any places that have toy giveaways we need the assistance (San Antonio: sale, to live)

[TexasRedneck]

Easy to say, Proffer - and one that I used to say as well.....until a friend moved back to the states from overseas. He's been using the net to job hunt and stay in touch w/his family back in Europe - what he spends a month in net fees is miniscule in comparison to long distance charges, and the ability to apply for jobs online (which many employers want you to do nowadays).

Besides....to me, someone asking for resources for gifts for their kids - call me a softy, but the needs of the kids trump anything else.

Just me....

[mamatotex97]

I agree with TexasRed. Not to mention the kids probably use it for homework...also a necessity. Not to mention the internet is not exactly expensive. Our is much cheaper than any of our other bills.

[nikip]

Mamatotex97 thanks to the person that says cancel it is much cheaper and a need to apply for jobs when you don't have transporation as well my kids use it for school their education is important. Thanks everyone for your responses

[sagal22]

San Antonio Police Dept has a "Blue Santa" program that helps needy families during the Holiday Season. Contact your nearest SAPD substation and ask for the Blue Santa rep there.

[Proffer]

It's really interesting what many people (many of whom are on public assistance) now consider to be "necessities," such as cell phones with their 100/mo. plans. Make it an old-fashioned holiday by buying some bags of cranberries, make popcorn, and string some tree decorations together instead. That will be much better than toys.

[RGJ]

That's a big leap. public assistance and cell phones to what this thread is about.



<<<<<<...looking around for my scrooge smiley......>>>>>>

[mamatotex97]

*shakes head*

Education is a necessity and I believe the op said they do use the internet for that. Maybe you don't have children, I don't know. I do know we use the computer constantly for middle school homework!

popcorn, cranberries, makes for a quaint holiday but kids will always want toys. Whether it's 1920 or 2010, a set of jax, a bbgun( you'll shoot your eye out) or video games...kids look forward to toys. There is nothing wrong with any parent wanting this for their child regardless of their income.

[synch390]

I agree. As a parent, when finances were scarce the kids would ask why I wasn't eating if I bought them BK as a treat and got nothing for myself. You always want the best for your kids. Maybe you could do an old fashioned xmas, but if there is more available you forget your pride and ASK so that they have the best xmas possible.

[L210]

Originally Posted by Proffer

Cancel your expensive internet connection and buy toys with the money.

I remember paying $10 a month for Time Warner's data internet service; it's a little fast than dial-up. That's cheaper than the gas one would spend driving back and forth to the library, Workforce Solutions, or the Goodwill job center.

I think Pocket has cell phone plans for $25 and you can even get a free phone with mail-in rebate.

Are your children in school? I know some schools do Secret Santa where families volunteer to sponsor an economically disadvantaged student.

[mamatotex97]

The library only allows limited internet time. Not to mention sometimes there is a long wait to get on one. I've used it before when needed but not ideal for peace and quiet/looking for a job either as there are many (adults and kids) who are loud and obnoxious while on the computers.