Well folks, it's that time of year again and MNHQ have launched the Christmas Topic.

So with no further delay I am hereby officially kicking off the Mumsnet Christmas Appeal 2008 (I know there has been a thread already but this is the official one )

In 2006 the amazing Soapbox came up with the idea and worked tirelessly to make it a huge success. Last year LittleLapin took over and carried on the fantastic work. Here we are in 2008 and muggins here has volunteered to make a hash of it give it a go.

For those who weren't around, there is plenty of reading to be had in the archives 2006 here and here, 2007 here - have fun, see you back here in an hour or so!

(Blatantly cribs bits from LL's post last year, because she said it so well)

The idea was that Mumsnetters offered gifts of good condition used toys and clothes, or small new gifts including vouchers, and Soapy/Lapin matched them up with other Mumsnetters who perhaps were having a tough year - financially or emotionally.

If you want to get involved, either by donating, nominating or both then please email me on:

mnsecretsanta@gmail.com (those who know it are welcome to use my usual email address, but please put MN Appeal in the subject line)

I need the following details:

Your MN Name
If you are donating, nominating or BOTH (you can nominate yourself)
What you would like to give / receive

If you are a nominee, or are nominating someone, I will need a mailing address. Please say if you are happy for your RL name to be given out, or if you would prefer any gifts to be addressed to "The Mumsnetter of the House" or similar!

If you are giving gifts, please say what sort they are (toys, clothes, etc) and for what age/sex of child they are appropriate.

If you would like a gift, please say the age/sex of your children (if nominating, please give as much of this info as you can for your nominee).

If you would like vouchers, please say for which shops (obviously I can't guarantee anything here, but it helps to match people up, and people who have offered vouchers).

I won't be putting any names of nominees on the board; if you like, you can come on and say thank you if someone nominates you, but otherwise it will be anonymous.

The deadline for signing up is November 30th to allow plenty of time.

All nominees must have been registered Mumsnet members BEFORE September 1st 2008.

Many thanks to all who have already got involved this year.

Over to you lot, lovely people

<applauds wildly>

Well done you!

Huzzah I had a box of "stuff" for the MN Appeal that moved house with me and now i don't know where it is I thin kit may have been part of the charity shop box by accident <sob>

what a lovely idea. Well done

Well done SaintGeorge. Do we need to email you again if we've already done so as a result of the earlier threads?

stgeorge - am I square with you or do I have to give you info in format above?

well done for picking up the mantle

It was fantastic to be involved in something so good and selfless last year and I look forward to helping out again this year

I heart MN

brilliant! i LOVE this - one of the reasons why I joinned MN in the first place - am always astounded that people do care about folk they may not necessarily know in real life.

Are we allowed to 'request' individual posters to donate to?
I know there are a few people I have spoken to this year who I would be able to think of perfect gifts for, whereas others I wouldn't have a clue (eg a randomly assigned one)
If we nominate them, can we be their donator?
How would one get the mailing address of someone you knew needed a little extra this christmas- they would be too embarrassed....

I love this idea.
I always do the wishing tree back home at kmart or target and have missed something like it.
Sign me up!

Generally if there is a will there is a way - the MN network can find addresses

Anyone who emailed me before this thread, don't worry you don't have to register again. If I am missing any info I will just get in touch with you individually.

I want skis.

Thanks.

I'd like to donate please SG..
will send email.

I'll get fabio the skiis if he'll shut the fuck up about them already.

Fabio & Kerrymum matched. TICK

KM

I want a parka.

oi why don't you post on the mouse thread ? I suggested you, and they said who's Fabio?

what thread?

It was a "if I get a cat will it get rid of mice" thread.. Judging by the amount of time you spend travelling, I doubt you'd be a good candidate for the job....

can I donate a 2 year old

(seriously thou do I need to email you again with my stuff?)

I have emailed you but not sure if I have put everything you need to know.

you have mail St G

I'll only accept the 2 year old if you'll take a 7 and 11 male combo in return

Nope, no need to email again.

<(peers over specs in beedy eye style... hmmm..... do they sleep and not answer back?>

Of course.



snort

Have emailed .

.

I'm sure I posted but it has disappeared into cyberspace thin air!

Just wanted to say watch out for ethanchristopher and maybe ask MNHQ to watch out of name changes.

StG,

Can we donate stuff like Amazon Vouchers. I am overseas and get hacked off with the postal service at the best of times - Christmas is a nightmare! Or is there a way to donate cash and someone else buy something appropriate with it?

I totally missed this one.

I was nominated in 2006 and i would love to be able to donate something this year in return.

mnsecretsanta@gmail.com (those who know it are welcome to use my usual email address, but please put MN Appeal in the subject line)

Please read OP on this thread for details of the info I will need.

Everyone I hear from should get a brief email from me within 24 hours, if not please drop me a line again.

MouseMate, yep vouchers are great. Email me if you want to discuss any other options.

ImnotMamaGbutsheLovesMe, don't worry EC was flagged on my trolldar a few days ago. I will be speaking to MNHQ if I have any concerns about nominees.

Thanks to the many who have got in touch already.

The Christmas Appeal is a lovely way of outing lurkers (you know who you are!)

Stgeorge - get mn to make this thread a stickie like they did last year!

It's great lurkers want to get involved- more the merrier!

St g, you're mad and brave- great combo

Christmas 2008- bring it on.....

(because I am cooking this year and have my eye on something yummy)

[[http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/1374/618724?rnd=1222901069519 IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ]

Bum.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Is it like multi coloured swapshop?

<<<whats a stickie>>>

when MNHQ pin it to the top of the board, Sparkles

OK that was really odd. I got an odd "preview" type thing, like you get if you try and post and you aren't logged in - but then it posted anyway!

StG- is it all back on now then????

St G ...glad this is back on!

can i ask that once again we dont be nominated this year. i asked not to be last year as well.

i cant put togetehr a parcel on my ownh (moving house and baby due 4 weeks before xmas) but would like to donate via paypal towards a bigger gift for soemone if possible please.

thanks littlelapin

you'd think i'd know these things by now!! i obviously lead a far too sheltered life on mn

<<makes note to get out more on here>>>

is the appeal still definately on stG?

bumping for Nappyzone (and it IS on as far as I know)

Yes it is on.

See? I'm psychic

fabbo, St.G Well done that woman!

Due to being a tad (ahem) financially embarrassed this year, I don't feel that I could in all conscience donate anything, but I can help with practical things.

If you think of anything I can do, just holler and I'm all yours.

I'll forward all the emails to you Squonk and you can take over, I'm too busy having fun making montages

welll..... maybe one or two.

I have just spent half an hour trying to make a mini-montage of the zappata girls, but apparently my pics are the wrong format or something.

So I gave up

Anyhoooooo.....

Can you donate 2nd hand toys in excellent condition?

Also is it possible to both donate and ask to be nominated, I have loads of really nice quality preschool toys but dd is nearly 6 and its the first xmas without her dad and we are skint lol.

Or I would be happy to do some kind of swap if anyone has an older child and a preschooler who might need preschool toys but whos older child has toys for a 5 or 6 year old that are too young for them

we had loads of pre-loved stuff last year, and tonnes of people were both nominees and recipients

oo thanks Lapin, who am I emailing?

mnsecretsanta@gmail.com

is the email address

thanks squonk

have e-mailed you Stg. Have been a bit absent off the boards recently - combination of a lot of wierd and bizarre threads and new baby! - but am happy to get involved again this year! Good on you for taking it all on .

So is the appeal on? I hope so as i've been saving bits up this year.

herorthere - yes it is on.

is there a [aypal fund set up yet for donations?

Will e-mail later, off to work just now.

ST G, I haven't got cat anymore but can I email you? I have some clothes / stuff to donate

Have emailed you

Apologies to anyone who has emailed recently and not heard back from me.

I have had a couple of days away from the PC and need to catch up on lots of emails!

misdee, paypal now set up at the same address as email.

mnsecretsanta@googlemail.com

Can I give something to be given to a mum as well as to a child - was considering a book for a child and some nice smellies for their mum - mums need loving too.

Just wondering what you would class as suitable to be donated. I have loads of stuff that people might find usefull but Im not sure if its 100% suitable. Can you tell us what sort of things have been donated so far so I can sift through the stuff I have. I would love for someone who needs it to actually get it rather than it going to the charity shop.

thanks. charlotte

I've probably got some toys around which I can donate. Will have a hunt and see what I've got.

How does this work? will we send to you and then you send on or will you send us addresses and we post it on?

Sorry charlotte, I can't give you any details of what has been donated already.

I don't have a comprehensive list, just a general idea and then I find a suitable match age/gender wise.

Generally we would be talking about v.good condition clothes/toys/books.

M2OJ - I provide you with details of your recipient to send to direct.

Much as I would like to, I can't afford to be posting hundreds of parcels

Do you normally manage though to get enough donaters to nominees?

do we wrap up individual presents in xmas wrap and label with DS or DM? and then wrap as one big parcel

Becasue otherwise stuff for mum wont be a surprise

or DD i forget that people have girls too

I will be giving out more details once matches are issued so don't worry too much right now.

It is really up to you if you want to wrap the gifts or not. If you do, it is generally a good idea to pop in a list for the adult so they are forewarned (scary images of toddlers let loose with play dough on Christmas morning! eeek!).

Last year I know some people sent the gifts unwrapped but added wrapping paper and tags to the parcel.

A little surprise gift for the parent though is very welcome

Count me in. As mine are all in or heading for the teenage years, I don't have much for the littlies, but I'll find space in the Xmas budget for some things - I usually do a box or two for Save a Christmas Child, but could do just one this year as I love the individuality of this appeal.

Was I supposed to tell you what I would donate? or will you tell me who and I can work out what to send them??

Unless you email me you won't be on my list so I can't match you to someone.

stg just checking you have me on your list - i emailed when the list was started off this year?

Can I just send cash/vouchers and leave it to be decided who to give it to as I don't want to nominate?
If I was to send vouchers what would be the best to send?

It won't be a large amount but I'd like to give something.

I've emailed with some donations and a nominee but I have no idea where she/he lives.

have emailed.. ages ago just said I would be happy to donate but didnt say what..

<huge round of applause for StG>

Thank you lapin

I have replied (briefly) to every email I have received, so if you haven't had a reply please email me again.

Flick - yes, got you, thanks.

mugggle, vouchers are fine. You don't have to nominate anyone. Just drop me a brief email so that I have your details and I will match you to someone.

I have emailed.

Bump as it dropped off the topic - can't this be made into a 'sticky' somewhere??

Have u got me on your list?
Have emailed twice, but not had a reply?

Testing

Hello hello,
We have a lot children's books in the office sent over by publishers - shall we send you a list StG? - and we will also ask around for donations from our partners too. Is there anything/ age group in particular that you need things for?
MNHQ

test pls ignore

Oooh Justine, you rock

Yes please to list Justine, that would be wonderful, thank you .

I need to confer with my database to see if there are any particular needs.

babyducky, I don't appear to have you on my list but I do have some emails from people who haven't given me their MN name.

I'm sure I gave my name, will check and email you again!

Have emailed, not sure if you got it?

babyducky, you should have a reply from me now. Sorry, for some reason your email had gone into the spam folder.

magnolia, thanks got yours. I replied on the 8th, let me know if you haven't got it.

did you get an email from me?

Reply on the way QS

Message withdrawn

<<consults database>>

Yes

Although for some reason I can't find your email address in my address book <<confused>>

Did you email me or tell me on a thread that you were donating?

Thanks got it!

Message withdrawn

Ah see <<lightbulb>> that explains the no email address bit!

I have copied all the addresses into an MN folder as I have put stuff on the database and couldn't figure out why you were missing.

Pretty please could you be a darling and drop me a swift email just so that I have your address.

antlxstew at yahoo dot co dot uk

Thank you

Message withdrawn

I haven't had a reply. Checked my spam and not there either x

I haven;t had a reply so assuming you have not had mail. Will mail the secret santa address now

mailed. thankyou hope im not to late. lol

STG - on my list of things can you also add a roary racing car sketcher thingy like a mega sketcher - I brought it for DS without realising exactly what it is and he's a bit young for it I think - more for a 4/5 year old i'd say.

thanks!

Will do, thanks

magnolia, my email to you keeps bouncing back. I know I haven't got the address wrong because I am replying to yours. No worry right now, the mail I sent was a basic 'thanks, I got your details' sort of thing, but I might panic when it comes to sending you your match details!

If its easier you can try emailing me here: (meprior74 at ntl world dot com)

Let me know if you want me to send the original email from the different address ?

Hello all,

I'm delighted to say we've had some donations from a couple of companies for the Appeal (Little Princess and Green's cake mixes).

Here are they're messages:

Little Princess wishes you a Merry Christmas with a selection of her royal treats from her fabulous ‘Born to Play’ toy range – Catch the BAFTA nominated pre-school series on FIVE’s Milkshake! (www.littleprincesskingdom.com)

Greens have offered 10 cake mixes:

Happy baking and a Merry Christmas from Green's, the country's no.1
mixes brand and experts in baking (www.greenscakes.co.uk). Enjoy one of
their new look cake mixes from their yummy range of top children's brands complete with a fun activity page and jam decorating tube to keep even the littlest baker out of mischief this Xmas.

Thanks chaps!

(we'll sticky this up for a bit too so all can see)

<applauds donation>

<tries to muffle giggles at Justine sticky-ing her typo>

I'll buy you a drink for that one on Saturday!

<swoops in>

their messages, Justine!

<swoops out>

<cough>

guerrilla

<swoops in>

<shoves missing r back in>

<swoops out, knocking LL over 'accidentally' in the process>

StG,

I've emailed you, hoping it is not too late

Cheers Justine and many thanks to Little Princess and Green's cake mixes .

jofeb04 - children not accepted, so you can keep 'em

VERY IMPORTANT BIT

Nothing is going to happen in the appeal if people don't reply to my emails!

I am struggling a little at the moment tracking down addresses for recipients and in some cases have had to contact the nominees themselves for info (I don't like doing this, it spoils the surprise).

Please, please if I have emailed you, send me a reply.

didyou get my email about the things i have?

LOL StG

Think so trace, but I am just catching up with all my emails from last couple of days. If you haven't had a reply by tonight then I haven't had it.

ok thanks

Hello Im not sure if its too late to do this but have been clearing out and have found some brand new clothes and toys etc which i would like to donate to the christmas appeal. If its not too late can you email me at tubby_tart @ hotmail dot com. Thanks, I would love them to go to someone who needs them so this seems like a perfect oppertunity. Hope thats ok thanks a lot. charlotte x

charlotte, please can you email me (details in OP).

I am up to my eyes in it at the moment, I am liable to forget otherwise.

Thanks