GreatSchools: Giving to those less fortunate, even when you're having hard times yourself

GreatSchools: Giving to those less fortunate, even when you're having hard times yourself http://community.greatschools.net/advice/772/--Giving-to-those-less-fortunate--even-when-you-re-having-hard-times-yourself  It has always been very important to us to teach our children the "true" meaning of Christmas and with that said we usually try to do something for those in bad situations, normally we "adopt" a child from another country every year.  This year however, has been a whole other story.  Like many others, with the economy failing as it is, we are having an extremely hard time.  We, ourselves, had to ask from help for Angel Tree this year just for our children to be able to get presents. But in the depressing situation we have found ourselves in it only makes us want to try and give more. We have decided that although we do not have extra money to "adopt" a child this year, or buy new toys for toy drives we can still find a special way to help those that may not be as fortunate as we are.   My children requested to give away their toys that they no longer play with to those who need them, so everyone can have a Christmas.  I am blessed at being able to watch my daughter wanting to offer her strollers, babies and dress up clothes saying that some other girl might love it as much as she did, even her more expensive toys like her leap pad!  And my oldest son willing to give up toys he has collected since he was young that he loves, but is at an age that he no longer plays with them!  Even my two year old has been helping hold up the bags and shaking his little head yes or no on whether or not he still really wants to keep something.  And to my amazement I feel like this year we are helping more than we ever have even though we don't have the income we have had in the past. I feel more blessed today than I have in a long time.  Blessed in the fact that my children really grasp the concept of giving and not something they just say they understand. GreatSchools en-us Re: Giving to those less fortunate, even when you're having hard times yourself 1seremen Your are right! No matter what, there is always something to be thankful of. For our family, we are bless with a good health, previous life, and the ability to ... http://community.greatschools.net/advice/772/--Giving-to-those-less-fortunate--even-when-you-re-having-hard-times-yourself?cpage=1#comment_310190 4100.310190 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:30:40 -0800 Re: Giving to those less fortunate, even when you're having hard times yourself arnettes My thoughts and prayers are with you. I find that even when I'm having a rough year (like this one) I always have something to give someone else. My daughter ... http://community.greatschools.net/advice/772/--Giving-to-those-less-fortunate--even-when-you-re-having-hard-times-yourself?cpage=1#comment_307663 4100.307663 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:08:51 -0800 Re: Giving to those less fortunate, even when you're having hard times yourself debrasuefitzge every year my daughters go through clothes that don't fit and that are in good shape and we donate them to a charity for kids who have nothing and every ... http://community.greatschools.net/advice/772/--Giving-to-those-less-fortunate--even-when-you-re-having-hard-times-yourself?cpage=1#comment_306243 4100.306243 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:38:16 -0800