I've felt the way that many of you feel. We've been managing our donations also. We don't like to subsidize greed, entitlement, or laziness. Dh went to pick up an Angel Tree request a few years back and he couldn't find one that was acceptable. The requests from those kids weren't things like coats, clothes, or board games. They were all electronic toys and brand name items that were way more expensive than what we buy our kids. When we donate, we donate at the level or quality of what we would buy for our children. We decided those kids must not have enough need if they didn't need clothes or some other basic item. Dh and I want to teach our child kindness and generosity so we've been focusing more on helping others around us in our daily lives. We've started donating more to the local schools our kids attend. The school is always in need of educational equipment and materials. Dh's employer will match monetary contributions up to a certain amount. The school gets double bang for the buck and we get to designate specifically where we want the money spent. It helps more people. We also like to give the teachers money for supplies too. They spend a lot out of their pockets that we never know about. I don't know if this is considered a true 'charity', but we've donated a few times to the organizations sending items overseas for our soldiers. These men and women are putting their lives on the line for us and it's a small way to make their day brighter or easier. They like toys too. :) It's okay to send bouncy balls, card games and other tiny, but fun surprises. People who have been in the military tell us it's wonderful to get a surprise that smells like home. I've put usable household goods on the curb with a free sign for the neighbors to have. It saves me a trip to the thrift store, but it also helps others around me. I've put out beds, shelves, picnic tables, chairs, etc. Several people told me they were 'extra' things they wanted or needed, but were hesitant to buy because of cost. My other favorite donation place is the food bank. I see it as a way to help the people who are willing to work, but may have lost their jobs or just aren't able to make enough money in their jobs to make ends meet. These people may not qualify for food stamps or other welfare because they have assets like a house or income. Again, I like to donate through the school because some of those donations go to feed my children's classmates. I know the Christmas before last, there was a family in my child's school where the family had lost their job and the school sent them a form to ask what they needed. Their only request was food.

Hi petunia bud. I googled spring horse parts, and got a thread in which someone said she got new springs at home depot! Maybe there is some big spring used in construction that works! Don't know if she had the same horse as you... There were lots of links to follow, suggest you try it. Good luck. kathy

Allison, that's the one. It looks to be pretty simple. Fun, I like how the kits get bigger with more projects to make as they get older. Make sure your GS keeps the booklet with it, we had to order a new lightbulb (teeny) after about a week. Not sure what happened, but you can order replacement parts, and add-on kits. I saved the wood blocks and Lincoln logs that my boy's played with and now my GS plays with them and liked them so much he got a bigger set. He's been playing with them since he was 4. Crl, I love the play silks! I'm going to see if I can find a set for my GD. Speaking of, I received the Young Explorers catalog and since she loves butterflies, I'm getting her some Glitter Wonder Wings that she can wear. lol They're made of chiffon with elastic loops to put the arms through. I'm going to see if Amazon has them first.

I have a small basket of appropriate play things for kids that are past the "put everything in their mouth" stage. Also a large basket of toys for the granddog. And in the no tv allowed family room is a table with a world globe on it along with a couple small puzzle type mind benders and games for individual play for adults or older kids. In a small basket on a sofa table in that same room there are a few more small hold in one hand type mind bender puzzles. Any repeat visitors know where to find entertainment. These are the same type "toys" that I grew up having around the house. My personal toy box, so to speak, was a very elaborate doll house that sat on a child sized table to the left of the front door. When the door was open, (there was a storm door also) the messy doll house and table that had all kinds of my treasures stuffed under it was hidden from view. But when the door was closed it was totally exposed for anyone that came in the house to see. Mom was constantly after me to tidy up!