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Angel Tree gift question -- what is going on with the gifts?
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Anonymous
I'm talking about this thread. Plenty of gross posts, and they've been called out by multiple people. Try reading it. |
Anonymous
Oh, that is hilarious. I donate all year, not just at Christmas. The ones shouting platitudes here are the witchy schoolmarms attempting to scold others. You know, like you. |
Anonymous
So you're buying iPads and iPhones left and right? You're so full of it. You are trying to make some point about poor people but doing it in such a clumsy way by blathering on about a specific program you don't know anything about. |
Anonymous
I'm saying you are posting pretty disgusting things, and I know I know more about poverty than you. I'd bet I do more to alleviate it, too. But, carry on. |
Anonymous
Again, what is your point? A few kids want expensive electronics. Some people can't/won't but those items. The vast majority of donors and sponsors figure it out and wishes are met. What exactly is your problem? Feel free to buy the items yourself if you're so moved. But why are you yelling at people here? |
Anonymous
Name one disgusting thing I have posted. One. I dare you. |
Anonymous
So quote the actual posts you have an issue with. |
Anonymous
+1 What you've written has been true for all the Angel Trees at my schools and church. |
Anonymous
I think a lot of people use the term "Angel Tree" to refer to any of the programs where someone is buying gifts as a charitable act for a kid they don't know. I thought "Angel Tree" specifically was something for children whose parents are incarcerated? Each year I choose a child from a local organization. They don't call it "angel tree" but it's the same general concept--the child expresses a few wishes and someone who doesn't know them buys it for them. This particular organization posts it all on a "Signup Genius" form so givers can see all of the children and their wishes before committing to a specific child. They also list it by family, so I could see that the child I was choosing also had a younger brother, so this year I decided to do two kid and signed up for both. Over the years, I've asked for advice here on DCUM about the gifts I'm buying and I usually describe it as "an Angel Tree type" situation. |
Anonymous
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Poor people -of which I used to be one- are allowed to have wishes and desires beyond food and clothing. They are even allowed to want the luxuries other people take for granted.
If you don't understand this, you're lucky to have never been in that position. If you're harping over some teen who would like an ipad like his or her friends, and doing so at CHRISTMAS, you need a bit more soul searching and reflection on the type of person you are instead of coming on here and complaining. Because, I assure you, there is plenty for you to work on there. |
Anonymous
Where do you live? This is BS. Or if true, you need to spend more time talking to your patients about how to deal with the utility companies, which all have programs to keep those things running. Also if true, you need to call CPS. I grew up in this situation of chaos and you are not doing kids any favors by leaving them in these situations, even with a new Christmas toy. |
Anonymous
Expand your understanding. Yes, there is true poverty within the US borders. How nice it would be if it were a matter of just calling "the utility companies, which all have programs to keep those things running." Right. Why don't you just show us how to do that? https://www.azcentral.com/in-depth/news/local/arizona-environment/2020/07/22/the-navajo-nations-wait-for-water-persists-with-few-answers/3224889001/ Waiting for water: On the Navajo Nation, long lines, scarce resources, a cry for solutions "An estimated 30% or more of people across the Navajo Nation live in homes without running water." https://grist.org/justice/navajo-nation-electricity-power-covid/ The Navajo Nation generates a ton of power — but 14,000 homes don’t have electricity As for CPS, why would I call a governmental entity who doesn't have jurisdiction here? Tribal Social Services does, and they are fully aware of the situation. Or were you arguing for removing children from the tribal members and placing them in homes far away? I'm a fed. I have ties to DC. I work here. I live here much of the year. I guarantee you have no business lecturing me about what poverty is all about. |
Anonymous
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^^As regards Angel Trees:
Native Americans are Incarcerated at the Highest Rate, New Report Reveals https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/native-americans-are-incarcerated-at-the-highest-rate-new-report-reveals "A newly released report by the MacArthur Foundation shows that Native Americans are incarcerated at a rate 38 percent higher than the national average." Do the children here need basics? Yes. Some ask for them. When you ask what they dream of, it might well be a smartphone that will be passed around multiple family members can can be used for school connection if they are isolating for COVID, or for calling for help, or any number of things. Phones are lifelines. Are most children posting to Angel Trees across the country in this sort of circumstance? Obviously not. Never said they were. But you apparently assume these children don't exist, or that people who object to your portrayal of them are just "witchy schoolmarm" busybodies who don't actually do anything to make it better. As I said, carry on. 
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Anonymous
Wow. I’m a DP who has worked in high poverty urban areas here in the US. No, there aren’t always “programs to keep those things running”. Yes, I have let parents and grandparents and even step-great grandparents and older siblings use the phone in my poorly heated office while we tried to sort things out — often unsuccessfully. “Funny” how so many elderly Black citizens had jobs that were deliberately carved out of things like social security benefits. “Funny” too how meager pensions can only stretch so far while benefits and legal standing for the kids get figured out … or not. As to CPS, either you have little experience with CPS yourself— or you got very very lucky. As a mandated reporter I have called CPS, and dealt with some wonderful workers and wonderful families. But there are some criminally awful ones out there too — and what you get when you pick up the phone is a crap shoot. Much appreciation for all who donate — especially those who do so with a genuinely caring spirit. |
Anonymous
| The point of an Angel Tree isn't to ask kids what they dream of and to write their biggest dream down for them. Oftentimes the parents just fill out the paperwork for the kids. This isn't like Make a Wish, it's much simpler than that and most people get how it works. Luckily there are a few things written down so if the iPad isn't affordable usually the other 2 asks are. |