We have a girl at work, who's life is basically a real mess at the moment and she's not doing herself any favours.  She's bounced from one bad relationship to another - where she ends up being treated badly.  She has lately been picking up guys off Facebook, takes them home - screws them and then gets all upset when they don't want a long term committment.

 

What put me off her was she crashed into another car while drunk - several months ago.  She still has an alcohol issue is forever in debt and is basically an attention seeking hypochondriac.  She annoys the crap out of me and most of our colleagues and sadly is the butt of many a joke in the office.

 

But... she has an 11 year old (who was in the car accident with her and meets all the "new" men in his mum's life).  He is a nice quiet kid.  A few behaviour issues, but with his life so far - I'm not surprised.  His father has washed his hands of him, he gets pawned off to others when his mother needs "time to herself" and has a mother who treats him more like a peer than a son.

 

Today she was showing off the christmas presents she'd bought her son.  A few items from the Two Dollar shop.  I told Mr B tonight that I want to buy this boy something.  Despite my feelings for his mum, no child should have a stink christmas, where the mother spends more on cigarettes and alcohol daily then his entire Christmas present.

 

I still remember a few years ago a lovely person on this board sent my children Christmas presents when Mr B and I were having a real hard time with money.  Now we're back on our feet, I want to help some other child who needs a good Christmas.

 

My biggest issue is, what do you get an 11 year old boy?  I said to Mr B that maybe book vouchers, but as Mr B pointed out, she'd probably use them herself.

 

And what should I do with the present.  Find out her address and drop it off when she's not there, or leave it on her desk with instructions it is for X-mas day.