Some young child is going to be disappointed this Christmas

[Nudgethatjudge]

Name changed for this as could be identifying.
(long term quiet resident TDWR, PomBears etc.)

DS3's school has been collecting toys/books etc. for a local charity initiative who ensure children who are not in permanent housing will get a gift for Christmas. Some new, some great condition used goods.
Note: there's some affluent people donating to this cause.

Today his year group participated in the wrapping of gifts, putting on a tag with age and gender (that's another argument).

DS3 is autistic. He's come home and said "I don't know if to laugh or cry"

One of items he was given to wrap was a book on "How to play your Cello".

DS3 informed the member of staff "if they don't have their own home are they likely to have a cello?"

Staff member took the book off him, gave it to some one else to wrap.

A child will be given that on Xmas Day.
DS3 is so sad.

I don't know what to say to him. I can't make that better.

Your son sounds thoughtful and caring OP, you must be proud of him.

I just spent the whole post being shocked and in disbelief at a 3 year old having those thoughts and saying those words. I see now you mean your third born son, in high school

To posters who said my DS3 is a decent sort - thank you, he is. He has various issues but I never have a dull conversation with him. And never let anyone tell you autism always equals no empathy.

OK update on the book.
The next day at school DS3 told one of his SEND team his worries. DS3 reports this member of staff (who is always amazing with DS3) has sorted it out. I don't know what happened but DS3 is happy

All sorted before lunchtime.

He sounds very sensible. Teacher who thought it was fine to give this book sounds a bit daft.

I'm currently annoyed by all the posts on my local FB groups along the lines of 'my little X has sorted out his old toys and really wants to give them to someone not getting anything for Christmas. Please only ask if you're really struggling.'

Now, I have no issue with people giving or accepting things off FB. I've done both myself. But if you are having a clear out, which is for your benefit not other people's, then just let whoever wants the stuff have it without putting conditions on it. So you want to feel good about yourself by making sure someone is poor enough to be grateful for your old tat? If you actually wanted to help a family at Christmas then how about donating some brand new toys to a toy drive?