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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have a grumble about overly prescriptive Christmas donation collections

57 replies

Lochroy · 12/11/2024 17:10

I probably am and it's just a grumble, but we're feeling the pinch at home, yet I'd still like to be able to help if we can, plus the DC are asking about one of the because it's via school.

Both via school and work we've been given lists of what's needed. One is for a children's charity but the stuff needs to be new. Good quality second hand isn't accepted. The other wants a shoebox full. To fill it with items from the list will be beyond what I can afford.

I think I'm going to have to disappoint the DC and we'll just donate cash to a charity which wants it.

AIBU to think the scale of the appeal asks is too much?

OP posts:
Original poster
Lochroy · 12/11/2024 17:17

Gemmawemma9 · 12/11/2024 17:14

I actually think “new” is a reasonable request. Disadvantaged kids shouldn’t have to be grateful for any old shit. If you aren’t in a position to donate then fair enough. Plus peoples version of good quality will vary massively!!

The mum and baby charity appeal is more of a seasonal push rather than for Christmas gifting items. But clothing has to be new, and only in certain sizes, for example.

OP posts:
KimberleyClark · 12/11/2024 17:17

PettyJelly · 12/11/2024 17:13

IIRC aren’t the shoebox ones all weird Christian missionary type charities anyway?

Yes they use them to proselytise. Put Christian literature in the boxes and give them to Muslim children.

PettyJelly · 12/11/2024 17:16

PettyJelly · 12/11/2024 17:13

IIRC aren’t the shoebox ones all weird Christian missionary type charities anyway?

Just checked. Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child) has heavy cult vibes. So avoid if it’s them.

‘Helping people leave false religions’ eg. Converting ‘savages’ 🤢

StormingNorman · 12/11/2024 17:15

Shoebox appeals can be done quite cheaply with bits from Poundland but if they are being prescriptive about what should be in there, I can see how they can get expensive really quickly.

There are normally appeals to fund Christmas Day for a homeless person at a centre where they get a decent meal, a bit of fun and some healthcare. That would be a lovely thing to do.

Gemmawemma9 · 12/11/2024 17:14

I actually think “new” is a reasonable request. Disadvantaged kids shouldn’t have to be grateful for any old shit. If you aren’t in a position to donate then fair enough. Plus peoples version of good quality will vary massively!!

PettyJelly · 12/11/2024 17:13

IIRC aren’t the shoebox ones all weird Christian missionary type charities anyway?

MumChp · 12/11/2024 17:12

It's way too much to ask 2024.