: They are very short people...live in that PO box, in fact. They took out a
: It's sad when things like this happen to people, but this smells like a scam.
: Help someone you know, someone local. My family is serving dinner at a
: soup kitchen on Christmas Day--I know where my money's going!!

: Merry Christmas all,
: Shawn

Amen! I agree -- this has SCAM written all over it.

If you want to be helpful to those in need,
* contribute to a reputable charity that doesn't have high overhead costs for advertising, etc
* contribute locally. If you want to provide direct help, but don't know where or what, contact a local clergy person. The other day I received a check in the mail from someone in the community who wanted to help "someone less fortunate" than him. I'm routing the money to a family that I know to be in need.
* be a volunteer. Serve at a soup kitchen like Shawn & Co. Spend time visiting nursing home residents. Contact a local group home (or sheltered workshop) for developmentally disabled residents and ask the staff what the residents would like for Christmas. Etc... etc... contribute to your local food bank. Buy a bunch of new toiletries & take them to a homeless shelter. (winter gloves, stocking caps, and wool socks would be welcome there, too).
* find ways to give of yourself year-round. Human needs don't disappear after the winter holiday season is over....

Pastor Julie Kanarr
Shields River Lutheran Church
P.O. Box 327
Wilsall MT 59086