For those who like to give to charity, here is one which would help homeless children:

[bobbolink]

"A book for every bed" is encouraging people to give children a wrapped book which will be on their bed when they wake up on Christmas morning.

Given that homeless children have so little, and their schooling suffers, this would be a good thing to do for these children. I'm sure it would bring a smile to their little faces, and would encourage adults to read to them.

This was in the AskAmy column today.

Please consider doing this for homeless children.

http://familyreading.org/

[daleanime]

1. Definitely a great idea....

for any of us who can squeeze few dollars together.
O8)

[bobbolink]

4. They don't need to be expensive books. As "Amy" said in her column, they can be used books, too.

The point is to not only help children to be used to having books, but to encourage adults to read to them.

[asdjrocky]

2. This is what I'll be doing with my limited funds this Christmas.

Thanks Bobbo!

[bobbolink]

8. Thanks, Rocky! The easiest way is to give books to shelters.

There are many children living in motels and cars, but I don't know how to find them. :(

[Solly Mack]

3. Thanks!!

[walldude]

5. K&R thanks Bobbo...

Nothing better you can do for a kid than getting them to like to read...

[bobbolink]

7. You're welcome.

However, there are a LOT better things... like ensuring that children have a home, nutritious and filling meals, health care.....

But those things are JUSTICE, and I hope those who give books will also commit themselves to fighting for JUSTICE for ALL.

Deal?

[Donnachaidh]

6. K&R thanks Bobbie! n/t

[bobbolink]

23. Thanks for the rec!

[AnneD]

9. Maybe I am too jaded....

but do homeless kids have beds? I mean that is the nature of homelessness. One more thing to pack up and lug around in their rootless existance.

I am bothered more by the fact that this homelessness of children is acceptable to the point that we think putting a book on their beds makes it somehow more tolerable. Far more kids suffer from hunger or the p.c. food insecurity :sarcasm: This has become far too sanitized.

Want to do something better....advocate for the poor at the local level.

[bobbolink]

10. I agree with you completely.... but I routinely get slapped down for speaking AGAINST charity.

Interesting that I should get "spoken to" when I, one time only, advocate for a charity!

And, of course, I'm sure you know that some homeless children have beds. I'm sure you are familiar with the concept of shelters. And cheap motels. And couch-surfing.

Please continue with your advocacy.... there is much needed in the area of educating people the true facts of homelessness!

[AnneD]

14. I am always reminded of a M*A*S*H episode.....

where Winchester gave the orphanage some expensive candy that his family use to give to the poor children in Boston. He got upset when he found out that the director had sold the candy on the black market.

Furious, he went to the director demanding an explanation. "If I give them the candy, they will eat it for one night-but if I sell it-with the money they will eat many nights."

I would rather they have food and a roof over their heads. As someone who was once in that situation-you can play with anything and make up your own stories, but it is hard to focus when your stomach is growling.

I am firmly for charity, I prefer to get the most bang for my buck ($100 to our school Thanksgiving drive and $200 for our Church food bank, $200 for our schools Christmas food drive-kids out longer-all within the last 3 weeks). I anonomously gift single Moms and kids I know-an oil change and new tires for a struggling mom, a semester at a local community college paid for, a food gift car or a gas gift card, etc. This is year round. We may not go out for dinner much but we are not cheap people.

Hubby and I are not wealthy but I joke when I say we are in the socks and underware phase of our lives. We have what we need and love to help others as quitely as we can.

[bobbolink]

15. I repeat.... I agree with you. Now, if you would say some of those things to the many charity

threads that keep coming up, that would be very nice, and I would respond to your posts there, too.

OK?

[AnneD]

16. I generally hang out

in the Economic and SWT. I don't post everywhere-it get crazy sometimes. Sorry I missed your other posts.

[bobbolink]

11. This is what I wrote to AskAmy: (facts on homeless children.) please include

I read with interest your column today advocating giving children a wrapped book on their bed. I am passing the idea along...with one change, and I ask you to include this in your next columns...

Homeless children are in much greater need of books, as most have none. They are also mostly forgotten, so your reminder would be helpful.

Given that you are concerned about literacy, please remember these facts:

Homeless children are:
More likely to have lower academic achievement.

Four times as likely to have developmental delays.

Twice as likely to have learning disabilities.

Twice as likely to repeat a grade, most often due to frequent absences and moves to new schools.

[Uncle Joe]

12. Self-delete due to technical error. n/t

[Uncle Joe]

13. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the tip, bobbolink.:thumbsup: :hi:

[bobbolink]

22. thanks! I hope you read the letter I sent to AskAmy..,,,some important facts to know.

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

17. Absolutely wonderful idea. nt

[EFerrari]

18. What a great idea!

[mentalsolstice]

19. K&R

[G_j]

20. K&R!

[bobbolink]

24. Thanks!

long time no see....:hi:

[fascisthunter]

21. kick and rec (nt)

[bobbolink]

25. Because homeless children need to be read to.....