Someone I am proud of.

@Barney Thanks, but it is her little soul that I think is good. She earnestly was moved by this other little girls story. She said, "it's not fair, and I just didn't know".

@mfladd I do agree that she has a wonderful heart and soul but I've seen you demonstrate that same kindness here in this group. It takes nothing away from your incredible little girl to acknowledge that you've lead by example. I had tears, joyful tears, reading this because it makes me so happy that there is still compassion in this world, along with the resolve to fix things.. I've been seeing this horrible story about a 6 year old girl who had been attacked and choked by a 12 year old in the bathroom. It made me sad. You're daughter and her amazing group of friends made me very happy and hopeful. Please let me know if there is anything I can contribute to whatever details they work out. She's shining her light and being sassy at the same time..a beautiful combination!

@mfladd Don't sell yourself short, Pops.

@mehbee

@Barney Thank you.

@mfladd Aww…

@hallmike Hell ya, for a few days now. I told her when she and her friend come to a decision to let me know. I didn't tell her I would help immediately, I want her to think of using her own money to do something good. (I will help with anything additional)

@mfladd In households with limited money other stuff is useful too like toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo, bath soap, dish soap, etc. You can't buy those things with food stamps. When I (and my daughter) were recipients of the Christmas Store I also volunteered there and suggested stuff like those things along with feminine products, and other useful household essentials. Those were the things adults used their (adult) points on first (we ran out of that adult stuff way before any other adult stuff) after they used their allocated kid points to buy kids' christmas presents there. I'd add to the list gas cards, walmart cards, and something they could do as a family together like a gift card to an all you can eat buffet or something. I know that any time I could scrounge up extra pennies I'd spend it on my daughter so she could do things with her friends. As a result we almost never did anything fun (that cost money) as a family.

@Kidsandliz

gift card to an all you can eat buffet

I love that idea, but consider adding a few dollars cash for the tip if you get a gift card for a tippable situation.

@Kidsandliz @mfladd don’t remember where you live mfladd, but some areas have farmer’s markets that even sell gift cards. Fresh produce that doesn’t use their stamps, including fruits.

But I second the entire toiletries things. One thing though, you might want to get in touch with the parents. I’d hate to have the child have to say no to whatever gift you and your family come up with.

@Cerridwyn I have already thought about this. Especially, in the event my daughter and her friend wants to buy a chicken I doubt I would call them for a gift card, for something like the mall. I would be very concerned if the parents would not allow a gift of this kind. This is a gift between her friends at school. But, I get your meaning.

@mfladd some people who do not have a lot are very proud.

@mfladd @Cerridwyn beat me to that point. That said I do have to say what your daughter wants to do is really admirable. Naturally, it’s also unsustainable for a long period, have you talked to her at all about coming up with things she and her friend can do that don’t cost anything (or much) so that if nothing else she can hang out with her and help her feel more ah… ‘normal’? (I’m guessing if the girl is aware of her family’s financial situation she’s probably already feeling like a bit of an outcast so anything that can be done to include her in things can only help.)

Keep up the excellent parenting!

@jbartus The young girl is already part of my daughters circle of friends. It’s just that know one in that circle ever realized how difficult financially it was for this girl until now. But yes, play dates (parents permitting) are in the future plans.

@mfladd it’s not always the ones you suspect that don’t have a lot. I know my family history and how I contributed at home. I had to work hard for what I have even more so due to where I came from. I hope that girl gets every opportunity she can. I hope she can go to college and go off to do great things. I firmly believe that the people that came from less that work to better themselves are more appreciative.
Someone helped me a lot and asked in return that I just pay it forward (well before it was the “hip” thing to do.)
You are awesome @mfladd. Thank you.

@sohmageek Well said. I agree with you that many times those that come from less are far more appreciative than those who traveled an easier road. And I love the pay it forward premise. You are a good man, @sohmageek

p.s. I don’t handle compliments well, but thanks

@mfladd if that changes hit me up too.

@ceagee I like this idea.

@ceagee Great idea. Or perhaps even a little treat. Growing up, treats were something that didn’t happen often during our government butter, potato flakes, and cheese years. They were more memorable than the bad times to be honest, because they were so special.
One a week, a Friday treat. That could really mean a lot.

@ceagee I like this idea too - especially if “Jessica’s” parents are too proud to accept much help. Pre-pay for school lunches and also send extra treats with her all year.
And maybe contact them about a “rescue chicken” or two needing re-homed and don’t tell them it’s purchased.

@ceagee @ jaremelz @MsELizardBeth

Lot of great ideas…Thanks!

@mfladd If there’s anything else we can do, please tell us!

@dashcloud @mfladd I’d be happy to chip in a little.
Studies show kids that are hungry have much harder time learning and staying in school.
We could have a meh lunch or snack program.

@mfladd Back when I had cancer for the first time, my then 4th grader and I ended up on food stamps, TANF… one thing that really mattered to her was that she had one item of clothing that was “name brand popular” so she could be just like everyone else and feel like she had at least something they had. I got lucky once at Food for Friends and scored a handful of whatever “the” brand was that year. She was beyond thrilled even though that stuff wasn’t in all that good shape.

Perhaps right before the start of the next school year (so she has it for day one of school) you could take both girls shopping for t-shirts and go to one of the stores that is popular with that age group. Maybe have that child spend the night or come over to play, ask them if they’d mind helping you briefly do something and then pay them/thank them with that shopping trip so it isn’t viewed as a handout…

@Kidsandliz I really like that idea. Thank you.

I know things have been tough for you. I hope they are going better now.

@mfladd Not going to hijack your thread with my ongoing issues… but thanks for asking. If you want to email privately it is the same user name at yahoo.

@cinoclav Thank you for the kind words. I live near Ocean City, MD

@mfladd Not precise enough. He said “exactly”.

@hallmike @mfladd Exactly. Your social security number and mother’s maiden name would also be relevant to my inquiry.

@cinoclav I am willing to sell out @mfladd for the right price.

Or even just right price adjacent.

@jaremelz

@cinoclav Hahaha, sold!