Do Rebate Checks Really Help?

During tax season, rebate checks are often helpful in paying off a bill or putting money away. Some of us spend the money too. But do rebate checks really affect consumption and stimulate the economy as the White House seems to think? I believe it barely puts a dent in the economy and the money would be better spent on families of soldiers, vets returning from Iraq, education, healthcare, or poverty. What do you think?