Adopting a family for Yule

[DeilenMor]

The family is a divorced mother with 5 Children. 

We are to provide for them:
a Basket/box of non-perishable food for their holiday dinner
gifts and/or clothing for the children

Balt Co. suggestions:
Along with the food, a gift certificate for $20 for a turkey or ham from Giant, Safeway or superfresh
All things are to be new (handmade is fine)
Purchasing a gift for the parent is optional
gifts are to be wrapped and labeled with the recipient's name

[Please  note: the dusty, year old can of sardines in the cupboard that was purchased by accident NO ONE wants to eat so, do not put it in the basket.]

The mother's comments:
Please only purchase non-violent or educational toys for the children
The family does not eat pork
The baby needs baby things (rattle, pacifier, bibs, etc.)

Who are the children?
Boys:
Desan age 10
clothing size Medium, coat size Medium and shoe size 9
Interests: all sports, loves the ravens

Wesley age 3
clothing size 4 Toddler coat size 4 Toddler  and shoe size 9
Interests: Bob the Builder and really wants a play guitar

Girls:
Jasmine age 4
clothing and coat size 7 and shoe size 11
Interests: doll babies

Janaes age 9
Clothing and coat size 14 Misses and shoes 9 woman
interests: barbies and bratts

Jessica age 5 Months
clothing size 12 months and shoe size is 9 baby

It would probably be helpful for folks to list what they want to donate.  All things must be collected no later than the Yule Ritual on Dec 20.  I will be bringing a large basket to WWTOO this weekend.

[Fiamma]

Janaes age 9
Clothing and coat size 14 Misses and shoes 9 woman
interests: barbies and bratts

Just had to check on this because it made me do a double-take...a 9-year-old is wearing a size 9 woman's shoe? *looks at feet* that's only one size smaller than I have on my own feet right now. I know that it's entirely possible, but just thought I'd comment that you might want to make sure that that's correct.

Oh, and I could easily donate some handmade scarves for this.

Renee

[DeilenMor]

Janaes age 9
Clothing and coat size 14 Misses and shoes 9 woman
interests: barbies and bratts

Just had to check on this because it made me do a double-take...a 9-year-old is wearing a size 9 woman's shoe?

Well, the mother had written size 14 Woman on the sheet.  I questioned that because woman's size and misses/junior are totally different. She just meant that her daughter was not wearing girls sizes anymore. 

I will double check on sizes though.  I will be calling the family tonight or tomorrow. I need to double check the spelling of the names and the address.  The handwriting on the Balt Co form is terrible.

[carynml]

That's a lot of stuff.  Do they expect all of it to be filled?  Do we want to let folks vollunteer for what they want to get and then we can request some money from the Witan to fill in the rest?

[DeilenMor]

Everything is not necessary.  The only thing that the the Balt. Co. Soc. Srvs. Rep told me is a box or basket of food and a gift or two for the children. 
They requested that the mother list clothing sizes and toy preference to offer a variety. 

I was thinking one or 2 gifts for each child, a basket of food and a $20 gift certificate to Superfresh for other items such as milk, turkey, cheese, etc.

My thoughts were that those participating would pick a gift or bring a few items for the basket. 

So far, Renee has volunteered to knit/crochet a few scarves.

[DeilenMor]

Clarification from the Carolyn (the mother):

petit-ness does not run in their family. 

The 9 y.o daughter, Janaea, does indeed wear size 9 shoes and she also wears size 14 Womens (not misses as previously stated).  Carolyn told me that she is a big girl in both height and girth.

The 10 y.o. son, Desaun, (previously misspelled) wears medium mens clothing and 34 waist pants.

I will be delivering the gifts on Sunday afternoon, Dec 21.

[DeilenMor]

Oh, and I could easily donate some handmade scarves for this.
Renee

Where you thinking one for each child (excluding the baby)?  that would be 4.

[carynml]

I have homework to do tomorrow but I will try to get out Friday and scout around for a couple of the clothing items.  It sounds like they don't want items from a 2nd hand store.
Caryn

[Fiamma]

Oh, and I could easily donate some handmade scarves for this.
Renee

Where you thinking one for each child (excluding the baby)?  that would be 4.

Sure, that wouldn't be a problem. I have a bag of scarves already knitted that were intended to be donated somewhere, though those are girlier colors...I could easily get some other yarn and knit two scarves for boys.

[DeilenMor]

I have homework to do tomorrow but I will try to get out Friday and scout around for a couple of the clothing items.  It sounds like they don't want items from a 2nd hand store.
Caryn

Not unless you can find something with tags on it.  Balt. Co. specifically told me that everything should be new.

Dollar General has nice flannel shirts for $5 or less.  I have bought a few and they are decent quality.  They also sell puzzles, coloring books, barbie style dolls.  The one in Ellicott City on Rt 40 is a great store.  

[DeilenMor]

I purchased a  5 piece teether and rattle set for Jessica, the 5 month old. 

$15 and free shipping from Target.

To Recap:
Renee: a scarf for each child
Chelsea: baby gift

[DeilenMor]

Crystal, were you going to put a sentence or two about CLG adopting a family and anyone attending the yule rite can bring a canned food donation if they would like to participate?

Just curious.   

[Crystal]

I had planned on sending it out with my usual e-announcements, yes

[carynml]

After some 'serious' bargain hunting today I managed to get a pair of winter (not snow) shoes or boots for all 5 kids.  I couldn't believe the prices, holy cow!  I will submit the receipts as a donation.  I wasn't sure about the baby as there is no such size as 9 for babies so I got a size for 9-12 months.    I hit some buy one get 1 free sales. 

[carynml]

I will try to get this stuff wrapped today and bring it in tomorrow.  Maybe we can set up a a table for donations.