******************Important thread - please read - EVERYONE********************

[soapbox]

OK!

I'm distressed reading about those of you who are worried sick about Christmas and having no money to buy things for your children!

Rather than sit of my ample backside and do nothing I have the following proposal to make.

Those of you who have old toys/gifts which are in good condition, or who are willing to buy a new gift for a child can register your contributions with me.

Those of you who are down on your uppers can send me your details - name, address, age and gender of children, what kind of things they like!

Those lovely MN who will send me Christmassy things will be matched up with those people who would like a bit of a hand with Christmas.

Those giving pressies will wrap the pressie and label it 'To XXX from Santa', and then send it to the address given to them.

If people receiving presents want to remain anonymous then I can ask people to send their contributions to me, and I will forward them onto the gift receiver, I will bear the postage cost of the onwards posting!

If people want to help, but have no toys etc to do so, then a small amount on a gift voucher for woolies, argos or the like can be sent instead!

Please post on this thread whether you think it is a winger - if we get at least 10 givers and 10 receivers then I will go ahead with it, and will post my email address to start the ball rolling!

Receivors must be regular MNetters, in case we are deluged from other sites

So it is over to you guys - good idea or not???

Soapbox, I think it depends on the criteria you set more than anything.

It's entirely possible that someone who only posts on the 'For Sale' board is there a reason. But I understand why you asked the question.

I am happy for you and CD and you to decide.

Soapy

Personally I'd rather be taken for a ride than deny a little one, iyswim

especially at Christmas

Dh works for a company allied to frepak

they're still moving Hampers for M&S

it's just the little people who lost out

sorry Farepak

re the turkeys

Just emailed about a new box of duplo

Possibly that person only posts on For Sale as they are desperately trying to sell stuff so they can keep going... Think it is best to include them on the list of receivers, it would be a very very mean person to take advantage of your kindness.

Hi soapbox just e-mailed you.

god doesnt take much to set me off in tears so here i am!..you are such a wonderful person soapbox, to not only think of such a thing, but to give up so much of your time organising it all

have emailed you..also re earlier thread i also have lovely warm winter coat that i will gladly send early if someone needs it?.

well done

Its so heartwarming and tearjerking and gives me shivers down the spine just to see how much people pull together, you are an absolute star soapbox, have just emailed you again, with clearer info about stuff I can offer x

i think we should get MN in the press for this - it would make excellent publicity for the site.

what d'you think at MumsnetHQ?

Possibly even the record books for the worlds largest Secret Santa?

soapy's new nameSANTASOAPY.cos shes done one better than ole white beard this year already!

paddle - I was wondering if any nationals had seen/heard of this yet - will be fab publicity - might even get some more companies involoved? - althou MNHQ will prob need to be involved if they did

psst Hi Munz (from EvesMama)

I think after Christmas better for the publicity -- otherwise it might attract the wrong sort of attention IYSWIM?

would some clothes be any good? i am about to pack up a box of stuff and have some winter 9-12month girls stuff i can include if its ok. and can i have your address soapy so i can parcel this up to you to distribute please?

Hi there
Haven't read all posts yet. as LO is bawling!
But emailled Soapbox
I'm up as a reciever this year! Hope to be a giver next year when I'm back at work!
My DD is 24 weeks old!

Fab thread and Brill idea soapbox xx

Hi there
Haven't read all posts yet. as LO is bawling!
But emailled Soapbox
I'm up as a reciever this year! Hope to be a giver next year when I'm back at work!
My DD is 24 weeks old!

Fab thread and Brill idea soapbox xx

Already emailed today about High Street Vouchers but I have some Luncheon vouchers I get from doing those online surveys, never thought of them, all I ever do is spend them in Maccy D's and they need using before they expire.

i would worry that all of a sudden soapy was inundated with requests for xmas gifts if this went to the press b4 xmas tbh

Just realised although my DD is still ickle I have some lovely 0-3months girls clothes some hardly worn!
Would these be any good?
Will e-mail soapbox anyway!

NO PRESS COVERAGE!

We are possibly sailing close to the wind, doing this without charitable status - I think it is okay because we are only arranging swaps between individuals rather then any monies/vouchers/gifts coming to me and being sent out. But I really do not want that to be tested in anyway

It is also why I am being scrupulous about not accepting any offers of postage etc. No money at all must pass through me!

At the moment all I am doing is making lists and facilitating swaps

So as much as we should feel very proud as to what we are achieving - I don't think we need that to be validated by splashing it over the media

oh hiya strawberry!

will catch up tomorrow only on here quick b4 DH comes back down!

Hi SB - I know you are very busy and you acknowledged my email here but just wanted to check you didn't need me to be the Bristol collector from the MN'er DH who is avisiting.

fair enough soapy!

I didn't realise we were close to the wind with it being a charity etc.

so it will be vouchers sent directly to the reciever then?

You've just reminded me that I still need to sort that out Floss!

Will email you