I'm glad the Janesville office is doing so well with donations. They give out way better Christmas gifts to their communities kids. Beloit on the other hand DOES NOT receive this kind of funding and it shows. I feel bad for the people in Beloit because they DO NOT get the nice things JANESVILLE DOES. Since it is the same county they should be required to split the toys donated based on the need in each county. Just my thought and not that it is going to happen. Come on JANESVILLE you are a richer community!!!!!

schnckstac1, good points. I agree with everything you have said. When I was a divorced mom of 3, once my kids hit a certain age you received no help and it really hurt. I could not afford much being single and having one income. It was enough just paying the bills. I never had cable, internet or a phone sometimes. I made it but could have used help in their teenage years.

and...what will the children who do still believe think or feel like when "Santa" does not bring their brother or sister anything just because they are a teenager? How will the question, "why didn't Santa bring you anything be answered"? You expect the response to be he only brings presents to little kids?

nscr17, your comment saddens me. My 3 children, husband, and I take one tag for each of us every year. We shop together and make it a thing we do as a family. This year there were a lot of teenagers. We decided to ONLY take the teenagers because of people like you. So, on Christmas morning the teenager should be led to believe that his or her parents or parent decided to only buy for the children who still believe in Santa? Are you kidding me? They are expected to stand up and be more mature than most adults nowadays? The YWCA not only has the parents fill out tags for their children, but also themselves. Most parents asked for gas cards, dishes, or necessary items. Also to add, our family knows what it is like to be on assistance and have to ask for help. We have been there, and give what we can back. When giving comes from the heart, there should NOT be conditions:)

You know, and I'm serious, I think next year we'll give the kids one or two less presents and instead tell them that we gave to someone on the tree on their behalf. I think it will do us all some good!

Also TRY it once- It FEELS GOOD!

ncrs- BTW-Yes I did spend more on her than my own family. She needs my family doesn't "need" anything.

nscr- I picked a teen 17 yr ol girl. She asked for a coat not toys. I hooked her up with boots,scarf, and gloves to match.
They all need help.

All human beings, old or young, are eligible for the Angel Tree. That is the way it should be. I went on the JCPenney site and there were a lot of elderly without anyone or anything for Christmas. Everyone deserves to be thought of in their time of need no matter what age. I am glad the SA got to their goal.

I was only talking about the angel tree. Obviously their families need help with food, housing, and all other necessities. I am all for helping them with the money donations for those needs, but teens in general are old enough to understand the struggles that everyone is having. Younger children do not have the luxury of that type of knowledge and understanding. Everyone can acheive their hopes and dreams with a little hard work. I would hope they will keep dreaming BIG, as everyone should.

Your right nscr17--too many poor teens out there with hopes and dreams. They should already know that this America is not for them.

I have to admit, I donate EVERY year to the SA in the form of the buckets and with getting a couple of angels, but I do get irritated when I see the angel tree filled with teenagers. I know everyone is in need, but in these times, I wish they would put only children on the tree that still think "Santa" exsists. I just feel for the kids who are wondering why "Santa" skipped over their house this year (how disappointing for them). When you get to a certain age you should understand the difficulties that the parents (and society) are having and just understand instead of wanting, wanting, and wanting some more. Some of the gifts the teens were asking for were more than I would spend on my own family. Thank you to all that volunteered their time this year for the SA. It certainly brings attention to the need.

Wow, that's amazing! I just looked back at the Gazette archives and for the Salvation Army's 2007-2008 drive they raised $285,000. Who would have thought that they'd raise so much more now, when Janesville's economy is definitely in much worse shape, than back in 2007-2008? Maybe it's because we now all personally know people who are hurting. Congratulations Janesville - you have a huge heart!

westorbust - I agree, but I still gave to the SA this year, and more than any other year.
The reason is because I know some of the people who eat lunch there many days, and many other people who the SA helps, and has helped over the years. When I give to the SA I think of them.

Frankly, I will never give to the Salvation Army again. There are many other worthy charities that don't take a medievel outllook on human nature.

I walked by the angel tree 2 days after XMAS(don't shoot me) and the tree stood with angels on it still. Seemed sad to me. Could they still get their gifts? IF not take it down it looks sad.

Joy- I also thought can there be a way to secure the bucket in case "no ringers"?

You can always send them one check. That will prove a tax deduction for you as well vs cash in the kettle if you would like to do more than $1 or change anyway.

I'm glad to hear it because there were a lot of times going into the stores that the kettle stand was there but no ringers or bucket, when I would have donated on that trip to the store. Hopefully that means some people who volunteered last year are back to work!