Suprise snowballed - what do I do now!

[binkyblinky]

TL:DR - do I still give vouchers, or do I send cash? would really like some opinions on this please!

Earlier in the year, a lady from my school set up a Facebook chat no we left school at 1995, so are all in our 40s now.

The lady who set it up didn't have a pleasant experience at school I believe, I believe she has some form of learning disability. She messages the chat every couple of days asking how everyone is, and trying to start conversations. It is clear to me and several of my former classmates that she is incredibly lonely. She has said in the past that she didn't have the best experience at school.

We are very grateful for her setting up the chat and putting people back in touch.

She has had a terrible year. [MNHQ have edited these details to protect identity]

I thought it would be a kind gesture to have a small collection for her, intending to send her some supermarket gift vouchers so that she could perhaps buy all her and her daughters's Christmas food 'on us', so I set up a just giving account and hoped to raise £50-£100 for her.

Well! It's snowballed a bit. And currently I have £295!

Now. This is a large sum of money. It could really help her! Do I send her the cash (I have her address) - or do I send her £100 supermarket vouchers and £200 love to shop vouchers? I don't know much of her situation, whether she is in debt or not. But I kind of feel that it would be great for her to not have to worry about gifts for her daughter, and Christmas food.

AIBU to still give vouchers? Or do I send her cash? (Into her bank account)

Would love some opinions / ideas x

Send her the money.

I think vouchers are more gifty and money is more charity-casey. I'd send vouchers in a little gift box with a message about what a good friend she is or something.

I think vouchers, cash might come across like shes a charity case whereas vouchers seem like a present.

Aren't some benefits only paid if you have less than a certain sum deposited in your bank and if you exceed that in one month then, the benefit is stopped?
I think it's UC ??

I've seen people post on here about something similar, so I'd say stick to the vouchers, it will be safer for her.

Vouchers definitely, thanking her for her friendship and input into the group.

Vouchers are nice

I agree, money might make her feel like she’s a charity case, and also might affect her benefits. Vouchers feel like more of a gift.

Give vouchers, which then frees up her own cash to use as she needs

I would go for vouchers that could be spent on food too - maybe M&S or John Lewis? Then she has the option to spend on (extra nice) Xmas food or a gift

All in supermarket vouchers in my opinion. Much simpler. Very kind of you to do this for her.

I think I'm going to go with 50/50 split, Tesco and love to shop. I very much doubt she would go to Waitrose or M&S. Admittedly I don't know her well at all, I just know a lonely person when I see one x

Yes agree, vouchers would be best.
These are for you op for being such a kind friend.

All supermarket vouchers. Every penny she can divert from the supermarket gives her cash to spend on other things.

How lovely of you OP x

You set it up for vouchers, so send her them.
Maybe one of the Supermarkets.
That way she can use her shopping money to treat herself.

I think vouchers , and you can get a receipt for them which will be much better for you both when people are donating .

That's nice of both of you. Her to set up the group chat and get you all back in touch, and you to organise the vouchers.😍

How lovely of you OP. I'd definitely go with vouchers, and pitch them as a Thank You from everyone for setting up the group and putting you all back in touch.

The only thing about vouchers is that they expire so cash is better for that reason.

Yes agree with vouchers, but maybe £200 supermarket and £100 love to shop. Then if she really needs it for food shopping, great. But if she doesn't need it for food shopping, there's plenty of other things that you can buy in a big Tesco!

Well done OP, that's a lovely thing to do

Money....She might need that for different things than food or gifts

Whatever you do please be careful sending cash or vouchers through the post. especially that amount

I will send recorded delivery x

I would probably buy her some flowers to go with them and then £200 supermarket £100 love to shop.

Really nice idea!