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Receiving a food hamper

40 replies

Embarrassedandgrateful · 23/12/2020 10:32

Namechanged for this, as I am feeling quite embarrassed Blush

This afternoon I am being delivered a food hamper from a food bank type place, the difference being is that the person delivering it is actually the person who offered to donate a full Christmas Day hamper, donors are given a list of potential matches to donate to, and she picked me.

I am really thankful that we will have enough food over the next few days, but I am feeling really uncomfortable about seeing this person. I am quite an anxious person anyway (understatement) and while money has been really tight over this past year (furloughed then lost job, waiting for a disability benefit appeal in January 21) I have managed to keep going without having to rely on foodbanks. Not that there's any shame in using them.

Years ago, in the days of MN secret Santa, I remember MN organising a huge Christmas hamper for me, which was absolutely amazing and full of wonderous food that I had never tried before Grin so I am trying to think of the hamper today in a similar way, but again, the difference this time is that I actually get to meet the person donating and I have no idea what to say to her other than thank you. I worry that my nerves and anxiety will kick in and I will come across as rude, when in reality without her I don't think we would be having a Christmas dinner.

I am not sure what the point of my post is, I guess I am rambling, but just to say, to all those who do donate to food banks, us recipients are very very thankful. Flowers

OP posts:
MaddeningtheUnhelpful · 23/12/2020 10:39

My mum is actually delivering a full Christmas meal to a lady today. She has been so worried if it's enough and wants to help this individual whom she's never met so much. My mum got involved because 8 years ago I was that struggling single mum, I had fled domestic abuse and I guess pride stopped me reaching out for help (until it was breaking point) Happy Christmas, I hope it is wonderful

AmaryllisNightAndDay · 23/12/2020 10:44

Saying "thank you" absolutely covers it, that and "Happy Christmas". Just keep repeating those two things and you will be fine.

Have a happy Christmas and I hope the hamper has lots of lovely things in it. Smile Flowers

IAmAMalenkyBitPoogly · 23/12/2020 10:57

Do you have DC - if so you could get them to draw a nice Christmas card for her? Or you could write a message in one yourself. I know what you mean as I imagine I would feel the same - if you are giving her a card you may feel as though you are giving her something back? If that makes sense.

I also imagine if I was donating, I would actually prefer to be anonymous myself but can't quite articulate why. I think if I was dropping it off myself I would actually pretend to be a volunteer or something.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

gavisconismyfriend · 23/12/2020 11:00

Just say what you’ve said here - thank you, without you we wouldn’t have a Christmas dinner. Well done for accepting help OP it isn’t easy.

HughPewBarneyMcGrew · 23/12/2020 11:36

What a lovely thing for them to do and how nice for you to have some unexpected treats.

Try not to overthink it, just smile and say thank you and Merry Christmas.

Hope you enjoy it.

FAQs · 23/12/2020 12:40

Don’t overthink it, people help because they want to and sometimes feel awkward themselves, many people who help have been in a situation themselves and pass on because they understand.

Embarrassedandgrateful · 23/12/2020 13:51

Oh my word, it's just been delivered and my kids think Christmas has come early Grin

It was slightly awkward during drop off, but the guy was really nice (was expecting his wife) but, as previously suggested, we had a nice card etc written out for them.

We as a family have to decided to save £1 each a week during 2021 so that we can pay this kindness forward Smile

OP posts:
fussychica · 23/12/2020 14:23

I may have something in my eye!
Have a lovely Christmas and I hope things improve for you and your family in the New Year.

BlueChampagne · 23/12/2020 14:30

I too have something in my eye ... paying it forward is a lovely and positive thing to do.

ForTheLoveOfCatFood · 23/12/2020 14:37

Write how you feel in a card with a note to say you might forget to say this in person so wanted to write it down xx

ForTheLoveOfCatFood · 23/12/2020 14:37

Just seen the update Grin how lovely!

EssentialHummus · 23/12/2020 14:42

Gaaaw! FWIW op I run a food bank - we deliver to 200ish houses a week. I'm hugely proud of what we do (even if dismayed that it's needed) and I know that all our volunteers feel the same. No need for shame. Merry Christmas to you all Flowers.

GlowingOrb · 23/12/2020 14:43

I imagine he felt a little awkward too. It’s an interaction that is far too rare in our society.

Thanks for sharing this today. I’m not been feeling the holiday glow. It warms my heart knowing someone was willing to help, but also that someone was willing to be helped.

user1471462428 · 23/12/2020 14:46

I’ve been delivering Christmas boxes for a local food bank. I’ve had a couple of people come out and say hi and thanks, I had one family where the kids came out and started eating before they’d got back inside (I had to sit on my bike and cry after that). Just say hi!
A couple of years ago I was well off but now I’m on my arse. Most people have been through lean times. Have a great Christmas

GinnieHempstock · 23/12/2020 14:47

I love the idea of saving £1 a week to pay it forward.
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas.
Flowers

Chasingsquirrels · 23/12/2020 14:48

Aww, good update.
I hope you have a lovely Christmas Embarrassedandgrateful.

LaLaLandIsNoFun · 23/12/2020 14:51

I’ve been delivering hampers to people this past week - I honestly don’t give a shiny shite about their circumstances or if they say thank you in a certain way - I just care that, hopefully, they feel a little less alone/worried/ stressed/invisible.

jelly79 · 23/12/2020 14:56

@LaLaLandIsNoFun wow this is so wonderful! You sound so lovely xx

Newpuppymummy · 23/12/2020 15:01

We did a delivery to a local family of Christmas dinner and Christmas treat. I was anxious about handing it over in person but it was fine. Merry Christmas op

moglovesmincepies · 23/12/2020 15:03

Op I hope you have a lovely Christmas

LaLaLandIsNoFun · 23/12/2020 15:08

@jelly79

I’m just the messenger, the real hero is the woman who single-handedly started, and continues to run, the grass roots org that has supported the scheme this Christmas

Embarrassedandgrateful · 23/12/2020 17:08

I actually don’t have enough cupboard space Blush

Thank you to all for the lovely posts, it really means a lot. I’m completely on my own with my daughters, trying to make sure they don’t have to worry about having enough food over the festive period whilst off school.

@LaLaLandIsNoFun I wonder if it’s the same organisation as I think this one was started by an individual as well.

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 23/12/2020 17:13

People are amazing. I am so pleased that Christmas will be wonderful for you this year and you have plenty to eat.

Lovelydovey · 23/12/2020 17:22

Could you write a card saying thank you and hand it over. Some things are much easier to write than say in person.

Lovelydovey · 23/12/2020 17:23

Just seen your update - how lovely and a great idea!