Alternatives to Toys for Tots and Angel Tree?

[BlindBrick 0]

I live in a part of OK that makes rural West Virginia look affluent. A a couple of the families around here have depended on Toys for Tots in the past recently received an email from Toys for Tots stating that due to logistical issues, our county is not being covered and therefore their requests were "disapproved."

Around here it's too late for Angel Tree, so I'm fresh out of ideas to help these folks. I thought maybe some of you guys might know other national or regional charities that do similar work.

-Blind

"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it."

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Around here, the Salvation Army does "Adopt a Family". The families are screened to make sure they need the help, the donors are given basic info (age and gender of family members) and the SA takes the gifts from the donor and gets them to the family.

You might also call a couple local churches. They often do gift drives for members. Even if you aren't a member of the parish, I would think they would accept your help.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[Miranda 0]

Check with your local fire and police departments, they sometimes do their own thing. I worked for a fire dept. (Chief's Secretary) for about 6 years and every year we sponsored a few needy families in addition to the program that we ran.

[BIGUN 1,485]

You might want to try the Tulsa chapter of Catholic Charities

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[Southern_Man 0]

Lots of good suggestions already.

You could call your local Department of Social Services. Often they run or coordinate gift drives.

"What if there were no hypothetical questions?"

[NWFlyer 2]

Another option, if you have the time, is to coordinate it yourself and reach out to your friends, family, and coworkers directly to sponsor the families you know.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[champu 1]

I've always been a fan of Child's Play although I realize it's not quite what you're talking about.

Otherwise, I second adopt-a-family if you find information about that in your area.