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Northeastern Pennsylvania Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pocono area
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Old 11-28-2012, 12:42 PM
 
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Last year I had a less than gratifying experience with a certain charity that shall remain nameless -- I took names of two kids off a Christmas tree and shopped for them based on the list - I bought full outfits, including shoes and winter coats, along with several toys, and dropped them off in person at the organization, and while I was thanked pleasantly, I've since come to hear (though I have no proof) that at this charity, these types of personal bundles of gifts do not necessarily go to the intended recipient - that they are unbundled and divvied up, sometimes even among staff or volunteers.

I'm looking for people who have firsthand experience that the donations really do go to the kid on the tree, just to use one example.

Can anyone solidly vouch for any of our local organizations?

I am in Monroe County and would like to give to people in our area.

Thanks.
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Old 11-28-2012, 12:56 PM
 
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Your local Food bank would be a place to start: Second Harvest Food Bank - Monro County
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Old 11-28-2012, 03:53 PM
 
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Right, but do they take other than food? I'm talking toys and such...
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Old 11-28-2012, 04:04 PM
 
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How about this place? Family Promise of Monroe County (hope it's not the bad one. )
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Old 11-28-2012, 04:30 PM
 
Location: Pennsylvania
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I can understand splitting up a large gift to one child. If another child isn't getting anything, i'd have no problem with them taking something from my donation to give to another recipient. But for the charity workers? I hope not!
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Old 11-28-2012, 05:36 PM
 
Location: Mid-Atlantic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gettingouttahere View Post
Right, but do they take other than food? I'm talking toys and such...
Toys for Tots? They take cash donations too. Some food banks will take donations of pet food and household items like laundry detergent and personal care items.

Secret Santa? I used to do that for an elderly woman who lived in a semi-rural area. A couple of times a year I would drop a few bags of groceries on her porch. Well, you have to be careful with that but, I think that most would appreciate house cleanser, batteries, canned goods... and a little treat like a small box of chocolates or a scented candle.
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Old 11-28-2012, 07:01 PM
 
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Thanks for the suggestions -- keep 'em coming! Hope others can get something out of it as well...
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Old 11-28-2012, 10:08 PM
 
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Perhaps you could contact a church organization, Lions club or some organization of that nature that could recommend a family. Go meet them and deliver your donation in person. I've thought of doing this myself in the past. I have friend that runs a successful business that did this years ago, it think it might have been the Rotary Club that ran the program.
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Old 11-28-2012, 11:28 PM
 
Location: Lehighton/Jim Thorpe area
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I know that whenever I did an Angel Tree (I'm thinking that's probably the gist of what you are talking about) we picked a name off of the tree, wrapped the gifts and put the recipients' names on them. Not sure if it's true that they divided the gifts up, but that's annoying if they do. It's probably better to just give to somewhere like Toys for Tots then, or a food pantry.
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Old 11-29-2012, 11:31 AM
 
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I've done an Angel tree and heard something similar to what what the OP said, except for part about the staff taking the gifts. I was suspicious when I saw many of the exact same item and many of them were quite expensive gifts. Things that would have been the big present for my own kids.
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