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12-19-2014, 10:34 AM
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#21
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,681
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I haven't seen this in our local Walmart but when DH was working his office did a gifting tree. He worked in a county agency for developmentally disabled children and adults. Many of the staff would choose to buy for the children who had a gift request on the tree but he made a point of buying for an adult, usually a male. They would ask for socks or a sweatshirt or hat and gloves, sometimes a radio or tool. DH really enjoyed shopping for these and he knew most people would pick the kids.
Our bank used to have a Toys For Tots collection box and since our kids loved Lego I would buy a Lego set and drop it off. I haven't seen a Toys For Tots box in a while.
I keep extra cash on me this time of year and look for a Salvation Army bell ringer.
__________________
Married, both 69. DH retired June, 2010. I have a pleasant little part time job.
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12-20-2014, 12:24 PM
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#22
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Area
Posts: 1,866
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I've seen Giving Trees at Church but never in a WalMart. I wish they would do that here. I may speak to the manager about doing one next year.
As for other charitable giving (Toys for Tots, etc) I make cash donations. I figure they have more buying power than I do. Plus my company matches the donation. I'm going to miss that matching gift once I retire.
__________________
"For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." ~
Hebrews 12:11
ER'd in June 2015 at age 52. Initial WR 3%. 50/40/10 (Equity/Bond/Short Term) AA.
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12-20-2014, 12:55 PM
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#23
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Portland
Posts: 2,038
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I am enjoying reading all the posts in this thread.
The Portland (Oregon) area has giving trees all over. I have really enjoyed buying toys over the years. The last five years we instead adopted a family through a school where my partner volunteers. We get the name of a family in need and their wish list from the school.
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12-20-2014, 02:49 PM
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#24
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Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 23,038
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My young bride is a school teacher. Before every Christmas, the teachers' union conducts a statewide program where (typically elementary) teachers submit names of needy students in their classes, together with an information sheet with sizes, favorite colors, favorite toys, etc. Virtually all teachers in the state then pick a child or children for whom to buy Christmas presents. While you can choose to shop for only one child, they encourage teachers to pick a whole family together, so that the siblings will receive roughly equal treatment. For over 20 years, we have shopped for 3-5 kids in a family. We usually buy them each a winter coat, a sweater or hoodie, pants and a shirt, a book and a toy or piece of sporting equipment (ball, glove, etc). Sometimes we've bought blankets when they were requested.
My church also has White Gift Sunday, which uses a giving tree like those described above. We work with the local DCF office to identify the needy families.
__________________
Living an analog life in the Digital Age.
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12-20-2014, 03:13 PM
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#25
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lawn chair in Texas
Posts: 14,183
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Have done angel trees. Usually buy lightly used coats from Goodwill or Salvation Army, then donate them to a coat drive. Donate to the local police/fire food drive.
Sent from my iCouch using Early Retirement Forum
__________________
Have Funds, Will Retire
...not doing anything of true substance...
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12-20-2014, 08:02 PM
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#26
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Nowhere, 43N Latitude, NY
Posts: 9,037
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You all are warming my l'il ol' Grinch heart reading these posts.
Well done to all the Elves and Santas out there.
__________________
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
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