I will be flyig out for two weeks in the DR Dec 31. I will be bringing used clothes and some new stuff( shoes, jeans , ) for the family I know well there- they live in la caleta and are very very poor. I bring presnts for their 4 kids.
My question is- would it be terribly " in your face' for me to bring other small gifts and candy( chocolate, candy canes ,toys from Walmarts, whatever) and offer them out in gift bags to the other poor kids in the neighborhood? Or is that going too far and would it be an insult to the parents? I don;t want to upset anybody- but think at Christmas kids need to be able to enjoy it as I used to.. but I doubt these kids who have often no shoes on their feet, get even a candy cane. I fear the parents might get upset with me... but it would only be a small gesture- maybe a toy car or a doll or activity books- something small but wrapped up nice for them to rip open.... am I on thin ice? I am not one of those types that loves to be the center of attention- but I do like to see the kids happy- they pull on anyone's heartstrings- and I know giving money will probably mean beer for the father and no gift for the child. so I want to avoid that.. I thought about my friend just doing it- maybe inviting all the local kids to his place and putting lots of small wrapped-up toys in a barrel- and having them all pick a gift- blue for boys , pink for girls- but that might get crazy- any ideas you can give- I really want to do something- it is the first time I will be spending this time of the year over there- I've been anumber of times before- and it is a special time for kids... thanks Mike
My question is- would it be terribly " in your face' for me to bring other small gifts and candy( chocolate, candy canes ,toys from Walmarts, whatever) and offer them out in gift bags to the other poor kids in the neighborhood? Or is that going too far and would it be an insult to the parents? I don;t want to upset anybody- but think at Christmas kids need to be able to enjoy it as I used to.. but I doubt these kids who have often no shoes on their feet, get even a candy cane. I fear the parents might get upset with me... but it would only be a small gesture- maybe a toy car or a doll or activity books- something small but wrapped up nice for them to rip open.... am I on thin ice? I am not one of those types that loves to be the center of attention- but I do like to see the kids happy- they pull on anyone's heartstrings- and I know giving money will probably mean beer for the father and no gift for the child. so I want to avoid that.. I thought about my friend just doing it- maybe inviting all the local kids to his place and putting lots of small wrapped-up toys in a barrel- and having them all pick a gift- blue for boys , pink for girls- but that might get crazy- any ideas you can give- I really want to do something- it is the first time I will be spending this time of the year over there- I've been anumber of times before- and it is a special time for kids... thanks Mike