We are adopting a family in need for Christmas...

[Contrary1]

My son teaches at the school that the kids attend, so we are wishing to remain anonymous. All I know about this family is that they are now living in a hotel. Mom needs surgery, that she cannot afford. There are four children, who need clothes. I can take care of that, since I have the sizes.

She did not ask for toys, money, or anything for herself. Any ideas on something I can get for this mom that would just be for her? I assume that space is limited, living in a hotel. I know nothing about her size, so clothing is out.

We will probably be adding a gift card to a local grocery, but I would really like to get something for Mom. I cannot come up with anything.

Ideas? :hi:

[YOY]

1. Give her a night off. Gift cert for a restaurant and a movie.

Tell her to take her tome and have the kids over for a family movie at your place.

[Contrary1]

4. Oooh, I like the idea of a restaurant.

But, we can't have them at our home, given the circumstances of the kids attending my son's school. It is important that we remain anonymous. Maybe we can get them some tickets for a movie too.

Thanks for the idea!

[emilyg]

10. Great idea. A dinner night out for all

of them.

[XemaSab]

13. If it's a present for her

Taking the kids out might be more of a hassle than keeping them home.

[ColbertWatcher]

16. But, keeping them alone at the hotel is out of the question.

A dinner for everyone where she doesn't have to wash the dishes would be my suggestion.

[XemaSab]

2. Maybe a basket of "girlie" things?

Some nice lotions, soaps, maybe some cold cream... stuff like that.

[Triana]

3. What an absolutely wonderful thing to do...

..I don't have many ideas for Mom (a massage maybe or some type of spa visit?) but what you're doing is really nice.

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. This is what I would do...

I would visit local doctors in the area with this woman's story and see if someone would be willing to take on her case pro bono. We just did this for a friend who needed a hernia operation and were able to find a great surgeon who kicked in his services for free and set up the rest. It's worth a shot. You'd be amazed at what a lot of doctors will do in this economic climate. The gift of health and being their for her kids is the best gift you can give.

It's so very nice that you are doing this. :hug:

[silverojo]

17. That's the best idea!

Go with it!

[leftchick]

24. what a wonderful idea!

:)

[LibDemAlways]

6. How about a wallet with some cash tucked inside?

She would probably appreciate the money more than anything, even though she is, no doubt, too proud to mention it.

Your generosity will mean a lot to that family. A selfless thing to do.

:yourock:

[pnwmom]

15. Good idea. n/t

[Lorien]

7. Tolietries

Decent shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotion, razor, toothpaste and a nice toothbrush, etc.... maybe even some nail polish and remover. All the basics that a woman would pack if she were away. When I've hit tough times those are some of the "luxuries" I miss most. Sometimes dial soap and unbrand shampoo alone doesn't cut it.

[babylonsister]

8. Get her a bathrobe she can float in, one size fits all. Something warm

and comfy. That would be nice, even though you said no clothes. :hide:

[Tulum_Moon]

12. A Pamper Mommy Basket

Of course put that big fluffy bathrobe that babylon suggested. And some big warm socks. Bath and body works have great sales this time of year, but you kinda need to know what scent she likes. I see a lot of my friends with the cherry blossom stuff lately. I used to love the white tea and ginger, then discontinued. I'm so picky and sensitive to smells, but I bought a bottle of moonlight way body spray and everyone loves it. I cant really smell it, it smells like musk. But strangers ask me what it is. And a friend told me not to wear to much around her hubby because it is his favorite. That you can get whole lines of stuff at Target or other dept. stores for a good price. I think it might be callgon. You know what I just looked at the bottle. it is simply basic made exclusively for walmart! No wonder I cant find the Calgon green tea there any more. I hate living in a one store town.
If you could find out what kind of surgery she WILL be having (pos. thoughts), you could get her oils and vitamins to help healing. If you had lots of cash, I don't know what you were planning, but a day at a spa thrown in would be nice. I know, those are big ideas, they just sound so good right now, A Mother of four should be pampered more than just Mothers Day. Hell, all Mothers! 1 or 15 kids!

Good luck.
You have a good heart and something good will come your way when your not expecting it.

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. Sounds lovely to me. :^D

[Mind_your_head]

9. No, give her a gift card to "dinner and a movie" or the museum or SOMETHING

that she can share with her children (and husband?)....something that would make a nice "family memory" - that's what mothers really cherish and want to provide/give their families. You know, "remember when we did *this*? We had so much fun that afternoon/night..." (Mother's love their families more than they love themselves)

It's very kind of you to 'adopt' this family for Christmas. They are blessed.

:hi:

on edit adding: Years from now, this family can say, "remember when we had to live in that stupid hotel for awhile, but right before Christmas we went to "X" (the museum with decorated trees from all around the world? - or wherever) and then had a nice dinner and then talked and laughed about all we saw? ..... something on that order is my suggestion. This mom certainly can't provide such a luxury of an 'outing' like that for her family. She probably feels very low right now. Something like that would help her feel more like a 'proper mom' and her children to feel a bit more like 'regular' kids - or it might even make them all feel special - which is good too.

Making good memories are more important than shampoo, massages, clothes, etc., etc. Memories last a lifetime. They don't fade, tarnish or get old. No one can steal them from you either. Good Memories are a gift that just "keeps on giving" forever.

[sandsavage]

11. How sad for this family

I know that here,Social Services puts mother's and children in hotels too. Usually means they are running from abuse. Maybe a pretty holiday knick knack and a gift cert. Here they ask to use the cheaper chain stores, like Target or Walmart. Gives the person more of choice at a price they are comfortable with.

The mother's never ask for anything. Which is heartbreaking,because they need everything. You are a good person. We are having a real struggle here. Just not enough people able to help others this year. Still think we will get to all our families in need.

The reason I mentioned the little knick knack. It will remind her, someone cares about her and her children every time she looks at it. Just knowing this is important.

[rvablue]

14. God bless you for what you are doing ....it's so kind.....

and I'm too overklemped to give my two cents. :cry:

Something tells me you'll come up with something wonderful!

[TWiley]

18. Try doing this without drawing attention to yourself.

If nothing else, it will be an interesting spiritual adventure. You have already ruined this opportunity by bragging about it, so it is time to find one that costs you more. This new one must be strictly anonomyous. Tell NOBODY. EVER.

See what happens when only you, and not even the recipient, knows the origin. I suspect this will be tougher to do than you can imagine.

[Berry Cool]

19. It's not ruined. It can still do plenty of good

and asking for ideas on how to do it is hardly "bragging about it." Especially in a forum like this where no one is using real names anyway.

[Dorian Gray]

27. How is it "ruined?"

That's just silly.

Giving anonymously is great, but asking for advice on an anonymous message board is hardly tooting ones own horn. But, even if it is, who cares?

[proud2BlibKansan]

20. I am a teacher and I do this every year

The kids want to open gifts so be sure and get some stuff for them and wrap it.

Mom would probably love a little Christmas tree. When you are poor, you can't afford Christmas decorations.

[tkmorris]

21. How did you find such a family to help?

I would be interested in such a thing, but have no certainty how to connect with a family truly in need.

[leftchick]

23. I direct a ministry for the poor and disabled every year

through our Parish. I am very familiar with Mom needs. Suggestions, basics like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, spa stuff for a stocking or pretty gift bags. Almost all of my moms ask for gift cards for Target, Walmart or food stores. I always include christmas treats or a coffee gift basket etc. Once you think about it and put yourself in their shoes it makes a lot of sense.

[Marrah_G]

25. Toiletries, maybe some makeup

Or a gift card to a ladies clothes store.

You wouldn't believe how much good smelling soaps, makeup, even some razors can help to boost the spirit of a woman.

I suggest putting together a basket of little things.

[Dorian Gray]

26. What about a day of "beauty?"

A gift certificate for mani/pedi, hair cut, massage or any combo of the above?

This is very kind of you. :)

[a la izquierda]

28. This thread makes me smile...

particularly when it seems the a-holes have taken over DU and have eaten their own brethren.
I think all of these suggestions are great...I like the basket of girlie stuff the best. It's what my mom always loved when I was a kid (and my mom would never buy ANYTHING for herself--all her money went to my sisters and me).