Mom Seeking Clothing Assistance, Carlsbad California Area

I teach at a yoga studio in Carlsbad. I am going to talk to the owner to see if, as a studio, we could adopt you this Christmas. I will save this info and get back to you.

Hi E.,
I don't know of any Christmas assistance programs, but I do know about Freecycle! It's a yahoo group where members give and get free stuff (instead of shipping items off to the landfill). I've given away my baby's clothing, diaper genie, bath, etc and I've received a tea kettle, a dust ruffle for my bed and canning jars for my jams. There are many chapters by region, so perhaps you can see if there is a chapter in Carlsbad (or closeby). It is kind of a pain to sign up, but once you do, it's a great way to receive wonderful things that you want and need.
Best of luck to you,
E.

Is there a drop off spot we could donate? I don't have any clothes since my little guy is the same age but I have a couple of brand new toys you could use for Christmas.

Hi E.,

I'm so sorry you are in this predicament this year. I will be praying for you and your family.

You could try the Community Resource Center in Encinitas. Their office is on 2nd St. Their website is www.communityresourcecenter.org. They do a Holiday Basket program where families can shop for clothes and toys for Christmas at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in December.

Good luck to you!
D.

Please tell me the sizes of your girls. I have three girls also who are approximately one year older than each of your girls. If you do not mind hand-me-downs, I may be able to bring you some gently worn and newer winter clothes. I would be happy to drop them off since I'll be making a trip to your area this Sunday . -L. B (Long Beach)

I agree with trying Freecycle, churches, schools and service organizations (like the Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary.)

Something else you might try is setting up a clothing exchange. Choose a park or other public place (libraries will often let you use a community room). Set a time limit for the event - maybe 2 hours. Then choose a date and time, and print up flyers and send out e-mails. Post notices on bulletin boards at the store, library and online. Everyone should bring clean, wearable clothing that their family members have outgrown. Then take home things other people have outgrown. Either arrange for a charity to pick up whatever's left, take it on yourself to take it and keep or donate it, or make everyone responsible for taking their own items home if they're not taken. We've done this with church and school groups. It also works with any other group or neighborhood. We've gotten some great things this way, and others have enjoyed getting things my kids have outgrown.

You could try www.freecycle.org It is for people who want to give away their stuff. The idea is to keep stuff out of the dump. The stuff people are giving away is not dumpworthy. I have both given and received items through freecycle and have been impressed with the quality of items that people are giving away. Often people give their things to charity if they don't get any takers on Freecycle. They ask that your first post be something to give away. So maybe if you have some clothes your girls have outgrown you could post those... or whatever random stuff you might have (books, decorations, McDonald's toys, anything goes) that is cluttering up the house. You can respond to people's offers without posting something to give away. People often give away toys and clothes. It is organized by area so that you won't waste money on gas. It is truly a wonderful organization.

Hi, E.. I'd love to help also. Please send me your address and a wish list for the kids and I'll send a package out to you. Do you and/or your husband have any needs?

Hi, sweetie! Call volunteer center of whatever county you are in and they should be able to connect you with someone who can help.

I have a 12-year old and an 18 year old who I'm sure have clothes that I can pass along to you as well.I'm sure other mama's can help.

Also a local MOPS group may be a good source.

Dear E.,
Please send me your address, children's sizes and wish lists. Every year, my husband and I like to do something like this to help out, so we would love to help you.
God Bless you for having the courage to speak out and not be too proud to ask for help. When I was younger, I struggled raising my two children as a single mom and I was so Blessed by people who helped me out so much. I am now giving back as a reminder of how much people's generosity meant to me.
Tracey

E.,
If I could also get an address, sizes, and a few more specifics of what you most need, that would be great. Our school is holding a toy & clothing drive and I can pull things from there. Also, does it matter if it's new vs. gently used and clean? Thanks for having the courage to ask.
L.
____@____.com

E.,
I live in Los Angeles, but know that North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad is an amazing church and will find help for you. Some of our friends are members there, and I will personally put you in contact with someone there who can help if you would like. We have been in your shoes before.

If you want to contact them on your own, here's their info...
www.northcoastcalvary.org
###-###-####
1330 Poinsettia Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Email me if you want me to help you get the right contact there.

Blessings,
Tara

Hi E.. I attend a local church in Vista. Let me ask my Pastor what we have available and I will be back in touch. I'm SURE we can help your family! Let me get the ball started!

Be in touch no later than tomorrow!

Love,
Jenn

Hi E.,

I just got off the phone with Melissa from an organization called Friends and Helpers, located in Tarzana (in the San Fernando Valley). They said they can help with you out and are very good with addressing the needs of older children and teens. You can contact Friends and Helpers directly at ____@____.com only problem will be getting stuff to you down in Carlsbad, as they're in the SF Valley, but we can work something out. I've been meaning to pay my aunt a visit down in Laguna Woods -- perhaps we could meet somewhere in between there and Carlsbad. Or, I might be able to arrange a "pony express" type transfer with a friend who splits her time between the SF valley and the San Diego area.

Unfortunately, my daughter (15) just cleared out her closet a couple of weeks ago and donated everything to a local women's shelter. I'll see if she still has anything else she's ready to part with. What sizes are your oldest daughters? What styles of clothes do they like? What sort of activities are they interested in?

BTW, I can really commiserate with your situation. We were in your place 5 years ago. I'd been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years when my husband decided to go back to school. Not only did we have the cost of graduate (rabbinical) school, but we also had the cost of religious day school for the kids and had to move from Northern to Southern CA. Times were very tight even after I landed a job, since it was at a salary that was less than 1/2 of what my husband had been making, and our expenses were 6 times what they had been in N. CA (educational costs alone consumed almost 2/3 of each paycheck). Times were pretty lean for quite a while. Clothes were on an as need only basis and we mostly shopped at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and, as an occasional treat (!) Walmart. Supplies and some food items came from the $1 store. Shopping at the regular chain grocery stores was out of the question, but I was able to find locally owned stores where produce cost up to 75% less (they even let me load up on discarded greens for free to feed our guinea pigs). It was especially tough on our kids because there was another family at the rabbinical school who received tons of aid, food, clothing, school supplies and toys from the surrounding community because they had celebrity status (long story and I'm not going there). No one seemed to understand or care that we were in a similar situation. BTW, there's a Vallarta Market in Escondido, and their prices can be pretty good.

Things are better now that everyone's out of private school and I'm making more money, but I'm still waiting for my hubby to land a position! We're far from easy street, but at least we can breathe a little.

I know you have your hands full with two little-little ones, but you should consider if you have any skills that you can put to use that might allow you to work part time from home. For example, if your academic skills are good, you might consider tutoring from your home. I used to do this to earn extra cash in N. CA. I found that people were happy to pay $30/hour for an adult to sit with their child and assist them with basic homework, answer questions, etc. Writing, math and science skills are particularly in high demand. (This can be tough with a preschooler and toddler around, but perhaps your 10 and 14 year olds can occupy them for an hour or two each day.) Finding clients was pretty easy -- I just posted signs at all of the local schools and left fliers with each schools' administration and counselors. I also posted signs on community bulletin boards. These days, you could probably post something on Craigslist, too.

Also, could your 14 yr old help out a bit financially? Perhaps she could babysit to earn her own clothes money. My kids both did this and it helped quite a bit. I never asked them to contribute to the household funds, but just the fact that they had their own money gave them the freedom to have luxuries that we couldn't afford otherwise. Even your 10 yr old might be able to earn some money dog walking or house sitting (e.g., taking care of pets, and bringing in the mail and newspapers when neighbors are out of town).

Good luck E.! Things WILL get better with time.

R.

can I have more info?
Perhaps we can get my child's school to "adopt" your family for the xmas season?
They have done that in the past.
best, A.

Hi. I'm sorry you're having a difficult time this year. Have you tried approaching any churches, service groups (like a local women's club?) or your children's schools? Organizations like these usually do a good job spreading the word when people in the community need help. Also, the holiday season is usually a good time to pick up part-time work if you need the extra income, even if it's only until early January. Retail shops usually need the extra help. Good luck.

E., please send me your address. I would like to help you out with what ever we can. During these times the children are the most important thing. My family and I would like to help you. God Bless and I hope it all works out for you and your family.

E.,
Check with some of the churches in your area, they often times will provide clothing.

Check the schools your children go to, the school in my area has jackets etc. available every year. You just let the teachers know or the school know. The jackets are wrapped in Christmas wrap and there is a group that furnishes them every year. It is kept private. The same with food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Let the school know you want one, and they will provide it. They do not let others know about this, you usually can pick up the baskets or boxes at school, or have them delivered to your home. Check with your local police or fire department, sometimes they have programs. Call the City of Carlsbad, check with the Salvation Army, sometimes they have connections. You can also get toys through several organizations. Just make the calls. I hope this helps.

E.:)

This might help.
Go to www.freecycle.org
Look up your area/state.

its' a site where you can get things for free, and request things. It's all about "recycling" and helps other people too.

Also, you might want to contact your local TV news station...and see if they know of any assistance programs for your family. Every year during the holidays, our local news stations in my State promote the charities and programs for needy families... and then they try to hook them up with a pertinent organization that can help. You might want to try that route. Or, they may "spotlight" your family, as they do in our State, and thereby "help" them this way and in asking for any monetary or necessities donations that a family needs/is requesting.

Here are some other links/resources for your area:
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/11/news/community...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071216/news_1mc...

http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2007/12/15/news/...

http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=15331

http://www.thechildrenscenter.com/get_involved_donate.html

All the best to you, hope this helps.
~Susan

Please do post up your families needs. I would love to go through my gift closet to see what I have. I stock up all year on gift items and I stockpile everything that my family uses on a regular basis so I always have extras. I live in Poway and would be happy to meet you half way to give you items that you need, if I have them.

I have a ton of toothbrushes for toddlers and adults, a ton of toothpaste too.

Lots of kids bandaids.

Lots of kids $1 toy items...Barbie, Hello Kitty, Cars, dinosaurs, etc.

Between my best friend and I, we definitely have some clothes that our kids have outgrown (ages 6 months to 5) that you can have.

Lots of non-perishable food like juice, popcorn, Indian curry mixes, etc.

Let me know what you need.

S.

hi there - we just took alot of clothes out of my 9 year old's closet - sizes 12 -14, even holiday dresses is the most perfect condition. We would love to get this stuff out to you! Let me know what the best way to get this to you...i may even have someone who may deliver at last resort. I may also have some 4t, i saved some stuff for her sister but we would be glad to hand it over as well =)

Please email me ____@____.com

Leave a posting on Craigslist in San Diego and contact the people who posted garage sales to see if they have any left over clothes and other items to donate to you. Most people just donate what they didn't sell to charity anyway. Good luck! I know how tough times are. We are in the same boat.

I would like to help as well. Could I please get your address. I am so lucky to have had so much help and generosity from my family and friends when I had my baby that I would love to pass that on. Thank you.

Try the schools. They have an abundance of information. They might even have a program there for assistance.

Try the Salvation Army. We adopt a family every year through their program. Best wishes.

I have two GROBAGS (18-36 months) if you need them. They are very used but are still really warm and nice. Does your son sleep in a sleeping bag/sleep sack at night?

I would love to help. Please give me your address and I would be happy to send you boys clothes. I have twin 25 month old boys. I have LOTS of clothes that you may be able to use. What size is your son in?
K.

I saw this article in the North County Times yesterday. I think Carlsbad is in the Tri-City area. I hope it helps. "The Boys & Girls Club of Vista will be serving as a distribution center for Toys for Tots in the Tri-City area this holiday season. During November & December, applications for toys can be filled out & dropped off at the club at 410 W. California Ave, Vista. Applications can be turned in from 2:30-5 pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Deadline is December 5. Residents must provide proof of child dependency, proof of residency & proof of income. Download application at www.toysfortots.org. Call ###-###-####, Ext 12."

Hi E.!
I just found out about a program called Angel food ministries
you can check them out at www.angelfoodministries.com
It is only helping with food but with food cost going up I am sure it can help you so maybe you can get some things for your kids for Christmas! I wish I could help more!

I second the suggestion about Freecycle. It's a Yahoo group. I belong to Oceanside Freecycle and my husband belongs to the Carlsbad Freecycle. We have given away a lot of clothing (among a ton of other things). I always see listings for children's clothing. It's an easy and great resource.

You can email me as well if you need anything specific. I might be able to help, although my daughter is just now three. I'm not sure I could help with clothing. Good luck to you!

Hi E.,
I have boy clothes that start out from 2T to 4T. I think there are some pj's in there also. I was just getting ready to donate them. There are some new clothes, gently used and some that would be great play clothes ! I'd love to send them to you if you would like them. Please let me know.

Hi E.,
I would love to help you, i dont have girls but i have a huge family that also likes to help others, I also could provide you with stuff that you would find in a 99 cent store (i just close one) so i have ALLOT of items you could use just let me know what is needed. as for your girls what do they like or dislike and what size are they?? is used clothes ok??

could you supply me with the sizes of the ten yr old daughter and 14 yr old daughter, I am sure I can help...

Thanks

this is what you should do. Find your local food banks, some of them give away clothes too. You can search online or ask a church they usually have lists of them or find a Christian outreach or catholic charities or the such, they will know where you can go. It is donated clothes but you can find new and very good condition. You don't need much ussually just you I'd if any thing. These programs are set up for people that need help. If you do it get there as early as you can so you get the best selection

Hi E.,

You should join your local freecycle group (google free cycle). It's a local group where you can pass your needs and people respond. Everything is FREE! Most of the time people are cleaning out there closets etc.
Have you contacted your local churches and the "Toys for Tots" program for some holiday assastnce?

Good luck,
M.

Can I get an address the children's size and a little about their likes and dislikes. I work in a very giving community and I have children and my sister does too. Between all of us I am sure we can come up with some help.

S.

E.-as with everyone else who has posted, I would also love to help you in any way I can. I stock up on toys throughout the year and would love to give some to your kids. Also, as long as you don't mind some hand-me-downs, I've got plenty of clothes for your son and your eldest daughter. Just post your kids sizes and what toys they like or what they enjoy then all of us other moms will be there to help you!

I was on CraigsList just now and there is a woman looking to help a family out for Christmas. She wants the person to write an essay about why they need help and what Christmas means to them. Must be 100-500 words. After reading your post this morning, I thought of you. If you will send me your e-mail address, I will forward it to her. Her e-mail address is ____@____.com if you would like to contact her yourself. I would help you myself, but I am struggling to stay above water too. I can put Christmas on credit cards though if I have to. i know where you are coming from. I am the only one working right now and my husband is in medical school full-time. We have three children ages 11, 9 and 8 months. Good luck and I hope this helps. M.

Hi E.,
I checked the Toys for Tots holiday assistance program in San Diego, and they are still taking registration applicants today 3pm to 6pm and tomorrow 10am to 1pm and you can provide the Wish Lists. There is a phone number to call and the address. Here's the link: http://www.toydrive.com/toys.htm or you could always go to toysfortots.org and follow the links.

E.,
I as well would love to help...I have a 2 1/2 year old boy that is getting bigger by the day. I am just getting ready to go through his drawers and donate...there are yours if you want them. List all your children's sizes and I would love to help them as well. Send your address soon so we all can get going on helping you and your family. God Bless

I read a lot of the responses yesterday and it touched my heart as well. Christmas is the time of giving and it may not be much but I would love to help out. Please send me your address so I can get a package in the mail and any suggestions on what you need/want for everyone in the family! God Bless!