How Do You Define Need?

[StrawberryFields]

This year my hubby and I are in charge of our wards Sub For Santa that is where we will sponsor a few families for Christmas. Our ward has collected a pretty healthy fund and I feel a huge obligation to give to the most needy people and those who would go with out if we did not help them. In a year where the economy has hit so many hard I am finding it difficult to decide which way to go. Do we go with people who are in jeopardy of losing homes and may lose them even with our help for Christmas? Do we help the people who have nothing to begin with?

We have visited on this with our bishop and there are a few private needs in the ward that he will take care of which I think is wonderful but the rest is up to us.

How do you give to the needy?

[SisterofJared]

I would tend to go with the people who have nothing to begin with.

I feel sympathy with those who are about to lose their homes.... but what you are talking about isn't going to save them. They have discretionary income, and if they are about to lose their homes, PROBABLY they have been and will choose to use their funds in other directions. If you could make a difference there, then it would be good to do so. But if you can't make a difference then I think it would be awesome to help some of those who have nothing to begin with. What a huge blessing it would be for them... probably a warm pair of pajamas for them would be a great blessing, where such a thing might not make a difference to the people who have the nice house they are about to lose.

It is always hard to know for sure..... perhaps the person with the nice house doesn't have warm pajamas, doesn't have enough food. But it seems that they would be more likely to have those things, and the help you give have less impact that it would have to those who are very poor and have nothing or little to begin with.

Such a big hurting world!

Sister of Jared

[StrawberryFields]

It has been brought to my attention that there are also those who are down at this time of year. I think it would be great to do a gift box for the families we won't be able to help for the Christmas needs. The gift boxes will include items that will feed the spirit this Christmas Season.

Some Soda

Prepackage Snacks

A CD

a scented candle

A Book (any Ideas?)


The box will be delivered, the door bell rung, and then we will flee.


What other things might be simple but safely enjoyed when you don't know who the giver is?

[SisterofJared]

I hope the snacks are homemade. Because the homemade snack along an anonymous card can totally lift womeone spirit... it gives a very personal messge that someone is thinking of them. And it never hurts to throw in some candles or a book or something.

I love the idea of ringing the doorbell and then fleeing! Make them suspect everyone! No greater way to create lots of good will!

SoJ

[BenRaines]

Unless your fund is huge I doubt you will be able to help those losing their house other than to prolong the inevitable. Help those who have a need not based on buying more house than they can afford but who may be out of work due to the current economy.

Years ago as I home teacher I was asked to visit a family as the Bishop's representative and find out what their needs were and to help them establish a budget. Check income and outgo etc. When I got there they had the latest video games, a whole house full of hamsters, etc. Church programs are to maintain life not lifestyle. They were not interested in the jobs programs of the church to improve their income, they just wanted someone to help pay their rent and utilities, while they had many of the other modern conveniences. At the same time I was visiting with them we were raising our four children on one income, wife does not work outside the home, without the latest video games, clothes were bought at start of school year and made to last. No current trendy clothes just what was on sale at Mervyns.

I share this not to say I am better but it is important to get to know the family and truly understand their needs other than giving just to give. I am sure that home teachers, if doing their job, have a better handle than Bishop on those with needs.

Ben Raines

[Elgama]

You know when we were really struggling our Branch President did something amazing he talked to my daughter about what food we ate and one day showed up with a box of food we normally ate except it also included a box of biscuits, some meat ( we don't have very often and is a treat), and much nicer tuna than normal. Nothing lifted our spirits more plus it allowed our money for things we wanted for Christmas to go further.

-Charley

[Gwen]

book ideas?..... the forgotten carols?

[Wingnut]

Originally Posted by StrawberryFields

A Book (any Ideas?)

Depends on your audience, of course. Also, are you looking for something you would find at Deseret Book, or just any book?

[StrawberryFields]

Originally Posted by Wingnut

Depends on your audience, of course. Also, are you looking for something you would find at Deseret Book, or just any book?

A book that can bring in the spirit of Christmas.

[StrawberryFields]

I love the idea of homemade treats but I guess I must be paranoid but I am not sure I would let my family have something homemade if I didn't know the giver....

Am I paranoid about this?

Thanks keep the suggestions coming .