I’m becoming so desperate.
My son graduates on January 28th from the Marine Corps boot camp (MCRD) in San Diego, California. I have been saving all the extra money I have and so far only ended up with about $50. I don’t make much from my job, its just enough to get me by.
I looked it up on Expedia and the cheapest flight (round-trip) would be Alaska Airlines, and its about $190. WITHOUT hotel.
Theres no way I can miss my son’s graduation. He would be absolutely crushed not seeing anybody he knows at his Graduation. And I’d feel terrible beyond belief letting him down like that. The Marines does offer Financial Assistance to families for Graduation and they were able to help me out but only a little less than $80. So I now have about $120. I’ve asked my boss for some help and he is willing to do nothing.
I really need some help, its a once in a lifetime event.
My son has sent me countless letters saying “I can’t wait to see you on the 28th!” “I’d love to see you there” “When you come on the 28th I want to introduce you to my new friend I’ve made here at MCRD” “My DI is telling me that we get the whole afternoon on family day (27th) to talk to family and friends!” the phrases continue.
I just don’t have the heart to write to him telling him I can’t come due to financial trouble because he’s so excited.

I need some help. I don’t know how to raise the rest of the money. I’d be willing to stay at billeting (way cheaper) on base. so hotel isn’t a major issue. Towards the end of the trip (my necessities) would cost relatively $230.
I’ve done so much searching, Theres nothing I can do. I’ve looked for hours every day trying to find some way to earn some money. I’ve called everywhere asking for assistance. Theres just nothing.

Anybody have some tips on how to get some much needed money?

Please don’t tell me about those website scams that make you fill out surveys.
Yes, I know I’ll get some criticism for saying those are scams, but I’ve been to numerous of those sites and their “surveys” make you give them all your personal info, or buy something first. I can’t do all of that on an unprotected online website. I’m sorry.

Please help, any tips? I really need the help. Maybe you know of something that I haven’t come across yet?

Thank you so much!
How dare you say it sounds like a scam. I’m am so serious. My son is in Echo Company 2nd Batallion Platoon 2115. His name is “Recruit Dominic, Pi**** P at the moment. But soon will become a proud Marine. Look it up. If you go to Marineparents.com, So yes I am a marine recruit mom. How dare you tell others that they are lying. Echo Co graduates on January 28, 2011. His DI’s name is Jimmy Richardson. Still think I’m lying? I don’t care but thats insulting.
I don’t believe in spending money I don’t have (credit). I think of that as greed, and thats a sin. Read the Bible. So thats why I’m not taking out a loan or credit. My family is very religious, and if you guys have something against that then I’m sorry.

I feel I shouldn’t have to prove that my son Dominic is a Marine Recruit at MCRD San Diego, but that’s my opinion.
I’m sorry i’m desperate at the moment, I thought i’d get good feedback on yahoo answers. I’m sorry.
I was actually trying to ask if there was military assistance though
I got assistance at:

http://www.recruitparents.com/bootcamp/assistance.asp

Yes, they want people to attend gradation so they are willing to give some money from their organization.
Look it up.
Their motto is: Because no Marine should stand alone.
Please know your facts before you completely insult someone.

Please tell me how a mother trying hard to go to her son’s graduation is a scam? I’d honestly love to know
Oh and also, you said there is no way I can stay in billeting? Actually do your homework. During Graduation only family CAN stay in billeting.
Want the proof? Sure

http://www.recruitparents.com/bootcamp/billeting-sd.asp