To think that playing cards ( 4 suit variety) are not suitabe gifts.

[user1475440127]

Every year I make up a shoe box of gifts for the Shepherd's Purse shoe box appeal.
I generally fill it with various toiletry items, stationary ,hats, gloves , hair slides or toy cars and always a pack of cards.
I can think of no reason why these are no longer acceptable.
One tiny pack of cards provides hours of fun ;infinite games; a great way to improve maths skills, forward planning, explore strategies, good on so many levels.
Why????

[LumelaMme]

Link to Hope still ask for playing cards (also I prefer their ethics to Shepherd's Purse).

[Smartiepants79]

Well it will be to do with not encouraging gambling I would think.

[drivingmisspotty]

Could it be the association with gambling? Is shepherds purse a religious organisation ir maybe thinking about giving the gifts to religious families for whom gambling would be a big no-no?

(I grew up Catholic and am sure I remember my dad saying you weren't allowed to take playing cards into church. Not sure if because of gambling or something awry in playing games of chance. Must ask him about it...)

[EllaHen]

I love playing cards. Hours and hours and hours of fun. I have many happy childhood memories playing cards.

[BertrandRussell]

It's the link to gambling.

Please look into the ethics of Shephed's Purse before you send off this year's shoe boxes.

[EveOnline2016]

Cards are great cheap fun. The only gambling in this house with cards is based on tea making or biscuits

[TanteJeanne]

I think cards are a great idea for a scheme like this. Most card games are about numbers, not gambling.
I know some schemes say no toy guns etc and that is absolutely understandable... but, after a ball, I would say cards are the best toy/ game ever if your circumstances mean you only have one or two ...

[cardibach]

Do you mean Samaritan's Purse, OP? A quick google suggests you do. I don't know why they wouldn't want cards, though I expect gambling is at the heart of it.
However, you probably don't want to suppport this particular charity - again, a quick google throws up many concerns e.g. here
You can easily find a less unpleasant way to send presents overseas.

[RealityCheque]

Do you mean Samaritans Purse?

[BertrandRussell]

Samaritan's Purse, obviously!

[user1475440127]

Yes Samaritans Purse. Got my gardening head on.

[AnnieAutumnMouse]

Samaritans purse are, umm, not very nice people, imo.
Other organisations do similar gift distribution without undermining the recipient's own faith. They don't want playing cards because they believe they are evil and promote gambling.

[user1475440127]

Trouble sending messages. I shan't send to Samaritans Purse. Thanks card for the link.

[LikeTheShoes]

I imagine its because they are the devil's playthings.

Hmm, if we refer to them as shepherd's purse this thread might not be taken down...

[RiverTam]

Really? I grew up in a Catholic household playing patience and card games all the time, zero gambling involved. I've already started 6yo DD playing Beggar my Neighbour, guess she's going straight to hell.

[BunloafAndCrumpets]

What other organisations do these boxes? I can only find sp where I live and not sure what to search! Thanks

[cardibach]

Here are some alternatives Bunloaf

[jellyandsoup]

Can anyone recommend a better one, we have loads of boxes done at brownies but not committed to the one of there is an alternative?

[user1474907171]

Does anyone remember this? The Deck of Cards

[AliceInUnderpants]

hijack

If anyone wants an alternative, the dog shelter we got our amazing puppy from is collecting boxes for the local Romanian children

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=605265769654821

[SpookyMooky]

Rotary club do shoeboxes too.

Isn't the card thing about them going to places where there's loads of gambling so the child might not be allowed to keep the gift? Happy Families picture cards, Beggar my Neighbour, etc are usually ok.

[2kids2dogsnosense]

I do user147ect

I also remember the Max Boyce version which was better (even though I can't be arsed with Max Boyce . . . )

[user1474781546]

Some religious groups shun playing cards Popular legend holds that the composition of a deck of cards has religious, mystical, or astrological significance and originally bsesd on Tarot cards/ my sisters church won't allow playing cards on their premises.

[user1475440127]

I think if you were going to barter gifts in a third world country, playing cards would be very low down on the list after toothpaste and felt tip pens.

[user1475440127]

I can't change my silly name, I am sorry.