Really, super poor people.

[Beekissed]

Agreed. When I give, I do my part...what they do with the money is between them and God. It's funny...but in my experience, it is usually the people who have never had hard times that are reluctant to give to those in need, and the less affluent sector of the population are the ones more likely to part with their hard earned dimes to help someone.

Well..you know what they say: Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes....because then you are a mile away and you have his shoes.

 

[Rozzie]

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Heck, I stop and give street bums and homeless people my own lunch. Did just a couple of days ago. Sometimes I carry an extra coat or blanket in the car for the same reason.

Sometimes those who are more affluent are in the position to help BECAUSE they've watched their dimes. It isn't always because they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. I wouldn't call myself affluent now, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I am no longer eating Ramen noodles six nights a week, either. BTDT.

[This does not mean to say that people who are less afluent do not watch their dimes lest someone take this statement that way. Some do; some don't.]

That said, in a case like this, appropriate agencies need to be involved. If this family is already poaching (I'll give the benefit of the doubt and assume this is to manage to feed the family) then they need far more help than one $50 gift can make. Give the gift if you'd like, and can personally afford to do so, but better still, help them more permanently by getting others who are more qualified involved.

 

[Mrs. Turbo]

our local Walmart gives shoes and some clothes that don't sell to the schools. The teachers put them in backpacks of the kids they feel need shoes or a new pair of pants. They also have the backpack program where teachers put snacks like peanut butter crackers, cereal and fruit in the backpacks on Friday so the kids have something to eat on the weekend. The kids are the ones that suffer.....it really is sad, but even something little can make a difference.

 

[mordarlar]

chickensducks&agoose :

told DH about it, he says they probably make the same $$ that we do... and that poor is a way of behavior, not of financial status. I don't care, I'm dropping off dogfood, kidfood and a few small presents. probably won't do a grocery card, but maybe a McDonalds card or something...we have one 7 miles away, and i know the dad has a car. I really think, that if everyone goes out into the world, and can spare $50, even when you can't REALLY spare $50, you still sort of can... we have debt, but $50 isn't going to make a difference to us.. and it might to them.... even if it's just a kick in the pants, or a revelation that humanity is good... or that they should think about their kids... or maybe it'll just make them mad... but people have to try.

chickensducks&agoose, you have a lovely spirit. I suspect you'll touch more people, than just the family in need, with your loving heart. I know i feel as if you've blessed me as well. The world too often seems cold, cynical and lacking empathy. It is refreshing to know that greed and vanity do not hold total sway in this world and this country and that there *are* people who love and care unconditionally. Thank you for being you.

 

[Dunkopf]

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You deserve the blessing. We were foster parents for 10 years and have 5 adopted children because of it. We have known a few social workers and I'm always astounded at the effort you people put in for very little in return monetarily. In ten years we had over 100 children come through our home and none of them were happy about being separated from their parents. No matter how badly they were treated they still wanted to stay with their parents. So I can imagine what it must be like to have to do that. I also know that a large percentage of the parents revert to their previous behavior. Our case worker was with us for almost the whole 10 years and she would tell us what happened to children that had gone back to their parents or relatives. Most of the time it wasn't very good news, although sometimes there was a very happy ending. I was always amazed at what people are capable of doing with their kids.

It takes a lot to do your job and I applaud you.

 

[AngieChick]

It's an awfully poor economy to be judging others for being poor. Even under the best circumstances bad things can happen. Not bathing could be a reflection of the stress and depression that can accompany poverty. Even if there is alcohol or drugs involved, the children are suffering as well and would benefit from some help.

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Many times, especially in rural areas, people choose to live that way because they know no better or there is more important things in their life, like drugs,..etc.,...This day and time I would not see why anyone with children living in a home would be going hungry, or even going without the basics. There is too much help out there for people IF they want it. That is the key,..IF they want it.

 

[rainplace]

I'm a bit late to the thread and others have already said it...

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What a great post! God bless you. I think whatever you do it will be a blessing for this family. I also believe that when you are moved to give and are able to do so, just do it and don't worry whether or not they will use the gift to its best potential. I think that when you pass on the gift you will also be passing on the good spirit and they will be moved to do the right thing with it.

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[redhen]

I think its GREAT what you want to do! HOW can an act of kindness ever be bad? Espically where there are children involved...
I say good on you and karma will get ya back for your kindness someday!

 

[justbugged]

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You deserve the blessing. We were foster parents for 10 years and have 5 adopted children because of it. We have known a few social workers and I'm always astounded at the effort you people put in for very little in return monetarily. In ten years we had over 100 children come through our home and none of them were happy about being separated from their parents. No matter how badly they were treated they still wanted to stay with their parents. So I can imagine what it must be like to have to do that. I also know that a large percentage of the parents revert to their previous behavior. Our case worker was with us for almost the whole 10 years and she would tell us what happened to children that had gone back to their parents or relatives. Most of the time it wasn't very good news, although sometimes there was a very happy ending. I was always amazed at what people are capable of doing with their kids.

It takes a lot to do your job and I applaud you.

This is a very reasonable advice. Give what you can, but one more step will be priceless for the children.