What do you think about Toys for Tots rejecting the donation of Talking Jesus Dolls?
928667
I think it's a veiled anti-Christian message.\n\nHere's the "Toys for Tots" Mission Statement from www.toysfortots.org:\n\nMISSION: The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as CHRISTMAS gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. (emphasis added)\n\nThink about it:  the Marines say they're not sure what religion (if any) a child might be who receives these toys.  The program is to give kids toys for CHRISTMAS.  Why would a Muslim, Jewish or atheist child celebrate CHRISTmas?\n\nThe military is rapidly becoming secular and this is but one example.
727419
I wanted a Barbie Dream house.  I got a Barbie camper instead.  \n\nBut, what should I have expected from the parents whom I asked for Donny and Marie or Sonny and Cher dolls.  I got Donny and Cher!\n\nI always planned on getting that dream house for my daughter, and I was blessed with sons.  (Since they are now teenagers, I'm thanking God every day though!)
1102959
Years ago, most of the dolls for little girls were rag dolls without faces. The Amish have retained this custom. We believe the reason is similar to the refusal to have pictures of people and is linked to the second commandment. (Exodus 20:4-6) At an early age children are learning not to have images, likenesses, or idols. \n\nOld Order Amish and Mennonites forbid photography of their people, and their objection is based on the second commandment, Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.\nhope this helps!
165783
If it can be used for the church's purposes, i.e. a meeting room, when she's not using it then I guess it's okay. If they're using the church's money to give her her own little play area, then I can't say I agree with that. I shake my head at the number of churches (& other places for religious activities) that use money for extravagance. That's not where it should go, in my opinion.
740378
First of all a charity is suppose to be given to without recognition. Who give to charity because of what is in your heart and not what it can do for you. If democrats or republicans want to give to charities, why do they report what they give and what business is it of ours to know. Whatever they give was taken from us anyway since we pay taxes and then in return pays their salaries. If I give to a church, a building fund, a kids network, or any other charity, it is because I am giving with a spirit of giving.  \n  Here we are in the Christmas season and we are questioning giving? Of course if we had the Christmas spirit year round instead of just for a season, maybe the world will be a better place. \n  Here is a question for you and your readers. Why do we capitalize democrats and republicans in a sentence when most do not even capitalize God in a sentence? Do we set them at a higher standard?
864739
The Toys for Tots campaign is not a scam.  The Marines have been doing that for YEARS.  Charities can sell items to help raise money as well.  This, again, is legal.  \n\nIf the one in front of your WalMart was not the Marine Corp one, then it could possibly be a scam or someone running it that is unaware of how that is supposed to go.  A lot of times, people take advantage of TRUE charities to make their own gain.  If you feel this is the case, the best thing to do is notify your local law enforcement agency and also contact the Charity headquarters.
17403
Call the Toy's For Tots Org.  They may be able to help you find a location where you can pick out clothing and toys for free for your children for Christmas.
1078853
Honestly, I never had to discourge my son from playing with barbies and kitchens. He never had any interest in them. (Unless, he was antagonizing his sister, then he might hide them or something.) \n\nAlso, as a parent, I never purchased toys for my daughter with the sole purpose of teaching her to 'bring home the bacon',  and I find that claim to be very offensive and short sighted. I, like most parents, buy toys for my children because they want them, they jump up and down in the stores with glee at the thought of them (no matter what the the toy is) and that makes me smile and want to get it for them.\n\nso I think you are exagerrating the situation just a bit, do you?
1054805
I don't think it's at all charitable of you to donate your old clothes that you no longer want and then expect to get financial compensation ie a tax write off in return. Do you even know the meaning of charitable? P.S. Why don't you sell the clothing to some homeless 'street' people? They have money from begging and can probably skip a meal or two to buy some clothes. (Just a thought)
589071
For anyone wondering what Chris W wrote:\n\n"Pay for the damn kids to go n stop tryin to get freebies just cause their disabled. You can buy your tickets at the disneyland site"\n\nNOTHING TO DO WITH "FREEBIES" YOU IGNORANT LOWLIFE. KIDS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE NEEDS OTHER PEOPLE DONT, THEREFORE A CHARITY DESIGNED TO ORGANISE THINGS LIKE THAT CAN BE OF GREATER HELP.\n\nPeople like you don't deserve the good fortune that came to you when you were given such a shallow life.
833943
That can be quite a controversial question.  Unfortunately in many places schools, for example, are so poorly funded that children participate in many fund raising activities.  In a perfect world there would be no need to have children participate in fund raisers.  The fund raising is not necessarily bad, as it can teach children many great skills, including the social skills necessary for such tasks, though some may consider it child labor to have children participate in fund raisers.  Children in my neighborhood did a school fund raiser last week and came to my door selling chocolate bars.  I bought some, of course, but I don't like the chocolate bar fund raiser because of the issues today with health and nutrition.   Some fund raisers involve the sale of such items as Christmas ornaments, greeting cards, etc., where the customer gets a more substantial product for the money, which seems a bit better.\n\nI don't think there is anything wrong with having children help raise funds for worthy causes, participating in a reasonable way under the supervision of responsible adults.  It helps them learn that nothing is free and that many of the privileges we have cost money.  I don't  think children should be expected to take responsibility for fund raising - parents or other adults need to be the key players.  In some schools I have worked in, parents opted to contribute an amount to the school each year equivalent to what their child might be expected to raise by selling chocolate bars - sometimes that is a viable option.\n\nI don't know if this has answered your question, but those are some of my thoughts on the issue.  I hope it helps.
878159
If it's about the ban on Savation Army bell ringers, here's the story from the Associated Press, Wednesday, November 15, 2006:\n\n"Target Giving $1M to Salvation Army, but Bell Ringers Still Banned\n\nThis will be the third year that Target has banned the bell-ringers from its stores. But Salvation Army spokeswoman Melissa Temme said other changes could make up much of the $9 million the charity used to raise each year in front of Target stores.\n\nBesides the cash donation, Target will donate the profits from a $9.99 Salvation Army ornament that is hitting store shelves this week, Temme said. It will also put a link on its Web site to accept Salvation Army donations.\n\n"We expect it to be successful. We don't know what to expect as far as the ultimate monetary gain," Temme said. "But we know that this will enable us to help more people simply because we'll be bringing in more money."\n\nTarget said it has "a long-standing relationship that includes providing financial resources for disaster relief, as well as supporting local chapters through grant and volunteer programs."\n\nTarget stopped allowing Salvation Army bell-ringers in 2004 to make its policy against fundraising at its stores consistent. It also wanted to spare shoppers the potential discomfort of being asked for donations."
774932
Yes, if I only think of getting toys.\n\nNo, if I think of celebrating Christ's birth.
740054
Toys for Tots is a nationwide toy drive every year. Also you could consider donating to your local Domestic Violence Agency, they are non-profit agencies and during the holiday season become overwhelmed with women and children. And most times leave with just the clothes on their backs. This would be a great place to consider. The National hot line number is (1-800-779-7233) or (1-800-779-SAFE) and if you contact them they can give you the number to the local agency in your area. Good luck and God bless****
930761
No,it's commercialism.\n\nIf more christians redirected their enegry at the non-commercial message of the hoilday they might have more of a case for it than posting silly questions about\n\nMerry Xmas.
856467
Go to this website.  You can apply there for toys.  This is the link to the home page, click on "Request Toys" and they can help you out.  http://www.toysfortots.org.\nYou can also contact churches in your local area.  You'll have toys for your kids this Christmas.  People are good at heart, and want to help.  Good luck, Sweety.
809319
I am a Christian and want to let you know that many Christians are boycotting Best Buy, us included.  Our local Christian radio station announced Best Buys decision to offend the 80% of Americans who celebrate Christmas in recognition of Jesus' birth and cater to the 20% of those who don't.  Let the 20% support the store.  They'll be back to celebrating "Christmas" next year if we all take a stand.