Holiday gift-giving programs to needy can seek too much

A long time ago, I can remember when Christmas came around and the talk was all about the kinds of things we wished to get from Santa. Things have changed a bit -- now it's the Angel Tree sponsored by the Salvation Army that holds the interest.

I am not disparaging this program by any means. I thought it was good.

I took part in this at my church because I thought it a nice way to give to those in need. I did my homework and found it was not the way it should have been done.

I read all the cards. These were just not toys for needy kids, but big-ticket items such as bicycles, computers, expensive clothing, shoes for "all my kids," etc.

I lost the feeling of giving and did not do this program again.

As you may have read in the Herald recently, most of these folks have learned to use the system to outfit their families until next Christmas.

I think of all the years when my husband was serving in the military and was not at home to help us have a very Merry Christmas. I always managed to see that our children got a few of the things they asked for. I got a part-time job just to accomplish this.

Today, every December the organization that takes care of this is the Marine Corps Reserve. Our club has a wonderful luncheon meeting where we collect toys for needy kids. It's called "Toys for Tots."

This Dec. 12 we will be doing the same collection at the Peridia Country Club. Lots of really needy children will get something they asked for.

Come, see, and bring an unwrapped toy or toys for a boy or girl of all ages. We will continue to take part in this program.

Joan Shirey

Bradenton

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Holiday gift-giving programs to needy can seek too much ."