Is There a Difference Between Holiday Help for Presents Versus Holiday Help for Food?

This piece from my local TV station discusses how people can get "holiday financial help." As you watch the piece they clearly note that they're talking about two different types of assistance: help for buying presents and help for buying food.
 
In past years, we've participated in various programs that provided toys for children from less fortunate families. But I'm re-thinking that plan this year. After all, with so many people out of work and hurting for FOOD, is it right to donate so some people can have PRESENTS? Seems to me like food is a "must have" item while presents are "like to have" items.
 
Anyone have thoughts on this? Is there a difference between one type of donation and the other? Should people give to them both equally? What's your take on the issue?

Comments

[Philip]

I don't think donating gifts when people need food is wrong. After all, you're freely giving to a willing recipient, a choice you didn't have to make. If your values are telling you, personally, that donating food is more important than donating material things, you should follow your values. People around the world are hungry throughout the year, not just during the holidays, yet millions donate things or to causes not related to feeding the hungry.

Here's another idea. How about donating something along the lines of "teach a man to fish" that would have long-lasting impact to mitigate the underlying cause of hunger? A simple idea is donating seeds for a vegetable garden. Another idea is giving someone the "What Color is your Parachute?" book for finding a job. Or donate gifts with your money but donate your time to a soup kitchen. Or buy food in bulk and cook some hearty meals for individuals you know personally who need help. Some of these won't feed the person immediately but might give them tools to do so over the long-term. You can supplement this with non-perishables or grocery store gift cards in the short-term. You get the idea.

[Hal]

I think I'd lean more toward things, too. Both will provide a temporary lift, but at this time of year, it seems to provide the recipient more dignity to be able to take part in the fun and spirit of the season. Gifts are a big part of that. Maybe, instead of foregoing gifts in favor of food, you split how you donate? Or, for every gift you give, you also include a few non-perishable items?

[Crystal]

I donate clothes and items to Goodwill when I organize the house, canned food when it's convenient (like the USPS food drive or the one at work), time to the organizations I enjoy, and money to the other places I want to support along the way. I don't donate toys, but that's only because I do not have children I'm shopping for anyway.

I guess my opinion is donate what you can to help who you want, which means you may end up donating in a few different ways...Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army aren't mutually exclusive. :-)

[Emily]

I know this sounds really bad but I have a hard time believeing that people are hungry in America. We have food stamps for people that need food and soup kitchens and community pantries. I guess some people don't ever apply for food stamps though. Do you personally know people who have gone hungry in America?

[FMF]

Emily --

I don't know anyone personally, but it doesn't take much to imagine that if nothing else, many homeless people need the basics of food, clothing, and shelter.

[Jamie]

Neither giving food nor gifts is wrong. I stopped donating toys to any organization that demands they be "new and in the manufacturer's packaging." That tells me that they've gotten so much stuff in the past, that the recipient families can now be picky about what they get. Maybe I'm misinterpreting it, but that's my mindset. I give food or give through events that allow me to "know" the recipient (like adopt a family events). Regarding Crystal's post about food stamps...not all families in need are eligible for public assistance. Some are on the verge of eligibility or just need a little help to get through a tough spot. I encourage you to seek organizations that aren't connected with government-sponsored organizations that require you meet minimum qualification guidelines. The American hungry may not be the poster child for UNICEF, but the need exists.

[Kate]

My husband is unemployed. I have a job. We don't qualify for assistance programs, and we shouldn't. However, on my income, once our emergency savings run out (barring unforeseen circumstances, I believe we are fine until June), I will JUST be able to pay for our home, basic food and utilities -- the most basic necessities. I have stopped buying (used) clothing for myself, though I could really some "new" clothes. Not want -- I seriously could use some new stuff. We are able to give some frugal gifts to our child (I bought Legos for $10 on eBay, am going to splurge on pajamas and two handtowels for a total of about $16 -- yes, the kid wants handtowels -- at Target, and am also giving two homemade stocking stuffers). When I think about where we are, I am grateful, but it makes me wonder about families that are in greater need than us. If I, with my job, feel I need to spend less than $30 on my child for Christmas, what about families that have even less than we do?

I don't think gifts are necessary for an adult -- although, if you think about what I said about clothes, I bet there are families hurting more than we are who could REALLY use some clothes. And, no, toys are not going to feed your child. But I think it is awfully nice for families who have to pitch in to give a little something to families where the children would not otherwise get ANYTHING for Christmas. My MIL never got Christmas presents because her family was poor, and you can hear the hurt that still lingers when she talks about this. Our office adopts a family every Christmas, and while I didn't give much at all, I did still give a little this year.

Food is important, but there's nothing wrong with a little sharing to give others gifts, too.

[Philip]

@Jamie, according to the Toys for Tots website (probably the largest organization that only accepts new, packaged toys), this change was made in 1980 for three reasons:
1. Reservists don't have enough time to refurbish toys; they need to practice combat skills
2. Health and safety concerns with used or unpackaged toys (liability)
3. New toys send a message of hope to motivate children to become productive citizens

Here's the direct quote:
"First, the Secretary of Defense’s Total Force Program, introduced in the 1970’s, assigned Reserves a greater role in America’s defense posture. As a consequence, Reservists had to dedicate every minute of weekend drill time to honing and polishing combat skills. No time was available to refurbish toys. Second, public awareness of the health and safety aspects of toys that developed during the ‘70s made distribution of used toys legally inadvisable. Third, distributing “hand me down” toys does not send the message Marines want to send to needy children. The goal is to deliver a message of hope, which will assist in building self-esteem and, in turn, motivate less fortunate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. A shiny new toy is the best means of accomplishing this goal."

[Crystal]

@Jamie
Crystal didn't post anything about food stamps.

[Crystal]

@Kate
My best wishes go out to you and yours...I'm sure your hubby will be able to find something soon.

I completely agree that anything anyone can give would be appreciated by those in need, whether it be money, food, clothes, time, or toys.

My mother had to get food stamps to support herself and me when she first left my biological father...she truly appreciated that program and the help she received from family. It only took her 3 months to get back on her feet, but without help, those 3 months might have completely broken her. Also, I know I really appreciated anything sent my way while I was broke and in college.

Supporting and helping people that really are in need is something that can only make your life better. It feels good to give and you may never know how thankful the recipient is...

[billyjobob]

I think Emily is right. Is there really hunger in America? I believe some people are having a hard time. But really there is enough assistance that we don't have the starvation like they do in other countries. (seen any skinny kids lately? ) What I see first hand is that many choose to be poor. Or rather.. they choose to not work and prefer the government to take care of them. More than once, I've seen someone using food stamps to purchase not the staples of what they need to feed a family but more the items they just want. Pop. potato chips. Expensive steaks. They'll also be talking on a cell phone and have a pack of smokes in their pocket. These are not people that are going through a bad time. These are people that have made living off the government programs their way of life.

A few years back my family decided to forgo presents for each other and instead find a family in need and make their christmas better. Through a chuch pastor we were hooked up with a family to help. The family was a single mother with a couple of kids. My mother went shopping for christmas gifts with the single mom. The lady right away informed my mom that she would be happy to accept a playstation 3 for her and the kids. My mom chose instead to get many different smaller gifts for the whole family, including a few clothing items for the kids. I think that made more sense.
Anyway my point is that maybe some people really do need help. But...they might be hard to find here in America. I see a lot of people that don't need a handout as much as they need just a hand up. And many of those people only want the hand out.

[MC]

I feel like a scrooge, but I also am skeptical that any children in the US are really lacking toys to play with.

My own kids play with mainly with hand-me-down toys, toys from garage sales, and yes, they love a lot of the toys from McDonalds. All stuff that these christmas charities won't take! When they grow out of the toys, we donate everything to Goodwill. I've been to Goodwill in my town and they are literally drowning in lightly-used toys that are selling for almost nothing.

Sure, all kids seem to be programmed by TV to want some new cool thing for Christmas, but has excessive consumption at Christmas become some kind of a right in our consumer society? Are kids deprived if they don't get a playstation or a wii or an american girl doll for Christmas?

I wish there was a way I could donate at Christmas so poor kids could later get $ help to attend college. Or if I could donate to my local school system which has problems buying textbooks for everyone or new library books. Just think if all the $ spent on those toys was actually spent on education instead.

[Jim]

Why not give both?

There certainly is hunger in America. Its not like hunger in the 3rd world with chronic malnutrition but we do have people struggling to feed themselves week to week or month to month. A LOT of Americans can find it a challenge to provide food for their families. A USDA study found over 6 million households in 2008 had 'very low food security' which means at some point in the year they ran out of food. I don't think this should be that hard to believe given the state of peoples finances and the economy.

[Jim]

billyjobob said "More than once, I've seen someone using food stamps to purchase not the staples of what they need to feed a family but more the items they just want."

There are certainly cheats and frauds out there scamming any system. But that doesn't mean there is no need or that the program is bad. Medicare has fraud but that doesn't mean there aren't sick old people.

MC said: "I feel like a scrooge, but I also am skeptical that any children in the US are really lacking toys to play with."

I'm sure almost all kids in the US have some sort of toy. A kid can have fun playing with a empty cardboard box as far as that goes. Its not that kids are lacking toys but that they are lacking christmas gifts. Kids expect christmas toys whether they have toys already or not. We're not talking about PS3's or Wii's here either.

[Paula]

"Is there really hunger in America?"

Yes there is. As someone who used to work with the mental ill/homeless I know that there are only so many resources to go around. First you have to qualify for food stamps. There is a gap where people earn to much money but not enough and have to cut back, the easiest way is through thier grocery budget.

Also if you don't have an address, it makes it more difficult to get what you need and many more families are now living out of cars/tents. Priority for resources are made to families, then women, then men. But there has been a steady decrease in funding/giving for programs.

We try and do both. I usually have my kids go shopping with me to pick out toys for kids thier age. It helps them to learn (hopefull) some gratitude. But we always try and give to places that help out food wise, especially this time of year where winter utlities can make life more difficutl for people.

[Juliet]

I think it's great that you're donating to anything, period. Lots of people don't. It's kind of a tough call, but I think at this time of year, presents ARE really important for children. I know I have a lot of magical Xmas memories from when I was little, and no presents at all make for sad memories. I think either way you're making the holiday easier on families. If you spring for gifts, they don't have to, and then they can afford slightly better (or just more) food.

[Kate]

Jim is right. The cheats we see don't mean there aren't people who really are hungry. I've read survey data indicating that some poor adults skip meals in order to feed their children. Wish I had hard data at my fingertips, but I don't have time to go looking right now.

And @Crystal, thank you. My husband just got a job yesterday afternoon!

[Crystal]

@Kate
Congrats to your husband! Hope he loves it!

[First Step]

To the people who think there isn't hunger in America: call any public school and ask to talk to the social worker. When my daughter was in kindergarten, a boy in her class was so malnourished, his baby teeth were destroyed from his body leaching the calcium from his bones. His mother had lost her job and was too embarrassed to ask for help. When the social worker went to their house to investigate, there was NO food in the house. This was in Raleigh, NC in 2001. Check out the situation in your community--you'll be unpleasantly surprised.

[Sarah]

...Well, if a person preferred statistics to those lovely unquantifiable anecdotes about the dozens and dozens of poor people they personally know whose finances they've audited to determine that they're spending their WIC money on liquor, one might look at an article like this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/us/17hunger.html?scp=5&sq=%22food%20aid%22&st=cse

"The number of Americans who lived in households that lacked consistent access to adequate food soared last year, to 49 million, the highest since the government began tracking what it calls “food insecurity” 14 years ago, the Department of Agriculture reported Monday."

[JimL]

I have spent time as a volunteer with respect to financial counseling to those that are underemployed, unemployed, etc.

What I dont' understand is how some families that are in such trouble with food expense are not willing to eliminate or reduce such things as cell phone plans, internet service, cable t.v. Despite the economic downturn, take a look at the revenues for AT&T, Verizon, etc. They are stilling rising at very solid rates. With double-digit unemployment, significant increases in food stamp programs, etc., you would think that people would be cutting back on those services.