Yesterday at church the Giving Tree was up and decorated with tags that represent children from our less fortunate sister parish in the city. When my children came to church with me, I would encourage them to select a tag and use their money to purchase a gift for the child they selected. Since they no longer choose to come to church, I select the tags for them and encourage them to purchase a gift.
Well, yesterday there were additional tags on the tree. They looked nothing like the "give an unwrapped toy" tags. While I was supposed to be listening to the profound sermon, I found myself distracted by the new tags. I always sit in the first pew, directly in front of the tree. So I was staring intensely, trying to figure out what the new tags were. Then one tag that was partially opened jumped out at me. The inside read:
Mary Smith (not her real name) needs a coat, sweater, hat, and gloves size 10.Can you feel my heart melting? How could I leave that tag on the tree now? Mary needs winter wear. I read it. I can't just ignore it. Now, I have to select Mary's tag and give her the gift of warmth this winter, don't I?
There should be no dilemma, should there? But there is. Should I just go to the big W or big T and purchase a nice ensemble for Mary? Or should I go all out and go to an upscale children's store and get something extra nice for Mary? My debt shackle release program tells me that I should research this, compare it to my budget and be sensible about my purchase. But my heart is telling me that poor little Mary has probably never had a high-end winter ensemble and even though I really shouldn't stretch my budget this way, she deserves it.
What should I do?????????????????????????
5 comments:
Wealthy_1,
Now that's a dilemma. How about a compromise. I'd start by looking at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. You can find some great, high-quality clothing for great prices.
If that doesn't work, I'd have to vote for shopping at the big T. I'm not a Big W shopper, but I think that the quality you'd get from the Big T would certainly be sufficient.
Mary needs a winter ensemble and you're a sweetheart to get one for her but you need to keep yourself clear of new debt.
Compromise can be a beautiful thing :-)
I'd say go to W or to T. Your money will go farther. I think it would be better to both be able to stick with your budget and help more than one person. If you go high-end, you won't be able to get as much for your alloted $$.
Wealthy_1 ...
I know your heart goes out to Mary, and that is awesome!
But I really think Mary would be thrilled with reasonably priced warm clothing and a coat.
I think there is a middle ground somewhere between thrift store and an upscale store, that would make her Christmas delightful.
You can do it ... behave and do right for yourself and Mary.
Once your debt is gone, you can put into your budget a more extravagant amount of money for charitable causes like this.
It's hard I know.
I've been in early childhood for 23 years and have spent my share of money on needy kids.
In fact way more than I could afford.
You just want to fill in the void for these kids.
But, it is really important to take care of your responsibilities to you, your hubby, and your kids first.
Then like I said, when the debt diminishes, budget more towards these causes.
I do understand your dilemma but what I believe is this:
Maybe the little girl would feel uncomfortable dressed "fancy" among the other kids as poor as her.
Also, if you are trying to stay on budget, I don't think it would be wise to spend more than you can afford.
And the goal here is to keep that little girl WARM. I'm sure there are plenty of lovely coats at a price you can afford.
My 2 cents only.
I enjoy reading your blog.
Marie
Elizabeth, Dawn, In Recovery, and Maria, you are all right. I'm so glad I shared. You help keep me on track. The goal is to keep Mary warm. On Saturday, I'm going to start at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Mary will have stylish well-priced winter wear, and I won't break my bank. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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