[luke's mummu]

I was talking to a good friend last night - she is on a disability pension and her Hubby works in a very low paying job. No kids, but she was saying she would have to ask the electricity company for an extension on their bill and hadn't started any Christmas shopping or card as she had no money to buy them.

They are such lovely genuine people I would love to ask the Salvos or something like that for a food hamper for them, to save them some money over Christmas. I have no idea how to do it tactfully, I expect she may be very insulted if I suggested she ask them.

Is there anyway I can nominate them anonymously without their permission? Does anyone know? What would be the best charity to ask?

Thanks Lisa

[ZombieMum]

I'd probably organise my own hamper to send to a good friend, to let them know I cared about them.

You could use this website, they donate 10% to charities.
http://www.charityhampers.com.au/christmas-gift-baskets_2

Or I might send them an anonymous gift card in the mail.

Or I would order some groceries online and arrange for delivery at their place.

I'd also encourage her not to get into more financial trouble by spending her money on Christmas gifts - I am sure if she explained to friends and family, they'd understand. Christmas doesn't have to be about presents.

[luke's mummu]

Thanks I had a look at the hampers - I'm not sure how much they would use, I would rather get staples like bread and milk if I was her.

I think I will go with a gift card in the mail - does anyone know if I can order online and have it posted straight to them?

No we don't exchange Christmas gifts. Never have, and I've never suggested it, I've known her for about 15 years and she always been on a pension.

Thank you. Lisa

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

I would probably go the anonymous gift card or cash too - send it in a Christmas card from Santa or something.

[luke's mummu]

Hmm I rang both St Vinnies and the salvos and they both said she would have to go in person to request and hamper and then they would be very happy to help her with a food hamper, electricity voucher and supermarket voucher. The problem is convincing her to go!

They suggested if she is embarrassed she could bring now or in the future something for them to sell 2nd hand at their op shop.

So I will email her tonight and try to tactfully suggest it. Hope I don't lose a friend over it!

[~ky~]

We have had help from St Vinnies in the past ... it was exactly what we needed at the time. We have also received Christmas hampers and although they had some staples, it was lovely to get some treats that we would never considered buying with what little money we had.

[emnut]

yep they have to go through an assessment (even for those who are referred by other services) before they can provide a hamper or assistance. Hopefully she will go as the hampers usually give quite a few staple items as well as treats.