I feel horrible I cannot afford Christmas again: Advice?

There has to be somewhere locally that can help! Mount Mission, Toys for tots! I live in West Va and they have tons of programs and never let kids go without! Reach out!
Me personally feel that everyone knows when Christmas is and birthdays fall! There is no reason why a couple items can’t be purchased. I’m unemployed now and have bought a Christmas present each month to make sure my boy has presents under the tree. If I couldn’t do that I would have been signing up for every help possible long before the middle of December!

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id join mom groups in your town and ask for donations hey dont worry we all to trough rough patches :slightly_smiling_face:

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Check with churchs around your area and dss and other places, charities, etc. There is a ton of places that have where they can eat breakfest with santa and get a present or places that you go and get presents for him to put out for him for christmas morning, i think the angel tree does that im not sure, just search fb in your area, call the police station, they help out too, go to dss and they will give you a list of places that do it. There is so many options out there specialy for a single mom thats not getting the child support thats supposed to be paid!

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Most towns have angel trees, most churches have some sort of charity for Christmas presents. We did a few thrift store Christmases when the kids were little.

What about grandparents, aunts & uncles?

What about the new baby daddy? I’m sure any good man will take care of both kids. My step dad did. My grandsons’s step dad does.

There are always ways to make Christmas happen.

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Plus it isnt much but if you have a few dollers, you could go to doller tree or mighty doller and get a couple things for him

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Toys for tots will give him presents

Do you have cash app??? Pm me

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How can I message this mom? I would like to help. Pm me!

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For 1 thing stop having babys take the guy to court make him pay for his child then get help with the car like she said go to salvation army for help and for the love of God stop having kids with these men out there your kids need more

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I got my 5 year old a bunch of stuff at dollar tree, their young they don’t care where it came from… A new toy is always xciting to them

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I completely understand how you feel. My husband and I live paycheck to paycheck. We are both on LTD so very hard to save money. Most of the things we got for my daughter are used or my parents have bought things for her and we have to work at paying them back. Definitely reach out to churches and donation centers in your community. We have to take advantage of it sometimes. Doesn’t make you a bad parent. Hang in there.

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Life happens and shit gets hard. Try the dollar store mama. Or any thrifty kind of store. Almost everyone I know struggles during Christmas, single or couples. Maybe next year buy stuff throughout the year with a little bit from each pay check (I say that I will do this every year and yet come December I haven’t even started). Or instead of thinking about spoiling the children buy 1 gift they want. 1 gift they need and a little something from Santa. I wish you love and light and I hope that you rise above. Just know that the majority of people have been where you are or are still there.

Don’t beat yourself up. When they grow up they will understand.

In the mean time go talk to local churches and charities. Know that next year there are places to help but you gotta roll that ball in November.

Fuck all these assholes who clearly had everything on a silver spoon.
Your not a bad mom

You are not a horrible mom! The fact that you are worried about getting your child a few gifts for Christmas and truly care about his feelings is more than most mothers can say. How old is he? My son is 4 almost 5 in February and he has so many toys he just had to have and never touched once he got them. I could send you some stuff so the little guy will have some presents to open. PM if you’d like. Just remember when he groes up he isn’t going to remember what I’d got and didn’t get for Christmas. He’s going to remember who was physically present for all holidays and daily life in general. You’re doing a great job momma! Keep your chin up it’s only one day out to the year. He will grow up and realize how much you’ve worked to raise him. It won’t go unnoticed!

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There are organization s that can help with gifts. Call your local fire department.

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Location of this mom? Pm me! I will donate toys!

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Hidden clearance shopping at dg & walmart saved my Christmas! PM me for details

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To the mom who made this post. I’m saying a prayer for you also if you your comfortable PM me, I can you get you phone numbers and address of of local churches and organizations to get in touch with to help you out with Christmas this year. God Bless

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I shop at the dollar tree for things and small kids don’t care how much things are there. Your son will be happy with things from there and I be praying for you and your family

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You don’t need money for Christmas! Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ!! I hate that I keep hearing “afford Christmas” or “cancel Christmas”. You cannot cancel the celebration of the birth of Jesus. :roll_eyes::roll_eyes:

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I personally think you are a loving mother but you have lousy taste in men.
In your County there is probably a Church organization that will help.
Go to your Probate Court ask for advice on how to get child support and have it paid through the Court.
Have you thought of asking his parents?
God Bless you I’m hoping you will have a better year 2020.

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U r not a horrible mom. Ur jus struggling and that’s ok. Alot of us single parents struggle at times jus gotta remember Christmas isn’t about the gifts and teach ur kids this. It’s about giving and being with family. I plan to get my daughter into giving toys to charity and volunteering once she old enough.

Local Churches, buy nothing FB group, if hes not paying child support go to court.

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How old are the kids? If they’re little, Dollar store, if they’re older, they should understand. Christmas isn’t about gifts. Be creative, make with what you got. Good luck.

Just remember mama kids will forget toys, clothes and material stuff but they will NEVER forget time, love and happiness. Yes it’s Christmas, but just make the most of what you can :blue_heart: nice dinner some hot cocoa and a nice family movie with you and the baby’s :relaxed:

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Not sure about what’s in your area. There is always organization that help people In need. Look around and see what out there. Out here we have toys for tots. Sparke of light,Churches. Make that shit happen sister. You can find something. There is always a way. Most places donate lots of things for families so they don’t have to miss the holiday. Best of luck

Unfortunately I don’t have any advice about what to do for this year however next year maybe try buying a present or 2 every month and hiding it away for Christmas

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Reach out to local Facebook pages and groups in your area like classified ones and mom groups. There are usually plenty of people willing to help. Go to the dollar tree. They have sooo much stuff and it’s all pretty good. You are doing a fine job momma. Just love your kiddo. They may be sad now, but they’ll see how hard you worked as they get older.

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Try local churches, thrift stores, dollar stores. Plus have you thought about handmade gifts? Young kids love crafts. Throw on some Christmas music, make their favorite meals and sit down and have some fun. I’ve been there. It’s not a great feeling. But you can continue to let it get you down or you can choose to use it to push you to be creative. You are not a terrible mom. You’re human. Bad situations happen. May God bless you with solutions.

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Mom giving your child gifts is not what makes Christmas perfect. I hope you can get a little help with that. But, there was a time when I couldn’t afford Christmas gifts. My grown children reflect to this day on the very Christmas I am speaking of. I made extra efforts to do holiday crafts with them. Bake cookies with them and we had silly sing offs together using Christmas carols. Make memories girl…Rich or poor those are priceless and have a huge lasting effect. You have a cell phone Pinterest Doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find projects using almost anything…from pop bottles to corks, clothes pins to buttons. Count your blessings and focus on that, your children will follow your lead. God bless and Merry Christmas!

Churches have toy drives, contact them. Also, buy some small items throughout the year & hide in case.

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This is so me right now. I cant buy my kids anything right now for christmas. I really dont think I will be able to this year. Thankfully they will be getting gifts from family members. Just not me or Santa. Kinda sad though, hoping some family dont play favorites this christmas.

And NO I do not have a walmart (or any other big name stores) or dollar stores or anything like that. Our church wouldnt be much help. Even if I did apply for state help it wouldn’t happen until first of next month.

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Find a charity that gives gift to kids in need! They are everywhere

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Ok I’m sorry if I’m about to sound like the grinch, but this is a genuine question,. Chrsitmas doesnt change, nor does it come up suddenly, it’s a set date every year. Why havent you bought little things throughout the year? I get your car broke down, but unless it broke down 364 days of the year, how can you not buy something little every week or even once a month?

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There are MANY places that will help families out this time of year. Go to churches, fire/police department, public aid, salvation army, angel tree, etc… there are places that make sure kids have Christmas gifts.

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Kids are kids they just want toys now then buy them some affordable toys or go on pinterest and tell them that santa’s tight on a budget now due to climate change, they would understand. Believe it or not by just being with you and spending time with you is enough for them just go to church eat wherever you want give them hot choco watch entire day with movie about christmas. We all have our own downfalls, maybe now you are on a setback but things will work out someday, trust your self and the strength of your love for your kids that would be enough. Dont focus on the material things you cant provide them, instead focus of being a strong mom that they’ll ever need not just for the holiday but for the rest of their lives. Chill Christmas is about Jesus and not on being extravagant.

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Contact me please I would like to get your son a gift

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Do you gave food stamps if so get some stuff to make treats and put oranges, nuts and candy in the stocking and then make cookies and fudge and help your son pick a few people to give to , giving feels so much better then getting and it can change the focus.

Go to dollar tree. And next year sign up for toys for tots or a christmas help organization. The school has info on signing up for those, just ask. Even if you spend $10 or $20 at dollar tree you could still give him a christmas. And make Christmas a day of love. Bake. Watch movies.

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Salvation Army, churches, etc. PM me amd I can help find places, if the CS is court ordered it will catch up to him.

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Does anyone know we’re this mom is located

There are organizations through your child’s school where you can get signed up for Christmas help! There are angel trees you can get your child’s name on! But, the true meaning of Christmas is the best gift to give your child!! Maybe you can make cookies together and give those as gifts to teacher, neighbor, etc!!

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Call toys for tots and local churches as well… your not a terrible parent, your just going through some rough times.

Breathe, pray and come up with some plans, short term and long term… it’ll work out.

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Girl message me. Give me your mailing and ages of your kiddos and I’ll send some gifts

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Is there any way you can put your address or an address you’re comfortable with on here or send it to the ppl who say they can help in IM? Anyone that can help can send him a thing or two making it huge if theres a lot of ppl. Anyone down?

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Message me. Would like to send your son a gift

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Like the other mommies said go to churches and toy drives etc. And maybe the childs grandparents could help?? You are not a horrible mother make the best of what you can!

I recommend joining give me your money. They might be able to help you our

I’m a single parent of two and I keep Christmas simple if I have money or not I know Walgreens had buy two 6.99 toys and get two free that’s 4 toys for like 14.00 maybe you can borrow like 20 dollars … it doesn’t have to be fancy don’t stress yourself trying to go all out…I hope it works out for you but don’t beat yourself up everyone goes through something at some point

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Go to a church or food bank or someone that adopts families for Christmas

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How old are your children?? I am getting rid of some toys that could give to you? Inbox me??

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It sucks it feels soo terrible u feel like a complete failure. And complete crap. The same issue is going on here and I have 5 kids. Yes I know ppl will say that it’s not about the gifts but when everyone else is able to do for their kids and schools ask them what they got for Christmas and your kids say nothing and don’t answer or make things up so they don’t feel embarrassed, it kinda is about the gifts . Bc u know they will see others with things and they will get nothing. it hurts and makes u feel like complete shit! Along with my damn car breaking, my health has rapidly declined. At this point and the unexplained weight I’ve lost from whatever is wrong with my body (in addition to aches and pains and barely maintaining) interfering with my ability to maintain a regular job. I almost feel like it’s going to be our last Christmas bc I may not be here. Yeah I’m thinking the worst but I can’t help
It for everything going on with me and tests are not revealing certain things and why the cause of some of these issues s. Yeah I am not putting up my tree bc that’s like rubbing it in saying look failure , u couldn’t get one damn gift, u suck as a woman and a mother. That’s how I feel about myself. I am too late for programs and there was a lady that said she would help but suddenly doesn’t tell me anything and doesn’t answer me or respond. But has seen my message so I counted on that but it looks like that isn’t happening now. I would be grateful if the person that said they were helping would at least tell me if they have to back out bc they just can’t . It would definitely take away the anxiety of not knowing what to expect . I just don’t even know. I hate Christmas bc it always sucks , I myself never had a Christmas growing up c my father just didn’t do it . He was a sick abusive man. So he nevercared . I always thought I’d give my kids a superb Christmas the one I dreamed of having growing up. I have failed them soo many times bc I usually can’t do much. And bc a bunch of crap fell at once they will do without again. My twins are turning 9 in two damn days and I can’t get them a Christmas gift let alone a birthday gift. I hate this time of year. I tried to experience it and all it does is bring me misery and depression. I love Christmas but hate that that it comes soo fast when bad suck things are going on ,your barely holding on and it’s always at a bad time . I love Christmas but I just really dislike when it comes around for the last couple of years.

Toys for tots is great!
I also would love to send something💛

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Where are you located? We would love to help

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How old is your son? If you pm me your sddrsss i can try to get something for him for Christmas it wouldn’t be much as I’m on maternity leave and don’t have much coming in

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Wow this brought back memories. My kids are grown now but I’ll never forget how hard it was. Sounds like you got them away from their dad and that’s good. I can’t really give any advice from my experience but I know a young mother of several children. She joined and became active in a church a few years back. The congregation embraced her children. They have helped her so much.

Where are you located

There are programs to help you out.

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Where are you located? Maybe I can help in some way.

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All of these people commenting willing to send gifts, is down right awesome.

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A lot of churches help this time of year call a few local to you and tell them what’s going on they may help out!

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We had to do toys for tots this year my husband lost his job back in October he is a veteran and they give you three per child so thankfully we get that and our kids get something it’s better than nothing :heart:

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How old is your son? Where are you located? I’ll be damned if that baby boy wakes up on Christmas without a present. Please PM me with details of you see this and I’ll get a couple of things from Amazon and have them prime shipped to you (or can do Walmart pickup but you said you were without a car)… also look into churches they will help as well! Also do toys for tots!

Christmas for kids. Explain your situation. Im sure that no one is gonna let a child go without. You just have to go ask or call around and ask.

I would definitely ask around on local buy sale trade groups in your area. My friends daughters sponsor 3-4 kids each year. She takes them to pull 3 to 4 names off the angel tree and they raise money by baking and selling cookies. And they take the money they earn and go shop for the kids. Its really neat and I bet there are people everywhere that do something similar.

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Where are you located? Happy to gift you some toys not brand new but in good condition

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I would love to send something for your son as well! PM me!!

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Contact local churches, Salvation Army, chamber of commerce, ect. There are lots of organizations ready to help for those in need! Life happens, that’s why there are so many programs like toys for tots! Boys and girls club does things too!

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There are a lot of programs for Christmas help, when money was tight I used to buy stuff throughout the year…

Pm me, his size and address❤️

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I can send something!!!

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Listen honey…I’ve been there. It sucks, but the great thing is that kids just want your presence…not your presents :heart:

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Can you maybe grab a few things from Dollar Tree. They have some cute little gifts.

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Everything will fall in place when it needs to be. Perhaps 1 or 2 gifts from local churches or anything at all? Presents are expensive as hell dont beat yourself up over it

I wish I could help. I myself is struggling. I dont even have a tree. I am sorry you through this.
But I was told there are churches etc that helps people in need.
What about family members? Can they send gifts?

I would love to send a present! Please message me your address!

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There are many many churches and places that help for Xmas. Google or Facebook places where you live. I’m sure you’ll find places that will help.

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Call your local fire station and churches. I’m sure they can help.

What is your address? I’d love to help out x

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Please send me your address in a PM and I’d love to send something for your kiddos!

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How old ur son pm ur address can help with boys toys xxx

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I called churches. You can only sign up to one. That’s $10 a kid. $20 tops. I reached out and my kids will have 2 presents :disappointed_relieved:. Some comments make it seem like it will cover you. I’m still grateful since they had zero. Just wish I could do more. I’m praying for you :heart:. Maybe a makeup day with dinner, movies and a gift will help keep it special.

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If you PM your address I can send some clothes and a couple toys possibly!

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Please message me I’ll see what I can get

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Do they have a Blue Santa are will the Church help you are if you go to your County Health Dept or Police station were l live they have a list for your childs name to sign up for X Mas l Hope you can find some help if you P.M. me l will be glad to help also

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How old are your children? I would love to try help. Please PM me xxx

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If you PM me your address I can send some new gifts for your son :heart::snowman_with_snow:

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Go to the Salvation \Army and they will shower him with gifts. The Good Will the fireman the police men all have programs set up for the under privileged children. There’s no need for him to not getsnd presents as there’s organizations that provide for that at Christmas time. They even have a soup kitchen where you can have the traditional Christmas dinner there’s no need to let your child be disappointed at this time of the year look in to it and give him the best Christmas ever

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Love seeing all the people helping. My husband and I are raising 3 grandkids and know the struggle. It sucks that we can’t afford to give them as much as we would like to. We made it that each kid (hopefully) gets: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Our church and the kids’ schools have been wonderful trying to help us out. You are NOT a horrible mother! The fact that it upsets you means you love your kids very much!

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Call Churches and explain your situation. They always find a way to give your child a good Christmas.

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First of all, things will get better. Now, more importantly–reach out to a church in your community or the nearest Salvation Army. They are there to help. Don’t feel badly, do this for your little guy, please. Merry Christmas!

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I’m going through the same thing this year. I have been out of work all year bc I got really sick with lyme disease at the beginning of the year. We have been struggling barely getting by and then my van broke down and needed over a thousand dollar repair 3 weeks ago. I had to fix it bc my husband had to get to work or we would be even worse off. We just had a vet emergency and there went another 2000 for surgery on our family pet. I tried to sign up for help with gifts through a few different agencies. I was told I wasnt eligible for gifts bc my kids got snow boots and the beginning of the winter. I hate being in this spot bc my 4 kids mean everything to me and they shouldn’t have to suffer bc I’m having financial issues. I’ll be praying for you and your kids that you get something figured out for them. Hugs Momma!

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Remember that a gift… A true gift can cost very little. We started a tradition when our girls were born that we would get them an ornament each Christmas. We were so broke our first year. We went to the mall and her dad coupon for a free burger at A&W. With that he got an ornament of the “Bear”. It was the first gift she opened on her first Christmas day. Didn’t matter that it was free… She proudly hangs it every year on the tree.

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Listen. We go through this every year. And every year is the same shit. Toys that will get played with for an hour and forgotten. They’re spoiled all year long. People going in debt to buy gifts. When the REAL gift is right in front of you…
I have 3 kids, twin 5yo girls and 8yo son and they got 3 things each this year. No more going all out. I’m done with it. Simple gifts too.
You dont have to spend for it to be special. Trust me.

Honey. Message me. I will send you gifts, just need his age and what he likes and an address

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I hate to tell you people this but local churches and salvation army they help but you have to get it in by October that is usually there deadlines this is too late for them to even help the reason for deadlines is because they have a lot of kids to buy for but it’s possible she could get lucky if she goes and talks to them explain her situation

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I wish I was able to help I can’t even help myself

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Where do you live or pm me I may be able to help with a few things :blush:

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I’m reading all of these comments and oh my goodness, so many amazing people on this post. I’m sitting here crying at how caring you guys are.

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There are lots of programs that help. Adopt a Family is one of them and while I don’t know how to apply I have been at multiple jobs that donate to this particular organization. There is always a way don’t give up or give in!