Stranger Donates Christmas Gifts To Unemployed Man's Family

Last week, Msnbc.com covered the struggle of Wayne Pittman, an unemployed carpenter whose unemployment benefits were on the verge of running out.

Like millions of other "99ers" across the country, Pittman was nearing the 99-week limit of unemployment benefits, with no job prospects.

According to MSNBC.com:

Christmas is out of the question for Wayne Pittman, 46, of Lawrenceville, Ga., and his wife and 9-year-old son. The carpenter was working up to 80 hours a week at the beginning of the decade, but saw that gradually drop to 15 hours before it dried up completely. His last $297 check will go to necessities, not presents.

Just six days later, things are looking up for Pittman's family -- and other unemployed Americans.

After reading Pittman's story, Florida lawyer Dan Dannheisser stepped up to make sure Pittman's son wouldn't go without Christmas presents. He's giving legos, "Star Wars" videos and sports memorabilia to the young boy.

According to a follow-up story on Msnbc.com, Dannheisser said:

"I can't fix the unemployment situation in this country and the unfortunate situation he and Jacqueline were in, but I thought I could certainly fix a 9-year-old boy having Christmas."

The politicians in Washington, DC may have also reached an agreement that will help the Pittman family and other Americans facing long-term joblessness.

HuffPost Politics reports a new deal reached between Republicans and Democrats will extend Bush-era tax cuts in exchange for a 13-month extension of unemployment benefits.

Comments

[SC Cadgirl]

03:24 PM on 12/13/2010

I, too, am unemployed and have received a Christmas gift in the form of a money order from a complete stranger in another state. I have never had an experience like this before and because there are so many people in worse shape than I am, I'm going to use part of the money to buy toys for a local toy drive.

[lronwalker]

09:19 AM on 12/13/2010

Why is it, when you go to a place to drop off donated goods, food, jackets ect....there never is any black people giving.

[HankyJoe]

09:36 AM on 12/13/2010

I'm not sure where you live but here in Chicago, charitable donations come from all demographics.

[lronwalker]

09:41 AM on 12/13/2010

I guess in Chicago the blacks take care of each other better. Here in calif. you dont see it.

[berryessence]

02:46 PM on 12/12/2010

I'm giving one of my student's child a toy for christmas (Transformers). She deserves it and has been struggling to get to class and work. I'm going to get my colleagues to help me so that I can stay within my "ethical boundaries" and make it a Secret Santa.

[kennyfasugbe]

02:33 AM on 12/09/2010

That is the American spirit at its best!

[RightnotLeft]

05:45 PM on 12/08/2010

Good for you Wayne

[fridakahlofan]

05:21 PM on 12/08/2010

I sincerely suggest that those of us that have jobs and a little extra cash to adopt a family in need in these difficult times, it doesn't have to be a huge amount, you can help a family by buying food and paying their utilties, some have some income though it might be small.
I was raised to help my neighbor, some of my family members have taken people to live, transformed a garage into an appartment-loft style, occupy the first floor only now of a 2 story house in order to take a family in.

[GoodNewsDay]

11:46 AM on 12/08/2010

How to Adopt a Family for the Holidays!

Helping our fellow man is important throughout the year, but seems particularly salient during the holiday season. While you celebrate and give thanks for what you have in your own life, consider aiding those who are less fortunate. There are several options for "adopting" individuals or entire families--on your own or with your family, coworkers, or other organizations of which you are part.

Instructions

1
Consider for which holiday you plan to adopt a family. Begin the next steps at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance of the holiday you choose.
2
Consider whom you might like to adopt for the holiday--an individual, children or an entire family or group. Decide whether you'd like to adopt from a particular pool, such as members of the armed forces or persons with special needs.
3
Contact a local church, school, shelter or similar organization and inquire about adopting a person or family for the holidays.
4
Get the list of suggested gifts from the organization and make note of any requirements, such as leaving items unwrapped, and deadlines.
5
Make a list of items you need, such as clothes, toys and food. Decide whether you will collect money or material goods and, if collecting items, who will be responsible for getting what.
6
Gather clothes, toys,..

Read more: How to Adopt a Family for the Holidays | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2123710_adopt-family-holidays.html#ixzz17XVbL1Gk

[Lisa Spurgeon Bullock]

08:54 AM on 12/08/2010

What a nice gift. But the end of the story states Obama and Republicans may have reached deal that will help this man, that is a lie. This man is about to be a 99'er and will be out of luck.

[Mik McAllister]

08:12 PM on 12/08/2010

You are correct. Those of us past the 99 mark will get nothing. Despite neo-cons claiming otherwise.

[VanTroi]

12:42 AM on 12/08/2010

very nice

[Dan Willis]

12:28 AM on 12/08/2010

We need to get back to basics and look out for each other. What a gift that would be.

[grovestand12]

10:59 AM on 12/08/2010

:-)

[frameofmind2]

12:52 PM on 12/08/2010

I firmly believe that without getting back to the "basics" of looking out for each other, we aren't going to make it.