Taking care of underpriviledged kids?

Question

What is a good guideline for determining who should recieve them and the other toys we recieve? By taking care of I don't mean literally.My friend and I have been repairing old donated bicycles and giving them to kids whose parents can't afford them.Lately though parents have been approaching me asking for bikes for their kids.They always seem to be well dressed and driving nice vehicles.Don't get me wrong,I hate to deny any kid a bike but it seems to me these parents are just wanting a handout.I don't do a back groud check or anything fancy,just depend on word of mouth to determine who is in need.I look for kids wose parents are unemployed for reasons they can't help or has an illness That prevents them from affording extras for their kids.What are some good guidelines for determining who recieves a bike or the other toys we recieve ?We are not an organization just a group of guys that do this for the kids. All expenses are out of pocket or donated.Any suggestions?

Answer 1

A good rule of thumb would be to give to the kids who get free or reduced lunch at school.

Answer 2

I would not give to people who ask.  I would do as you say go by word of mouth because more than likely they are going to be to proud to ask for a hand out.

Answer 3

You could try the local Elementary schools. They know the names of every school-aged child that is truly "needy" because they are usually provided free or reduced cost lunches. The schools can not provide these meals until the parent's incomes have been verified.

Bless you for your kindness and caring. We need more people like you and your friends in this world today. Keep up the good work! I hope you're able to "weed out" the greedy to help you care for the needy!

Answer 4

I think you should contact your local social services agency or church and ask them for assistance.

Answer 5

i would say that you should only give to those who you think need it.

its sucks to have to turn down people, but if they can afford it, then they are making people that cant afford it go without anything.

Answer 6

If you don't want to start getting into a screening process for your beneficiaries, (and really, who would if they could help it), you could try going through another agency.  You could go to United Way and ask about programs for needy children.  You can hook up with one of those agencies and they can do the screening for you.  Shelters are a good idea, too; you can have them tell you about clients who move into their own housing who would like bikes for their children.  Churches and the Child Protective Services agency for your area would also know about children who were legitimately needy, as would community centers.