Food or Presents...that IS the Question

 

Animals of YouTube sing "Deck the Halls"
(Andrew)

"A fool judges people by the presents they give him."

— Chinese Proverb (Planet)

   This time of year is particularly hard for families, especially if your family receives State Aid. Many families have to decide whether or not to spend food, or bill money, to buy their child(ren) presents for the holidays. I have been there, and let me tell you, if you have never been in that situation, it sucks! Many families get far behind in their bills, especially rent, because for most, that is the largest monthly expense, and if they “take from Peter to pay Paul,” they may be able to afford to buy something for their family.


   I am here to tell you that there are organizations out there to help you during the holidays, so you do not have to take food off of your table, or get far behind in bills (which indirectly takes food of your table,) to pay for presents.  Numerous families do not realize these organizations are out there, to help families in need, for the holidays. Here are the links I could find, for those organizations. However, some of the organizations cannot be found on the internet, instead, you must call them, or drive to them, (those are the ones numbered in red).

 Here are the different links that can be helpful with toys, and other gifts for you child(ren):

1. Free Cycle Network
2. Toys for Tots
3. The Salvation Army
4. Angel Tree
5. Operation Christmas Child

6. Contact your Local Food Bank
(If you are unsure of where one might be, there is a Gadget on this blog to help you find the one closest to you, all you need to do is enter you zip code, and the Gadget does the rest.)
7. Contact your Local Churches
(Churches can be extremely helpful in pointing you in the right direction)
8. If you are still having trouble finding help, call 2-1-1
(2-1-1 provides information regarding health, and human service organizations) (Google)
9. Contact your child(ren)’s school
(Your child(ren)’s school may be able to be of some help, some schools offer a program like Toys for Tots during the holidays)

  As far as presents for family members (such as siblings, or relatives,) there are other ways to give presents, without spending a lot of money. One of the options out there are to make the presents you will give out to family members (you can even do this for your child(ren). Every year, my son and I make cinnamon hand print ornaments, (of his hand,) to give to family, and friends. It is an inexpensive way to show people that you care, and it allows the person you give them to, to watch how much your child grows each year. All you need is a big bottle of Cinnamon, some Elmer’s Glue, and a large container of Apple Sauce.

Here is a link to a site that will explain How to Make Cinnamon Ornaments.


  Another way you can give inexpensive presents, besides ornaments, is giving crafts that you made. Children love to make things, and what better present to give, (or receive,) than something someone (like a child,) made by hand, just for you. There are so many things that you can make during the holidays, for each different holiday, or religion.

Here are links for different crafts you can make with your child(ren):

Crafts for Children:

1. Crafts for Kids (Education.com)
2. DLTK's Holiday Activities (Together)
3. Holidays (Kaboose, Holidays)
4. KinderArt®Holiday Crafts for Kids (Kinderart.com)
5. Free Holiday Craft Pattern Index (AllFreeCrafts.com, Free Holiday Craft Pattern Index)
6. KidsHolidayCrafts.com (KidsHolidayCrafts.com)
7. The Activity Cupboard (Home)

8. Kids Crafts (AllCrafts.net)
9. Free Crafts for Kids (AllFreeCrafts.com, Free Crafts for Kids)
10. The ALOT Crafts Toolbar (alot.com)


Crafts for Teens:

1. Teen Crafts - Crafts, Projects and Ideas for Teens (About.com)
2. Crafts for Teens and Tweens (Kaboose, Crafts for Teens and Tweens)
3. Crafts for Teens (MakingFriends.com)
4. Crafts for Teenagers (Buzzle.com)
5. Christmas Crafts for Teens (Helium)

   I hope that you can find these links helpful for this holiday season. If you go onto any search engine, and type in - free crafts, you will be able to find these links, and many more. I used the Google search engine to get these links, so if you do not see what it is that you want to make, try using a different search engine, such as Aol or Bing.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS


"Twas the Night before Christmas Poem"
By Clement Clarke Moore


"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.


The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.


When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.


The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.


With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!


"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"


As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.


And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.


He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" "
(Moore)

There are many great web sites out at this moment for making crafts, and for helpful organizations during the holiday season, here are a few that I have found helpful in my researching for this post:


About.com. Teen Crafts - Crafts, Projects and Ideas for Teens. 2010. 10 December 2010 http://parentingteens.about.com/od/crafts/Crafts_Craft_Project_Ideas.htm

AllCrafts.net. Kids Crafts. 10 December 2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.allcrafts.net/kids.htm

AllFreeCrafts.com. Free Crafts for Kids. 2002-2010. 10 December 2010 http://www.allfreecrafts.com/kids/index.shtml

—. Free Holiday Craft Pattern Index. 2002-2010. 10 December 2010
 http://www.allfreecrafts.com/holiday-crafts.shtml

alot.com. The ALOT Crafts Toolbar. 2010. 10 December 2010
 http://try.alot.com/tb/crafts/crafts_holiday.phpaff_id=googlefive&camp_id=463&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc

Andrew. Animals of You Tube Singing "Deck the Halls". 23 December 2009. 10 December 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-0WVfj76bo

Army, The Salvation. The Salvation Army. 2000-2009. 10 December 2010 http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

Buzzle.com. Crafts for Teenagers. 200-2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/crafts-for-teenagers.html

Cycle, Free. Free Cycle Network. 2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.freecycle.org/

Education.com. Crafts for Kids. 2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.education.com/activity/arts-and-crafts/?cid=55000.0060581029&s_kwcid=TC8363holiday%20crafts%20for%20kidsSb3815570665&gclid=COubpIO44qUCFcfe4AodvDVd2A  


Fellowship, Prison. Angel Tree 2010. 2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.angeltree.org/deliverlove

Google. Google Definitions. n.d. 10 December 2010
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS397US398&defl=en&q=define:2-1-1&sa=X&ei=T5cCTc_-EIP68AbwuLHnAg&ved=0CBQQkAE

Helium. Christmas Crafts for Teens. 2002-2010. 10 December 2010 http://www.helium.com/knowledge/287435-christmas-crafts-for-teens

Home, Mothers. The Activity Cupboard. June 2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.mothers-home.com/activities/sherri2.htm

Kaboose. Crafts for Teens and Tweens. n.d. 10 December 2010
http://crafts.kaboose.com/crafts-for-teens.html

—. Holidays. 2010. 10 December 2010
 http://holidays.kaboose.com/

KidsHolidayCrafts.com. Welcome. 17 November 2010. 10 December 2010
http://www.kidsholidaycrafts.com/

Kinderart.com. Kinder Art Holiday Crafts for Kids. 1997-2010. 10 December 2010 http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/

MakingFriends.com. Crafts for Teens. 21 July 2010. 10 December 2010 http://www.makingfriends.com/teen_crafts.htm

Moore, Clement Clarke. Twas the Night Before Christmas Poem. 2001. 10 December 2010 http://www.carols.org.uk/twas_the_night_before_christmas.htm.

Planet, Grinning. Funny Judge Jokes. 2009. 10 December 2010
http://www.grinningplanet.com/funny-quotes/judge-quotes-funny.htm

Relief, Samaritan's Purse International. Operation Christmas Child. 2010. 10 December 2010 http://master.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/

Together, DLTK'S Growing. DLTK's Holiday Activities. 1998-2010. 10 December 2010
 http://www.dltk-holidays.com/

Tots, Toys for. Toys for Tots Foundation. 2006. 10 December 2010
 http://www.toysfortots.org/

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307)

(Vending)  

Hi All,      

                                                                                           

  This is an update to my earlier post, "Please Do NOT Let the Children go Hungry!" For those for you who have not been following what has been going on in Congress, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307) is a program that will help the schools feed children better, healthier lunches. Sounds great…right? Well, let me tell you, even though it does have its benefits, it has one major downfall too. The money to fund this program will come out of YOUR food stamp (or SNAP) benefits!

  This bill went thru the lame duck process, in Congress, and while the Democratic Party fought for those of us on the food stamp (or SNAP) program, sadly, they lost the fight just a few days ago. What does that mean for those of us on food stamps…you ask? The government will be taking a portion of the $4.5 billion needed to fund this program from the mouths of the children who need it the most; the ones on the food stamp program, which means, the already low amount that you receive now will be considerably lowered. Most people receive enough food stamps to allow them to spend roughly $3.00 per meal, for their whole family.

  I have been in contact with Rep. Peter Welch, Vermont's Democratic Representative, regarding this matter. For anyone who would like to get in contact with him, here is the link to Representative Peter Welch. If you do not live in Vermont, please type into the Google search box: your state, and the word: Congressman. That should take you to a page of links that will be useful in finding your State Congressman. I am including the latest letter I have received from Rep. Peter Welch in this post, so you, the people, can see where our Democratic Representative stands on this very important issue. If you are just as appalled by the signing of this Bill, please visit the "Petitions" page of this blog, there you will find many links to Change.org. (Change.org) Signing these petitions will be able to help us change Congresses discussions on the Bills that they will be, or already have signed. This is not a fight we can do alone; it will take everyone to join together, and fight for what is right, our children; the ones who cannot fight for themselves. Please take a stand, and stand up with me against Congress, if not for yourself, then please do it for your child(ren).

"Together we stand, divided we fall"
 – Pink Floyd –

(Floyd)

  

December 7, 2010

   
   
"Dear Ms. Cochran,
   
Thank you for your past correspondence regarding child nutrition programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), most recently reauthorized by S. 3307. Knowing of your interest, I wanted to give you an update on recent action on this issue in Congress.
   
Child nutrition programs and initiatives, along with the WIC program, provide critical services to more than 40 million children and 2 million lower-income pregnant and post-partum women. These important programs help increase needy children's access to nutritious meals. I strongly support the provisions of S. 3307 which will help end childhood hunger, reduce childhood obesity, and improve the integrity and management of these critical nutrition programs. 
   
Regrettably, these important reforms were funded by cutting $2.2 billion from the food stamp program. As you may know, Vermont and Alabama have had the highest increase in hunger rates during the past 10 years. I drafted an amendment to S. 3307 which would have increased taxes on individuals with incomes above $100 million by .01 percent to fully fund the child nutrition programs. Unfortunately, this change was not included. In the end, I voted against the bill because it would take the food off the table of the hungriest Vermonters. The bill passed by a vote of 264 to 157 and will be signed into law by President Obama. 
   
Be assured that I will continue to advocate for critical nutritional and food stamp programs. Keep in touch and I look forward to seeing you in Vermont soon. 
   
Sincerely,
PETER WELCH
Member of Congress"

There are many great web sites out at this moment speaking of this Bill, here are a few that I have found helpful in my researching for this post:

Change.org. Change.org. 2010. 10 December 2010

http://www.change.org/

 Floyd, Pink. All Pink Floyd Fan Network. 08 October 2001. 10 December 2010

 http://www.pinkfloydfan.net/t558-together-we-stand-divided-we.html

Vending, Fresh Healthy. Nutrition Improving in School Vending Machines. 24 August 2010. 10 December 2010

 http://www.freshhealthyvending.com/healthy-vending/nutrition-improving-in-school-vending-machines/  

 

Blessings in a Backpack Program

(hoy)

The Backpack for Food Program (or Blessings in a Backpack, or Backpack Buddy Program) is a nationally recognized program that is supported by America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank Network. This program has only been going on now for the past year or so, and is a great way for the community to help put an end to childhood hunger. I myself am trying to get this program started in my community, with the help of the nurse from the school in which my son attends.

This program gives children who are in need of food, (children who receive free/reduced lunches at school,) a backpack with "six balanced meals and two healthy snacks at the end of every week," for the weekend or school vacation. (Fry) For more information on what food goes into the backpacks, please go to this link, typical food bag - TYPICAL BACK-PACK FOOD BAG. Not many people know of this program, while it is still in its first years, however; many children benefit greatly from it, and I am sure the children within your community would too.

"ABOUT THE BACKPACK BUDDIES PROGRAM
While every child has access to nutritious breakfast and lunch during school, the same cannot be said for weekends and school breaks. The Backpack Buddies program was developed to help ensure that every child in the school district has access to nutritious, non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations. The intended results of the program are: 

1)   children will no longer experience hunger or food insecurities; and,

2)   their attendance, behavior, academics, social interaction, health and
attention span will improve.

• The program provides backpacks filled with food that is child friendly, nonperishable and easily consumed free of charge. Average weekly menu: 2 entrees, 1 snack, 2 breakfast items, 1 vegetable, 2 fruits, and 2 milks, and 1 high protein. The school nurse will use school records to identify and flag any food allergies.
   
• Parents/Guardians that have children enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program will have the ability to sign their kids up for Backpack Buddies program and teachers/staff will have the ability to make referrals while ensuring confidentiality.
   
• Backpacks will be discretely distributed to children, as best determined by the school, on the last day before weekends and all scheduled school breaks/holiday breaks " (Way)

If you take the time to contact your local schools, or superintendent, you will find, if your community does not have this program already, it would benefit greatly from it. I was amazed, and saddened, by the statistics of children that attend my son's elementary school, who were in need of help, to be able to eat. Over 40% of the children that go to school with my son receive free or reduced lunches. That is almost half of the school, and the school he attends only has around 250 students. Do you know how many students receive free or reduced lunch at you child(ren)'s school?

"One in six Americans, including more than 17 million children will face hunger this year.

In the land of plenty, this is unacceptable.

But, if we care enough to do our part, it can get better."

(Help)

Out of that 1 in 6

"Nearly 1 in 4 Children is Affected by

Hunger at Some Point During the Year"

(Foundation)

The Backpack for Food Program is run solely on the good will of volunteers, and sponsors. For more information on how to get this program started in your community, please visit this link: Backpack Buddy Program—How to Begin. If you are interested in getting a grant to help with the cost for the program, over and above any food drive or fundraiser you have done, I found this to be helpful:

"LOIs Accepted

January 2011

Does your organization offer an innovative program to address child hunger and nutrition needs in a local community? The ConAgra Foods Foundation is seeking new community partners to join them in the fight against child hunger. Letters of Interest for the 2011 Community Impact Grants program will be accepted from Jan. 3 to Jan. 14, 2011. Review eligibility requirements & guidelines" (Foundation)



There are many great web sites out at this moment speaking of this program, here are a few that I have found helpful in my researching of this program:

Foundation, Congra Foods. Congra Foods Foundation. n.d. 3 December 2010 http://www.conagrafoodsfoundation.org/index.jsp

Fry, Martha. MarthaFry.org. 20 October 2010. 03 December 2010 http://marthafry.org/?p=3380

Help, Hungry to. ConAgra Foods Foundation. 2 December 2010. 3 December 2010 http://www.hungry2help.org/

hoy, infor sur. Hilary Duff's charity to reach Colombia. 10 July 2009. 3 December 2010 http://www.infosurhoy.com/cocoon/saii/xhtml/en_GB/features/saii/features/2009/07/09/feature-03

Peace, Quotes for a Culture of. We Can End Hunger. n.d. 3 December 2010   http://www.cultureofpeace.com/quotes/endhunger-quotes-3.htm

Way, United. United Way of Bemidji Area. 2008. 3 December 2010
http://www.unitedwaybemidji.org/BackPackBuddies.htm

"Why should there be hunger and deprivation in any land, in any city, at any table, when man has the resources and the scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life? There is no deficit in human resources. The deficit is in human will. -- Martin Luther King, Jr." (Peace)