are people in real need, and we want for nothing, really.

Oregon Food Bank can turn $10.00 into $28.00 worth of food for a family, and they ONLY serve those who are UNDER employed, rather than UN-employed and on food stamps etc.

Yes, it feels good.........

Cathi

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by sandie99 on Dec 16^th, 2006, 4:13am

Pegg,
that's a wonderful idea! :)

Me and mum have been baking all sort of Christmas sweet things and sent some of them to mum's two brothers, who cannot make them themselves. They are in their 70s and are unmarried. We have been sending them cookies and sweet buns as long as I can recall. I love baking, and sending those things to two people who love them makes it extra special.

For years now when we send cards as a family they have been all sort of charity cards. This year they are Red Cross or Finland's Cancer Association.

Back in here the Salvation Army collects things which are later on given to the families who cannot afford any Christmas presents. All the donations go to the local families.

Every Christmas Eve there will be held a special Christmas party at the Helsinki city centre, in which all those who cannot afford a meal will get a proper Finnish Christmas meal and those who do not have a home can rest and feel warm. This party was started by a man called veikko Hursti. He passed away few years ago and now his son is continuing the tradition with volunteers.

Sanna

Title: Re: I'm starting a new holiday tradition in my fam
Post by Langa on Dec 16^th, 2006, 4:45am

I loved reading your post Pegg - and you're so right!

Happy Holidays!

Langa