11 Charities That Give Free Christmas Gifts: A Guide for Cash-Strapped Single Moms

Every year there are single moms who are stressing about how they will buy Christmas gifts for their kids. It feels like a burden but did you know there are charities that give free Christmas gifts to kids every year? I’ve faced this dread myself in years past. I know what it’s like to wonder […]

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Free Academic Wii-Type Games!

Does your child have a Wii? If so you'll probably like these games. They are not only free, but they are also academic. From reading the reviews, kids love them, so that makes them a winner for parents.

If you don't have a Wii you can still use them because they are computer compatible.

Go and grab your free games and watch your kids have fun and learn too, all without coming out of your pocket for more expensive games.

This is a winner!

Free Wii Games

Free Academic Wii-Type Games!

Does your child have a Wii? If so you'll probably like these games. They are not only free, but they are also academic. From reading the reviews, kids love them, so that makes them a winner for parents.

If you don't have a Wii you can still use them because they are computer compatible.

Go and grab your free games and watch your kids have fun and learn too, all without coming out of your pocket for more expensive games.

This is a winner!

Free Wii Games

April Giveaway: Autographed Copy of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood

Well I'm at it again! I'm giving away an autographed copy of my book, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood. It's The Handbook for Single Moms who are looking for guidance on this journey.

About the Book

100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood is a compact book (just 42 pages long) filled with tips on how to successfully navigate single motherhood. In it you will learn the secrets of taking care of yourself, your money, your emotions, and your children without losing your mind. It's easy to read and re-read for those times that you need a little inspiration.

The tips in this book are gleaned from what has worked in my life. It hasn't been a life without struggle but with time and experience I've learned how to navigate it like a pro. I want you to learn my secrets to single mom success and thrive.

How to Enter the Drawing

Now you have a chance to win a copy of the book. It's as simple as sharing one tip that's helped you be a better single mom (0r dad) in the comment. I'm sure all the tips will be awesome and I'll want to give a book to everyone, but I can only choose one person. To make the choice easy (and fair) I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner.

2 Winners this Month!

As a matter of fact I'm going to give away two, count 'em 2, copies of the book this month because I forgot to do it last month. So go ahead and leave your tip now.

Entry Deadline

The deadline for entry is April 24 at 11:59 pm. You can read an excerpt now to see what the book is all about.

April Giveaway: Autographed Copy of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood

Well I'm at it again! I'm giving away an autographed copy of my book, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood. It's The Handbook for Single Moms who are looking for guidance on this journey.

About the Book

100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood is a compact book (just 42 pages long) filled with tips on how to successfully navigate single motherhood. In it you will learn the secrets of taking care of yourself, your money, your emotions, and your children without losing your mind. It's easy to read and re-read for those times that you need a little inspiration.

The tips in this book are gleaned from what has worked in my life. It hasn't been a life without struggle but with time and experience I've learned how to navigate it like a pro. I want you to learn my secrets to single mom success and thrive.

How to Enter the Drawing

Now you have a chance to win a copy of the book. It's as simple as sharing one tip that's helped you be a better single mom (0r dad) in the comment. I'm sure all the tips will be awesome and I'll want to give a book to everyone, but I can only choose one person. To make the choice easy (and fair) I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner.

2 Winners this Month!

As a matter of fact I'm going to give away two, count 'em 2, copies of the book this month because I forgot to do it last month. So go ahead and leave your tip now.

Entry Deadline

The deadline for entry is April 24 at 11:59 pm. You can read an excerpt now to see what the book is all about.

Operation Nurture Mommy: Free and Low Cost Ways to Take Care of Myself without Breaking the Bank

I am worn out, emotionally that is. Over the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of extra giving, especially to my kids. I love them so much and want them to have the best of me. I want to be emotionally present and assure them of my love and interest in their lives.

It seems the fallout of being a single mom is the need to over express and give abundant reassurance that my kids are okay. They are loved and wanted.

Operation Nurture Mommy: Free and Low Cost Ways to Take Care of Myself without Breaking the Bank

I am worn out, emotionally that is. Over the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of extra giving, especially to my kids. I love them so much and want them to have the best of me. I want to be emotionally present and assure them of my love and interest in their lives.

It seems the fallout of being a single mom is the need to over express and give abundant reassurance that my kids are okay. They are loved and wanted.

Monthly Book Giveaway: Win an Autographed Copy of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood

Well ladies it’s that time again. In January I promised to give away a copy of my book, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood. Well today is the first day to enter to win.

This month I’d like to hear how you celebrate Valentines Day when you are flying solo. Do you get creative? Do you get mad? Do you just ignore it? I have my thoughts about the subject that I will post later, but for now I’d like to know what you do.

So to enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me how you celebrate the day. There will be one winner (I’m serious this time ;-)) who will be chosen by random number generation. The rest of the entries will be compiled and I’ll create a special ebook to give away for free.

So get all your single mom friends to come over and comment. The more we have the better the ebook will be. If you have a blog you will be able to give the book away to your readers and brag that you wrote a book (at least partly).

The entry deadline is at midnight, February 12, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 13, 2009. She will receive an autographed hard copy of the book in the mail.

Want to know how to get the ebook version of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood for free? Click here to find out.

Monthly Book Giveaway: Win an Autographed Copy of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood

Well ladies it’s that time again. In January I promised to give away a copy of my book, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood. Well today is the first day to enter to win.

This month I’d like to hear how you celebrate Valentines Day when you are flying solo. Do you get creative? Do you get mad? Do you just ignore it? I have my thoughts about the subject that I will post later, but for now I’d like to know what you do.

So to enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me how you celebrate the day. There will be one winner (I’m serious this time ;-)) who will be chosen by random number generation. The rest of the entries will be compiled and I’ll create a special ebook to give away for free.

So get all your single mom friends to come over and comment. The more we have the better the ebook will be. If you have a blog you will be able to give the book away to your readers and brag that you wrote a book (at least partly).

The entry deadline is at midnight, February 12, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 13, 2009. She will receive an autographed hard copy of the book in the mail.

Want to know how to get the ebook version of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood for free? Click here to find out.

Free Women’s Health Calendar

Single moms can be the worst at taking care of their health, don’t you agree? It’s easy to get run down from all the running around. The result is one worn out single momma. I have trouble making and keeping doctor’s appointments. It just seems like there is not enough time in the day or week to do it. To make matters worse, I just moved to a new city so I haven’t found a doctor to go to.

Free Women’s Health Calendar

Single moms can be the worst at taking care of their health, don’t you agree? It’s easy to get run down from all the running around. The result is one worn out single momma. I have trouble making and keeping doctor’s appointments. It just seems like there is not enough time in the day or week to do it. To make matters worse, I just moved to a new city so I haven’t found a doctor to go to.

Autographed Book Giveaway Extended!

There have been so many visitors to see what the autographed book giveaway is all about but not too many comments. So I am extending the giveaway by one day. The last day to comment is Tuesday, January 13, 2008 (tomorrow).

If  you haven't heard about it, I'm giving away an autographed copy of my book, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood. If  you are the winner I will mail the book to you with my autograph. All you have to do is leave a comment on the original post and the winner will be selected by random number generation.

So go on over and leave a  comment. The entry deadline is now 01/13/09 at 11:59 pm est.

Autographed Book Giveaway Extended!

There have been so many visitors to see what the autographed book giveaway is all about but not too many comments. So I am extending the giveaway by one day. The last day to comment is Tuesday, January 13, 2008 (tomorrow).

If  you haven't heard about it, I'm giving away an autographed copy of my book, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood. If  you are the winner I will mail the book to you with my autograph. All you have to do is leave a comment on the original post and the winner will be selected by random number generation.

So go on over and leave a  comment. The entry deadline is now 01/13/09 at 11:59 pm est.

Rich Single Momma Has Gone Mad! She’s Giving Away the Farm!

I am declaring 2009 as my Year of Giving. One of my favorite bible verses is Luke 6:38. It tells me that when I give I will get back even more, so much more that I won’t be able to hold it all.

When I give I am making deposits into the universal bank account. By helping others I help myself. At first glance it seems scary to give and expect nothing in return from the person I am giving to. Giving from the overflow in my life teaches me generosity and self-sacrifice. This is the only way I can truly reach my full potential.

You might agree that as a single mother I do enough giving.

Rich Single Momma Has Gone Mad! She’s Giving Away the Farm!

I am declaring 2009 as my Year of Giving. One of my favorite bible verses is Luke 6:38. It tells me that when I give I will get back even more, so much more that I won’t be able to hold it all.

When I give I am making deposits into the universal bank account. By helping others I help myself. At first glance it seems scary to give and expect nothing in return from the person I am giving to. Giving from the overflow in my life teaches me generosity and self-sacrifice. This is the only way I can truly reach my full potential.

You might agree that as a single mother I do enough giving.

The Cash-Strapped Parent's Guide to Christmas: How to Have a Merry Christmas For Free

I walked into Wal-Mart this weekend and was met with Christmas displays and trees. As I walked down the aisles I heard the Christmas music playing softly in the background. I admit that I was a little agitated that Thanksgiving has been completely ignored or at best got one day of attention (probably on the day nobody really went shopping).

I got over the agitation and proceeded with my shopping. But it was not without thinking about the thousands of single moms out there who feel burdened by the Christmas holidays.

The Cash-Strapped Parent's Guide to Christmas: How to Have a Merry Christmas For Free

I walked into Wal-Mart this weekend and was met with Christmas displays and trees. As I walked down the aisles I heard the Christmas music playing softly in the background. I admit that I was a little agitated that Thanksgiving has been completely ignored or at best got one day of attention (probably on the day nobody really went shopping).

I got over the agitation and proceeded with my shopping. But it was not without thinking about the thousands of single moms out there who feel burdened by the Christmas holidays. I’ve faced this dread myself in years past. I know what it’s like to wonder where I’ll get the money to buy gifts for my kids. Several times I’ve made the decision to only purchase one gift or no more than three (in the spirit of Christ’s birth). As much as I wanted to give my precious little ones everything they wanted I just couldn’t. I didn’t have the money because I needed to pay the rent or car note. I needed to make sure there was food in the house for the days after Christmas.

There are so many moms like me out there who need a helping hand this year. So I’ve done some research and came up with a pretty long list of resources. These are organizations that help needy families during the Christmas holidays. They give toys and sometimes clothes to families that need a helping hand during this time of year.

Most of the organizations have local chapters so you will have to contact the one nearest you for more information. Please don’t be shy about calling. They are there to help and often are looking for people to help. The more localized the better for you. Also remember to get a head start on applying for help. Some deadlines have already passed but try anyway. Your persistence will pay off.

Toys for Tots – this organization has many local chapters. Their deadline in some places was in October but they are still taking applications. If they have toys left you will be contacted.

Angel Tree – This program is for kids who have parents in prison.
Salvation Army – Contact your local chapter for information about their program. They don’t collect money in those little red pails for nothing. You just may be one of the families they help this year.

Shiners/Lions/Masons – These organizations are famous for the help they give to children. Call your local office and find out when and where they are taking applications.
St. Vincent de Paul/Catholic Charities – These Catholic organizations help people year around. They have offices in many locations so call and find out where you can go for help.

VFW/American Legion – Your local organization may have a Christmas toy donation program. Be sure to call and find out.

County Help Lines – Your county help line may have information about other local organizations that are helping the needy this Christmas. To find your state or county helpline, Google “[your state] + helpline”. It may show up as a crisis hotline but they may also have information that you can use.

Local Churches – There are likely churches in your area that are collecting toys to give to needy families. Open the phone book and call the churches near you and ask if they have a program. Find out how to get on the list.

Local Businesses – I worked for a large corporation that collected toys every year for needy families. They may work in cooperation with other charitable organizations but many may offer direct help. Look in the newspaper for announcements and call a few to learn about which companies are helping the needy. Also ask your friends if they their companies have programs.

Libraries/Banks – The local library and banks often have Angel or Giving Trees. Ask how you can get your kids’ names on the tree to receive Christmas gifts this year.

United Way – this organization is the umbrella unit of hundreds of charitable organizations. Call your local office and find out what programs they have to help kids for Christmas. I’m sure they can point you in the right direction.

There are likely many more resources out there you just have to investigate the options. Please do not be put off by the word “needy”. It is not an indication of you as a person but a temporary status. We are living in tough economic times right now so everyone is struggling. Fortunately you now have a few resources now to help give your kids a great Christmas.

Did You Vote? Your Lone Voice Counts!

Today is one of the most important days in history. Are you a part of that history? Did you get out and vote? If you are reading this post and it's still Tuesday, November 4, 2008, then you probably still have time to get out and vote. Don't waste this opportunity to have a say in who leads your city, state, and country.

Women have fought for the right to have equal pay for equal work, the right to work, and numerous other rights. The right to vote is monumental in our lives. Sometimes it seems like the choices we are a choice between the lesser of two evils. It seems discouraging but I urge you to look deep within your heart and look deep within the eyes of your children and do what is right for the both of you.

As a woman and mother you are the most powerful person in the lives of your children. They depend on you to be a good example. I'm sure that if they are in school they are hearing about the election and may be asking questions. Some may have had mock elections in their schools and proudly exercised their right to vote. My daughter asked me if I voted and a smile and nod of approval crossed her face when I told her that I did.

Being a part of the democratic process is a wonderful feeling. Your vote counts and it will make all the difference in your little world. Your kids will be proud!

Come with Me to the Carnival (Blog Carnival that is)

I am a part of the Mommy Blogger Carnival. Check out the 23 great articles listed in the carnival and vote for your favorite one. I hope you vote for me (boy do I sound like a politician).

If you’ve never heard of Blog Carnivals it’s a great way to get your blog circulating and drive traffic to it. A Blog Carnival is simply a list of blogs that are related in some way. It could be that the bloggers have similar interests or the topic is the same. To be a part of a blog carnival all you have to do is sign up with one of the hundreds that are in circulation.

The best place to find a blog carnival is the go to the Blog Carnival website. There are a few independent blog carnivals but this site has the most organized one. Blog Carnivals are just one of many ways to drive traffic to your blog. Next time will give you a few more ideas. So take a minute and see what 23 other mommy bloggers are talking about and don’t forget to vote for your favorites in the comment section.

If you are interested in being a part of a single moms blog carnival let me know. I would love to show the world how wonderful single moms are at blogging. It would also bring more exposure to your blog.

The Best Birthday Ever!

These are the words that make any mom happy and I'm sure you're no exception. But sometimes planning an elaborate birthday can be expensive and stressful. So here is a great way to make sure your child has a great birthday the next time around.

You can sign them up for the numerous kid's birthday clubs sponsored by national and local restaurants. Here are a few that I've found and believe me I am going to sign up my kids. They will get coupons for a free meal and/or dessert as well club goodies in the mail.

So go ahead and get them signed up right now. Hint: Get an auto-filler program like the one Google has or Roboform to fill out all those forms. It will save time and effort. Most clubs are for kids 12 and under but some have a cut off of 10 and under.

Here's the list:

Restaurants:

Moe's Southwest Grill

Kids Eat Free on Monday nights - one free kids meal for each adult entree purchased
Also join Mini-Moe's Birthday Club for a free Kids Meal at Lunch or Dinner for your Birthday

Coldstone Creamery Birthday Club
Register and get a free "Creation" for your birthday - coupon has 14 day expiration window

California Pizza Kitchen
Register in Advance
- Children 10 and under can get a free meal during the month of their birthday

Baskin Robbins Birthday Club
Register in Advance
- Free 2.5 oz. Scoop of ice cream on your birthday

Burger King

Join to get great offers at participating BURGER KING® Restaurants plus cool birthday surprises on your special day.

Boston Market Birthday Club
Register in advance
- Coupon for a free kids meal, drink and dessert
http://www.bostonmarket.com/specials?page=kidsBirthdayClub


Red Lobster's Overboard Club
Register in advance
Get a special gift on your birthday and other discounts throughout the year

Bob Evans Birthday Club
Register in Advance
Get a free kids meal for your birthday

Red Robin E-Club
Register in Advance
A free gift for signing up and a free Burger on your Birthday

Shoney’s
12 years old or younger, you can join the Cub Club

Famous Daves
FamousDaves BBQ Bdayclub TX OK ND SD NE MN IA WI IL OH IN KY CO TN AL GA VA MD NJ DE Free GC On Your Birthday from Famous Daves BBQ Birthday Club

Captain D’s

Abbott's Frozen Custard

Get a free frozen Custard on your birthday.

Firehouse Subs

Join the Firehouse Subs Birthday Club and enjoy a free sub on your birthday.

Friendly's Restaurant

Free Kids' Meal which includes a Friendly's Kids' Sundae, sign up for the Friendly's Birthday Club.

Marble Slab

Free Child's Size Ice Cream Cone, with Mixin, for each of your birthdays, through age 12.

Panchos Mexican Buffet

Join the Birthday Fiesta Club and on your next birthday you'll be a Pancho's guest for free lunch or dinner. (Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas locations)

Ryans

Free Birthday and Anniversary coupons, plus get a Free meal for joining their club.

Sonic

Your child will receive a birthday greeting for a FREE Wacky Pack kids' meal during the week of his or her birthday.

Taco Time

Kids 12 years of age or younger can receive a coupon for a free Kids Meal on their next birthday! (Northwest area only)

Zaxby's Birthday Club

www.zaxbys.com/bday.html

Marie Callender’s:

For the birthday child, they will receive a birthday post card and it’s good for a free kids meal along with a free kids treat from the bakery! Visit your local Marie Callender’s or fill this out online. (Adults, you too can fill this offer out and receive $5 off your meal and receive a free piece of pie for your birthday!)

Other Stores:

Toys R Us

Geoffrey’s Birthday Club is for children up through age 10.

The Picture People

Sign up for their Birthday Club and you’ll receive special offers in the mail for your child’s special day.

Olan Mills

A perfect way to record your child's growth. Simply sign up, and have your child's portrait taken every year on his or her birthday, up until 3 years of age.

Hollywood Video

Come in for a free Hollywood Film Library® rental on your birthday

Kids Talk

Kids Talk is especially for boys and girls 12 years of age and younger.

Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels Birthday Club!

Oogles ‘n Googles

A birthday club. Enjoy!

Rich Single Momma