holiday [2]

The holidays are often hard for all sorts of people. Being separted from your loved o­nes, being alone, being depressed, or just being short o­n cash - it's hard for adults to get into the festive feeling and harder still to provide wonderful holiday memories for our children.

There is help out there. Your local churches and malls are often your best bet as many run an "adopt a family" or "angel tree" promotion where community members can help out a family.

If you haven't been able to find anything in your area, we've gathered a few general programs below. PLEASE, if you're thinking of applying for assistance, do it quickly. Most places have an early cut off date to ensure that families can be adopted in a timely matter.

MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS FOUNDATION
http://www.toysfortots.org [3]

• Go to "Toy Drive in Your Community"
• Select you state - click "go"
• The names of local TFT Coordinators will appear
• Select the TFT Coordinator nearest you
• Contact by phone, FAX, email (Recommend you use email)
• Click the hypertext email address
• An email form will appear
• Fill out the form by providing your
  • name,
  • phone number
  • address.
• Provide the ages and gender of your children and request that Christmas toys be provided for them.
• The Coordinator will contact you.

 

THE SALVATION ARMY
http://www.salvationarmy.org [4]

Go to this main site and follow the instructions to find the site for your location. Their main website states:

The "miracle" of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing.The traditional red kettle is and integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.

Donations provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Financial assistance also helps with basic necessities, along with seasonal aid. Families of prisoners often are included.

Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten.

Many families receive aid over a period of months after the Christmas season as well, people struggling with difficult family, emotional, or employment problems.

DO contact the Salvation Army in your area if you require help now or at any time during the year.

 

THE YWCA
http://www.ywca.org [5]

Click o­n the above link to find a YWCA near you. The YW/YMCA's of the world have been helping people in need for many years.

 

THE UNITED WAY
http://www.unitedway.org [6]

Check out the United Way in your area. If they don't have a program for adopting families, they will be able to direct you to o­ne in your area!

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If you know of any other programs that can help single parents and their families during the Holidays, please leave a comment in this article or write to us at admin@parentsworld.com [7]