can you buy an extra present this christmas or spare some time and a few stamps?? if so please please read

[MissTired]

Hello, this Christmas I'm planning on making some sick children smile simply by sending some post.

Post Pals brightens the lives of seriously ill children (most of whom are fighting cancer or going through transplants) and their siblings by featuring them on the website www.postpals.co.uk with their own page, with their story, interests and a forwarding address. Members of the public from around the world can log on and send cards, letters, emails and small gifts to brighten the child's day and let them know someone cares. Post Pals does this all year around but at Christmas they run some special schemes.

A Reindeer is someone who is assigned a young child and helps Father Christmas' reindeer sends 9 cards during the month of December. Reindeer like writing about their life i.e. the sleigh getting full, getting ready for the big night, loving carrots being left out, their favourite reindeer game etc. Reindeer may be great at flying and navigating around the world but their hooves make writing very difficult so require some help from volunteers. In the past one girl believed the reindeer wrote to her as she helped look after her disabled brother. Another little boy was very relieved as Father Christmas definitely knew he was in hospital so wouldn't be missed out.

If you would like to volunteer to help a reindeer please send an email to Maria, her address is [email protected]

The elf scheme is another project, a little like the Shoe Box appeal we all know. You're assigned a child and you have a read their page to get to know them. Then you gather up gifts to the value of £15 and send them off to the child in December. Post Pals needs to find 240 volunteers for this so please spread the world about how to make a difference this Christmas. A picture of little Aled with his elf box can be seen here tinyurl.com/64pq5b and a picture of Nikita with the bear she was sent can be seen here tinyurl.com/6mq9rj (sadly she passed away on Christmas Eve, a couple of weeks after this picture was taken).

You can also send Christmas cards or little gifts to any child, just log onto www.postpals.co.uk click on "News" to find out how to volunteer and see how a simple gesture can make a big difference.

[Scootergrrrl]

Have emailed!

[ShanahansRevenge]

I have an extra gift...but it cost 22 pounds...is that ok? I dont have time to write letters but I would be very happy to donate the gift...s that possible? Thanks!

[christmaswishes]

Hi,

What a great cause. I will email through.

[MissTired]

mamadiva - when youre assigned someone it shows you a little of what they like on their page, if you email lorna she can help xx

[JackiePaper]

what a fantastic thing to do, myself and my children are off out tommorrow to choose some gifts for a pal. thanks for the link

[NurseSunshine]

This is great. Am going to do this and spread the word to my friends and family as well :)

[mamadiva]

I would like to volunteer to give to teenage boy please. My brother is 15 and knows his mind though so is there anyway we could find out what they like beforehand?

[MissTired]

another bump :)

[MissTired]

bump again :)

[MissTired]

bump again

[joeyjog]

Bump [SMILE]

[MissTired]

brilliant!!! please keep bumping this post up so more and more people see it!

[fel1x]

Have emailed

[joeyjog]

Im in have emailed.

[mumoverseas]

I have also emailed to be an elf, as long as I don't have to wear green tights and a pointy hat

[mummynoseynora]

I am in and have emailed!

[MissTired]

you could put from elf ...... the ... being your name if you wanted, then if you wanted to write address etc you could put that on a letter/card for the parents in a envelope seperately or posted seperately even!! though obviously you can do it anonymously if you like too!

[ihearttc]

I know it's lovely isn't it! Im 7 months pregnant as well and feeling very hormonal so it's just made me well up seeing him so enthusiastic about this...soppy mare that I am!!

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

ihearttc - my dd1 is 6 and she is also really excited and has told me we have to go to Toys r us as there is a better selection of toys . Christmas can be a bit 'me, me, me' so it's great to hear my children so excited about something like this .

Misstired - can I ask you does the elf box have to be anonymous or can we put who it is from?

[ihearttc]

Ive just e-mailed as well-what a fantastic idea! We usually do a pressie for under the tree at DH's work which are given out in December but this is so so much more worthwhile. DS is very excited about doing it as well which is lovely (he's nearly 6) and can't wait to find out who we've got to get presents for.

[MissTired]

pm*

[MissTired]

Its great isnt it Hangingbellyofbabylon, i write to quite a few kids on there and send them gifts etc, can i be nosey and ask who youve got?? om me if its easier?!

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

bumping for those who haven't seen this thread.

We've been given the details of the child we're being magic elf to - my children are so excited and already planning what to get. It has really cheered me up to see my children doing something for someone else this Christmas.

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

have emailed - this is such a lovely idea, thank you.

[MissTired]

some things are ok second hand but the majority need to be new due to infection risks etc, if you contact lorna on the email address above she will be able to discuss that with you.

thanks