Organizations provide Christmas gifts for needy

Q: Dear Student Legal Clinic,I am a full-time student with four children. I am also a single parent. I have been calling around trying to find an organization that will help me with Christmas gifts for my children.

Signed Helena

A: Dear Helena,
I spoke to a representative from 211 Milwaukee about your situation. He told me that you are correct that Toys for Tots this year will only be helping children that have been identified as the neediest. Many other organizations restrict their gifts to children who are affiliated with their group.


211 Milwaukee has no referrals for Christmas gifts for children at this time. I would check with every group that your child has had contact with during the last year. Also check your church or any social groups that you belong to as well. This year, it is the personal connection that may make the difference.


Think of other ways to cut holiday costs, so that you may buy at least some gifts for your children. For instance, SHARE WISCONSIN, a food buying group, has Christmas dinners on sale for $25.00.


You can reach SHARE by calling 1-800-548-2124 or at www.sharewi.org. You must order the Christmas dinner by November 30.


If anyone has suggestions for Helena, please call me at 297-6630 or email me at oleary-m@matc.edu. You can visit the Legal Clinic in Room M326 (the PACE Office).