M.W. asks from Garland, TX on December 03, 2008
Salvation Army Angel Tree
We were thinking of going to select an Angel Tag tomorrow but have never done it before. To be honest, money isn't flowing too freely in my home so I'm wondering what I can expect. I know there are listed a person's "wants" and "needs" on each tag; what have y'all who've done it before had listed? What's a ballpark figure for how much we can expect to spend? Also, do we view the tags & choose or are we given one at random?
Thanks, mommas!
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S.S. answers from Wichita Falls on December 04, 2008
I usually spend $5 - $10 on a toy, $10 - $15 on a coat (at Ross's), and whatever extra I have on shoes, clothes, etc.
I also usually pick a younger child - 2 to 5 is looking for stuff to unwrap, not a bicycle and a wii. KWIM?
You view and pick.
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B.F. answers from Dallas on December 04, 2008
I think it's wonderful that you want to help even though "money isn't flowing too freely". It is great that you are teaching your children about giving to others! You could donate to Santa's Helpers Toy Drive - you just buy any toy you want and drop it off (unwrapped) at one of their locations. There is one at the Shops at Legacy - at the main plaza in front of the Marriott Hotel on Bishop Street – Tuesday, December 9 from 5-10 p.m.
Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas and a prosperous new year!
1 mom found this helpful
R.F. answers from Dallas on December 04, 2008
We just turned in our Angel gifts they are asking they all be back by the 7th you might want to pick one today.
1 mom found this helpful
S.C. answers from Dallas on December 03, 2008
You get to pick the tag. For the elderly ,they often request jogging suits, coats, blankets. Little ones often ask for coats, toys, baby dolls, etc.
On the info sheet it says that people typically spend around 60.00. Quite honestly, I have always spent around 40.00 after really hunting for good sales at Kohl's and Walmart.
We have made it a family tradition to pick an angel each year. My 3 year old really understood what we were doing this year- it's a good lesson for her. I think you will find it a rewarding experience.
Another option for you is to donate to Toys for Tots. That way, you can just donate a few general items and maybe not have to spend as much money. Watch the tv ads and see where the Marines will be having their next pick-up.
It's nice that you are considering doing this even though times are tougher right now.
1 mom found this helpful
A.M. answers from Dallas on December 04, 2008
I found some cute stuffed animals (beanie baby size) at Walgreens which were 3 for $10. Also, at Walmart, were some teddy bears and a monkey (looks like Curious George) for $5.99 the day after Thanksgiving. I think that price was their regular price. They were in a cardboard box. Something else that doesn't cost much is in August when school supplies are out, I go to Target and buy their Crayola crayons (16 in a pack) for $.25 each! I buy about 15 boxes and what my niece/nephew don't use, I make little gift bags of inexpensive coloring/activity books and crayons. Also, you can buy books that have a large quantity of stickers in them and put 2 or 3 pages in each gift bag. The dollar stores have good prices on stickers.
If you don't make the Salvation Army deadline, you might check with a local outreach center that provides food to families in need to locate a family in need. Also, I think the fire and police depts. collect toys to hand out to children who may have been in an accident or had a fire where they live. There are so many opportunities out there to help others, I'm sure you'll find just the thing for your family!
1 mom found this helpful
R. answers from Dallas on December 03, 2008
Yes, you get to choose whichever angel you would like or you can just donate toys if you feel that you can't adopt an angel. What we do is pick someone our children's age and we always try to get them their want and need. Now don't get me wrong, we are on a tight budget as well, so we shop for sales etc. and I always try to think...if this was the only thing my child was getting for Christmas, what would I do? In that sense I try to buy cost friendly but not cheap, you know? I hope this helps some. Blessings on you and your family!
1 mom found this helpful
S.W. answers from Amarillo on December 04, 2008
As mentioned you get to pick the child(ren) you wish to help. Make up a budget amount that you can afford per person and stick to it. This is where the Kohls and such bargains help. Sometimes you can't get the exact gift that is listed but you can come up with something close. Kind of think of them as your own child(ren) and what you could get them. If they want something outlandish (usually do) then you decide what they get.
When things were not tight at home I would figure about $50 per child and then see what fit and maybe fudge here and there and get the gifts. Many times I would make the gifts for the child(ren) because we usually did 4 two each ranging from baby to 10 or so. One year we added two senior angels to the list. Remember this is all tax deductible under charities.
As for the woman who wants to help with the family of six, do google the gifts so that you can get an idea of what you can afford to get without breaking your giving budget.
May you all have a very happy, safe, prosperous holiday and new year! The other S.
1 mom found this helpful
S.S. answers from Wichita Falls on December 04, 2008
I usually spend $5 - $10 on a toy, $10 - $15 on a coat (at Ross's), and whatever extra I have on shoes, clothes, etc.
I also usually pick a younger child - 2 to 5 is looking for stuff to unwrap, not a bicycle and a wii. KWIM?
You view and pick.
1 mom found this helpful
S. answers from Dallas on December 03, 2008
You get to view them and see what is on them and then choose one that fits what you can spend.
1 mom found this helpful
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