Incredibly expensive give asks in charity drives this year.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed shopping for my angel tree kids this year. I think the Salvation Army “translates” the specifics of the teen asks. I kind of wish they had let them be more specific, but I did my best. I spend $250ish/kid. I hope they have a good Christmas and I’m not here to police the program, them, or anything else. It’s optional. Just don’t do it if it’s not making you happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The angel tree I picked up had "Wegmans gift cards" on it. Not Safeway. Not Giant. Wegmans. I was annoyed.

I mean maybe it would be a dream to them to just be able to walk into a fancy store like Wegmans and buy food from there. Maybe they’re trying to buy for lots of extended family too, and Wegmans has good gifts, better kitchen supplies, crockery etc. I too would have some cynical feelings about a $400 coat for a 12yo, but I’d be ok w a Wegmans ask.

[Anonymous]

We sponsored a family through Fairfax County Social Services. They ask you to provide winter clothes so we did coats, shoes ( sizes were provided), some other clothes and their wish lists. The wish lists were totally normal for their respective ages. Maybe they had guidance, or someone vetted them.
Given that, I’d recommend the organization.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go to a mall and look for an Angel Tree.

But the “Angel” requests can be ridiculously expensive, exactly what OP is describing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yep, this is what happens every year and its very sad. Its a huge turnoff to people and I'm sure the program suffers for it. Now a family asking for reasonable things might not even get chosen because fewer people are willing to even do it at all thanks to previous experiences.

We used to buy new coats and pajamas and dolls and remote control cars and board games, etc. I felt like I was actually helping someone. I'm not going to buy gifts I do not and would not buy my own children (or myself.)

Wow. How long has this been going on? Talking to the “it happens every year” people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People receive so much in this area that we always donate to other areas. We generally call the social service agency in an area with a high poverty level. They refer us to local organizations and schools. We get an idea of what children need and ages. This year we sent winter coats for 12 children and 12 dozen socks in various sizes. I know it is not exciting but the groups say the items are appreciated. We order items on line and have them shipped directly to the organization.

We only wish we could do more.

People may want to think about bringing old clothes etc to donate when visiting the beaches. There are far fewer social service organizations there than in DC and the surrounding areas, and the general quality of donations is not as high.