I would like to share to you a very important story about my life. I was only one and blissfully unaware what poverty and struggling was. My father lost his job around the time I was two. With only one working parent it was hard enough to support three people. Around that time also my grandparents were stirring up rumours about my parents not being able to support me and saying I was better off dead. These got so severe that they had to move out of the small town to the city. Upon arriving my parents were essentially homeless, in a new city and not knowing anyone. My Mum had no choice but to find help. She found a church which gave us crisis accommodation, food, clothes and the things my parents needed to take care of me. My father found a job and we found a unit to rent. But still, our family was considered poor and most of my fathers income was used for rent. There was no options but to rely on donations. Which lead up to my first Christmas. I was unaware my parents got nothing but they made sure I got a gift. As I got older I started to realise other people got far more "cooler" gifts. I quickly learned what the phrase "too expensive" was. I never really got anything fancy. One year, we were given a huge box of toys from the same charity organisation which helped us when I was one years old. I got a big teddy bear and I was so happy. Looking back on these experiences there have been times where we couldn't even afford food until pay day and these charities and organisations were there for us. I feel blessed that now I can afford a lot of things that I never could get as a child. I still won't get anything fancy for Christmas but that's not what Christmas is about. So here is my plea. Families like mine don't have the "Merry Christmas" that you will most likely enjoy. There will not be fancy food, or presents, or celebrations. So go donate some food. Go and donate your unwanted goods. If you can, give a few dollars. It will make a difference to someone, like it did to me.
I'm glad that these charity organisation exists. They really helped many people include you and without them most people would be living in poverty including you but glad that you are here because of them and they really deserve a big thank you!
These charity organisations are really useful and helpful to people like you. I remember picking out my old toys, clothes, etc, to give to charity. They may be old stuff but they can still help individuals. Some people don't see the point in Charities and I don't understand why they think this. What if they were poverty? What if they were in the state you were? People need to start understanding this; we should all stand together. I'm going to try to do out my wardrobe again and give old clothes to charity as a lot of stuff I don't wear are too small, etc.
Simple things like putting old clothes in a bag and taking it down to your local charity shop or collection may seem so small to many of us who are privileged, but it can make such a huge difference in many people's lives; this story is a perfect example of that. Something you don't use or wear anymore could make the Christmas of someone else, I'm so glad these charities exist and can help families in need like yours. I am going to be donating food to help feed the homeless at Christmas time this year, and this post has inspired me to do even more. Thank you for sharing this .
every time we make food in girlscouts, what we don't eat, we donate to the homeless. one time we had a whole day based on giving away food.
It is so nice to see people in the community helping others out who are less fortunate and realise poverty not only exists in places like Africa and India, but in your own backyards too.
Krissy, this was so sweet of you to write. I really can't believe that rumours like that were spread, that's absolutely terrible. Thank you for sharing your story. This year I'll be giving some of my toys away because it could be a nice Christmas present c: I believe we also may be volunteering at another charity gathering but I'm not 100% sure about that.
This is very touching. I can relate to this Krissy. My dad has a job that pays well but unfortunately personal things happened and my dad had to pay a crap ton of money. Along with that, our house is now not on a fixed mortgage, it is now varied based on the economy, making saving more difficult. Recently I had to pay for college fees (bc we pay for college application fees that totaled almost 800 dollars) and on top of that, Im going to college soon and need to take out a loan, along that im getting a new car (cause I need it to drive duh). All of these things are affecting how much money my dad has and what I want. I dont know if I will ever get presents on christmas or even travel anywhere. Im worried about losing my home I've grown in for the past 14 years, the things I love personally would be gone bc we would need to take the things that would fit in an apartment. I am more worried about my dad losing money and Idk what to do. But in the midest of all of this I stay happy and try to make the most of my day, like spamming Laini on discord What makes me more happy is that helping kids younger than me who are going through terrible things gives me a warm feeling in my heart and having fun. Which is where you guys come in, I've had a lot of fun with you guys and sometimes make me happy, like today Laini made me laughing my a** off while I was walking and almost made me trip.
If you really are struggling for money then don't get a car. Its an unnecessary expense. Use public transport as much as possible or catch a ride with someone.
Even living in the countryside like I do, I don't use a car. If you're lucky like me, you'll have public transport nearby, and doing some walking or using a bike is not only good for your health but also environmentally. -- Krissy, thank you for sharing this message. It's something that's pretty often overlooked no matter how often a charity will ask for help and donations. I'm sorry that you had to deal with this in your earlier life. I'll be donating non-perishable food when I visit the supermarket, as I do most years, but this has made me think I should probably do more.
It is interesting people don't often get to hear what their donations do. But I can say for certain that they help more than people know. I will never find out who donated the items that gave me joy on Christmas or helped our family out but I can give back to other families in need. And I think it is an important part of this holiday. Especially if religion is not the reason behind your celebrations, giving to others is nice way to go. As i've said before, even though it was overlooked. It is amazing to see people help those in need in this community.
My mom has a cousin who is poor, we always donate to them our unwanted toys and cloths. Feels so good to be honest that we helped people!
I feel ya. While I never tell others what I do, I've been involved in numerous things such as the Uthando Project | Dolls for the children of KwaZulu-Natal The care packages for poor students and children in Bali, several care packages for the children and woman escaping domestic violence (which if you were unaware, a lot of woman flee home with the children. They don't get to take their toys or personal belongings, or even toiletries so my mum, sister and myself made friendship bracelets, and bought some toiletries and made gift bags), little gift packages for the poor children which were given to red cross, giving non-perishable food to organisations and other things. (I don't like to announce my good deeds unless I feel obligated to share. So of course i'm not trying to make myself look good because i've given to others). But it does make you feel extremely good. All my unwanted things always go to the second hand stores because its a waste to throw things away that others could use.
I agree with you. I am getting my dad's old car but probably wont use it for commuting because there's this commuter train that runs near my college and my house, so ill probably use that. I'v ridden the train before and its super affordable and better than driving.
