For those actually IN the Christmas Spirit...

[Goat Blower]

For those that would like to help, but don't have the extra scratch, there are a few free things that really help around Christmas. One is being a SA bell ringer. They are way short on volunteers this year and they have always been one of the best organizations for helping those who need it. Another is to volunteer a night or two at a shelter or mission downtown. They always need help and putting some warm food on a plate for someone who might have not eaten for days is a reward you can't describe. Just a few holiday thoughts and it's not always about money.

[Tauni]

Its good to know that some people actually see how cool it is that she would do this.

A little background on her: She comes from a very wealthy family and has had everything handed to her. In highschool she was VERY shallow and stuck up. Now she has grown up and she is a dancer for the Dallas Desperados and also models. So in general, and truely judging her, I would never have expected her to do something like this.

I know people do these sorts of things, and its not all that uncommon, but I would love to see more of this. A lot of it hits close to home like Swanny, so when I hear of people helping out, it really makes me happy. Plus I am the biggest sucker. I always wish there was more I could do.

Steve- My grandpa rings bells for the Salvation Army and I've had to go out there with him a few times. Its made me not really want to do it. But do you know how to find these shelters? I've attempted and always failed.

[Jana]

I would love to volunteer at shelters, but also have never had luck finding information. Maybe I'm just not searching right....

[Goat Blower]

The one our church helps out at is the Simpson Shelter. I would think a call to the Salvation Army would probably give you the names and addresses of them.

[tpunx99GSX]

I would agree with you Fatty, but there is a simple difference between the people you are describing and this lady is that no where in this story did you ever see the lady looking for a handout.
There are people (dispite what you may think) that are actual good hard working people that dont have the option of a better job. I know in MN especially the job market sucks in most industries and the pay isnt shit.
There is no reason to cut this girl down because of her situation. She didnt say shit to you, she doesnt even know or probebly care you even exist.
Maybe one day you will all of the sudden hit a bad string of luck and be out on your ass, Broke as fuck without a dime for food or anything, then someone will come across you and you will ask them for money and they will laugh and say "You put yourself in that situation, i guess you should look for a job, forget what your going through you leech".
Keep these retarded posts to yourself you douche.
Sheides, Awesome story man, Helping out a kid at that age will stick with him for life. You and your bro will become mentors/heros to that kid and he will always remember you for spending time with him.

[Tauni]

Ahh I love all the positive talk in here! Its so refreshing since fatty's posts! I agree though, thats awesome Scheides! I hope my sister can get a someone like that to look up to since I can't be there.

And hey Jana-- would you maybe want to make a date out of spending a Saturday or something volunteering together? We can look around and see what we can find!

[AJ]

Ok, with the knowledge that there are 15 mods breathing down my neck, I will say that I never insulted her friend. But I really believe that personal choices deliver you to where you are or where you will be some time in the future. I choose to not smoke pot and play video games all day and have a menial job like moving or bagging groceries or something where i won't use my brain. I choose to take loans for school so I can get a good career and hopefully be as well off as my parents are (trust me, they are only average). I have seen and met people in "dire" situations, but guess what? this world is filled with options and ways for people to get themselves out of bad situations. It takes drive and determination and too many people lack that. They were imprinted with the fact that they have no control over their lives from a young age because the people they were around were a. lazy or b. unwilling to do more than just get by, so the standard is set.

I gaurantee all of you that her situation can be improved and she wouldn't have to change jobs or where she lives. I think the son should enlist in the military, and she should have a "lifestyle makover" - live and eat healthy, spend only the minimum on necessary items like food, clothing and electircity for your home. Reduce your extraneous costs and you get more money for things you really need.

Save money for the future or for the short term and put yourself through school; night classes if you have to work. It will pay off in troves.

You know, I'll give you the point that these is some truth in this and I can handle a post like this. But your first post just came off like the Grinch. Now I expect you to show up with Candy Canes and Mistle Toe next time you're around. Some of your buddies need a 2 point conversion.

[Jana]

And hey Jana-- would you maybe want to make a date out of spending a Saturday or something volunteering together? We can look around and see what we can find!

I would love to - we'll have to look into this. I don't think I can do it over the holidays, since I'm still sick. But I'm sure they could use help all the time.

[Tauni]

I would love to - we'll have to look into this. I don't think I can do it over the holidays, since I'm still sick. But I'm sure they could use help all the time.

Yah thats fine, the Holidays are hectic as it is. But lets look into it an hopefully shoot for after the first of the year!

[JET]

I have done this before, it was called Fishes and Loaves. It was pretty cool and made you appreciate what you have more and how lucky we really are. I am also a sucker for the bell ringers if I have some small bills on me.