How can I help two underprivlidged children in my neighborhood?
I’ve become acquainted with two children in my neighborhood who live down the street in the subsidized housing complex. Their mother is on welfare and disability, so I know they don’t have much. All summer long they pretty much walked the streets and would talk with me while I worked in my gardens.
I’d like to help these kids out somehow, but I think I’m doing it wrong. I started giving them food because I knew they didn’t eat well, but now they are coming and knocking on my door at all hours asking for food and are bringing other children in the neighborhood. It’s starting to get crazy and I simply cannot afford to feed all these kids.
Can you please give me some ideas on what I can do to tame this situation? I’d still like to help the 2 kids, I see how bright they are, but I can’t continue on the path we’re going on now.
Thanks for your help!
These kids need guidance and you can help them a lot by discussing appropriate behavior.
Tell them you’re sorry, but you must set limits. They can come for dinner 3 nights per week, but they are absolutely NOT allowed to knock on the door after dark or with friends to ask for handouts.
In addition, if they could help you at all – perhaps growing their own tomato plants or washing windows, etc. they could start understanding the concept of work and reward.
Make a big box of meals up and wrap them up and leave them on the doorstep. When it comes to Christmas..Wrap up Christmas cookies and do the same.
I know what is like to be the receiver of such charity.
Try talking to their mom and let her know that you know the situation and want to help her and the kids, and see if there are other needs that can be met.
Finding out what grade they are going to be in and then getting them both backpacks full of their school supplies.
Thank you for caring and not turning your back on these children. You are one in a million.
You can call social services and explain your situation. There should be a food bank in your area that gives food to families. Sometimes local churches will adopt a family and give them clothing, food, money. Maybe someone you know knows someone who can help.
Your very kind for wanting to help. Not many people would. God Bless.
I would suggest showing them how you tend to your garden , maybe even grow some veggie so you will have a little bit more to give, it sound like you are doing well.
if you really think this family could use some extra support try to find a foodbank they can acess or posibly give them a few canned goods once month or so .
hun! i can relate. i do my share of feeding the neighborhood kids. you did not mention their ages. you might try to explain it to them and tell them you can only give them snack when they are without company. tell them a certian time or between certian times. if you still end up feeding the two (OR MORE) then only offer them extras (like leftovers you aren’t going to eat anyway) or buy very inexpensive items such as roman noodles, or make a big pot of red beans and rice (using dried beans) . without meat its still very nutritious. a large pot of pasta goes a long way. or you can freeze these also. rice is a good stretcher. my kids will eat a huge pile of rice and butter and think it’s the greatest thing. aviod serving items that are pricey such as single serve items, name brands, etc. watch sale ads and purchase items that are deals. i’m sure they would be thankful for what ever you give them, even if it is left over pasta for three days straight. it doesn’t nec.have to be the same thing you eat. if you have leftovers but not enough to share, freeze it till you have several items then thaw and feed. also, where i live many of the school cafeterias provide free meals duing tho the summer. there’s no paper work to fill out…they just walk in and eat free.it’s alittle late since school is about to start. but its something to keep in mind for next summer. check w your local school system for info. from the sound of their situation, they eat free at school (breakfast and lunch), so relief may be rt around the corner. have you met their mother? if not, you may want to. if she is able to cook, perhaps she does not know how to cook but instead exhaust her assistance(food stamps) on more expensive heat and serve items. perhaps sharing some easy and budget stretching recipes would help her and her children and help your wallet. once school starts would be a good time to impose a few restrictions on set times you are "receiving guest". do you have any friends or neighbors that may take an interest in some of the other neighborhood children. you would be suprised how many people would love to help but just are not aware of the ones in need.it would be nice to give them a head’s up on setting restrictions up front. as far as other ways to help the children….i’m sure they are in need of school clothes and school supplies under the circumstances. most schools have a supply lists. ck w their shool or mom. i know i would rather give the clothes my children outgrow to families that really need them and would truly appreciate them . you are going to get rid of them anyway. and it makes you feel good knowing you helped and it really didn’t cost you anything . so ask friends and family, co-workers, members a church,etc. what you are trying to collect. make sure you have their clothes sizes and shoe sizes. any extra items may fit some of their friends, if not donate them to a church organization. once you get this going i’m sure you will end up with some very willing volunteers. if you share with them the situation of you feeding them (and their friends) something may can be worked out for some help in that dept to (ie "adopt" a few children themselves or donate snacks.) good luck and thank you for caring. you are special. also, if it happens you discontine the food ordeal, just being there for them to have someone to talk to is special. even tho they are poor they are still somebody! it will matter to them you care.