And now, the depressing part of the season begins. *sigh*

[Lyric]

WCLG/Council of Social Agencies & Christian Help
2008 Holiday Food & Toy Registration

You must bring the following items with you to register:
* Proof of Income
* Proof of Expenses
* Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Driver’s License and (if applicable) Medical Card for Each Family Member

I know, I know. It's wrong to look a gift horse in the mouth, and beggars can't be choosers. I just cannot help but get depressed over having to haul out verifications of our poverty (which makes me feel vaguely like a potential criminal or something,) and then either lie or be extremely evasive about my same-sex domestic partner, for fear of being rejected. If I am approved, I then get stand in line for 3 hours in the freezing cold with a laundry basket, so somebody can fill it with food and a some toys for the Kidlet--rather like a beggar with an unusually-large bowl. It makes me miserable to go through it, but I have no other reasonable option. My feelings are not a priority--the Kidlet's holiday dinner and Christmas morning ARE. We can't provide it on our own, so we do what we have to do.

Still, they're being "charitable," and they do not for a single moment let you forget it. *sigh*

I like the Catholic place better--they are so kind about it, and they don't require umpteen humiliating "proofs" of destitution before they offer help. For others who've gotten help from churches--am I the only one who's noticed that Protestant churches tend to be a lot more suspicious than Catholic ones?

[Cleita]

1. People don't realize how humiliating getting charity can be.

:hug: I hope you have a happy holiday season anyway afterwards.

[Lyric]

2. Yeah. I understand why it has to be that way.

Some people are horrible enough to cheat a charity, and without verifications, genuinely needy people might go without because other people cheated. But that reality doesn't do much to lessen the humiliation, you know?

:hug:

[bobbolink]

4. I don't think it *does* have to.

I really don't.

I wish I knew how to make it better for you, because I really do know what that humiliation does to a person!

[Lyric]

7. I know you do.

:hug:

How are you looking for the holidays, dear? Are you going to be okay?

[bobbolink]

10. How kind and thoughtful of you to ask!

:hug:

What I'm trying to figure out is where to be on Thanksgiving, as everything is closed that day, and I can't sit in a cold car all day.

Same with Christmas.

Unfortunately, I'm a physical being, and have to physically be somewhere.

One of these days I'll figure out how to be an air plant! ^_^

You'll be in my thoughts!

[bobbolink]

3. Many years ago, I saw a news video about doctors who are required to go through

being a geriatric patient, as part of their training.

Once they've experienced it from *that* side, their compassion comes a bit easier.

I'm thinking it should be the same thing for staff and volunteers of "helping" agencies... they MUST first experience it themselves, before they "do unto others".

It's so very sad that we, as humans, have come to the point where we can't seem to empathize unless we've walked down the path.

:(

[sandnsea]

5. Where is this?

I have never heard of a non-government agency acting for any identification or "proof of poverty" at all. Only the welfare office, liheap, etc. And once in a while the actual food bank. But never ever for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and certainly not for toys for kids.

[Lyric]

6. It's in Morgantown, WV.

I'm not sure who the member organizations are in the "Council of Social Agencies," but considering that one of them is mentioned by name (Christian Help) I am guessing that these are churches. A local radio station is also involved in sponsoring the program.

We haven't gotten help from this particular group before, but I received a flyer in my e-mail about it--from a local help organization that we have both *given* money to (during more-prosperous times) and received it from (when times are lean.) The flyer is in .PDF format, so I can't post it as-is, but I can type out the text:

Does your family need food & toys for the holidays?
WCLG/Monongalia County Council of Social Agencies & Christian Help

Holiday Food & Toy Registration
Registration: October 20 - November 25, 2008
Distribution Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008

Registration Locations

(long list of local registration places)

You must bring the following items with you to register:
* Proof of Income and Expenses
* Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Driver’s License and
Medical Card for Each Family Member

[sandnsea]

9. Here's our application

and web site. Feel free to print it and take it to the people in charge of yours. It asks for proof of residency, a piece of mail will do, and your personal verification of your income. Your requirements are obscene, especially from a place called "Christian Help", which is a Catholic agency, btw. I honestly have never seen anything like it, and I have gone to food banks at times.

http://www.florencefoodshare.org/PDF/Application.pdf

http://www.florencefoodshare.org/get_help.html

[shrike]

8. Glad to hear "the Catholic place" is nice to you

Our church doesn't turn anybody away or give the third degree -- the food pantry has even helped stranded travelers who needed food and cash.
Our pastor scolded parishioners during a sermon because some wanted their donations to only to go to parish families. This is a rich parish, he said, the people in need aren't here.
As for being less suspicious, with our history we have no business judging anyone!:)

[bobbolink]

11. Hurrah for your pastor!

Must have actually been reading the Gospel.

What a concept.

:hi:

[maryf]

12. So sorry

Your kidlet's and your survival is dependent on sacrificing your dignity...its not right...

[bobbolink]

13. "Your kidlet's and your survival is dependent on sacrificing your dignity"

YEs, that is the situation for any of us who are not able to make it in this society.

Isn't it just "PROGRESSIVE" of us to put people in this situation?

:wtf: :grr:

[Naturyl]

14. Always go with the Catholics if possible.

Take it from me. The Protestants are a last resort.

St. Vincent DePaul has never done me wrong.