*************************Mumsnet Christmas Appeal 2006***********************************

[soapbox]

I thought I had better start a new thread in case the old one falls over at 1000 posts.

First of all I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have helped make this a huge success Thanks to all of you, life will be a little bit easier for some of our MNetters this year!

Firstly all of the MNetters - without you this would only have been a pipe dream! Givers and receivers - all take a bow

Then the corporates:
GLTC - for going well beyond the call of duty
Hazell -www.verko.co.uk- for her most generous offer of christmas trees - I hope you join in and make some new friends here
Great expectations - a lovely company with wonderful fairtraded toys and again help beyond what was expected.
LCC - to Jaysmummy for her crafty goodies and warm hearted support
www.thesweetiestop.co.uk - for their generous support

And of course it goes almost without saying, MNHQ!

**

How it works:

You email me:

[email protected]

as a giver or receiver. If a receiver I will ask for a bit more information to find a good match for you. If a giver I will find someone for you to send your gift to.

All matches to be done by 30 November (did I really promise that)

All gifts to be posted by 15 December (at the latest).

Just organised my vouchers for my "match"!

I have said it before and will say it again - this is SO FAB Soapy!

lmao - post juxtaposition... merged "blackduck" in with "just emailed you" to form "just blackmailed you soapy"!!!!

I think it's brilliant that people are offering used/used good quality stuff that they have no use of themselves.. as well as the whole wonderful Santa element of this thread.

Things like warm winter coats for adults are just something you do without when you are struggling financially and the children need one every other year.. just wish I was a size 10!

This gets better and better Soapy

I agree shiny..I buy coats shoes etc for my children but will forgo those things myself as you cant afford it so to see people willing to give up those type of things is fantastic.

Would it be okay to send my vouchers by recorded delivery just so that I can make sure they arrive safely? What would people's reaction be if they were to find a postman on the doorstep asking them to sign for something when they had no idea that they were even being sent something?

anonymous I am sure that would be fine as you are just trying to ensure that your gift arrives safely

I have emailed soapy.Do you gve us some info abbout the reciever so we send appropriate stuff Thanks

i am sure that if you put MUMSNET on the envelope the person will realise what it is and not have aproblem with it Anon.

Good idea about putting MUMSNET on the envelope itself.

It's just that I remember a few years ago when I was short of money and had some debts too, I think I might have been a bit suspicious of something unexpected that I had to sign for IYKWIM.

I can't wait to send mine off.

I offred one toy and have been matched to a family with 2 children. Presumably it's OK to add in a toy for the other lo (more suitable for their age)?

Northender - to cut down the time of sending emails - being worried that I would never ever get to the end of matching - I put all of the details into a standard response for each family - so if you are matched to that family you get all of the family details

Your gift should match up to one of the family though - or at least that was the plan - so choose the one you think it matches to best

The other children in the family will be allocated to someone else

Northender, I was the same - I think Soapy has this covered.. some families are likely to have more than one giver

If we have worked out who our receiving MNer is, would it be ok to email them and ask what would be most useful, or would that not be on?

I know this person is ok about people knowing they are on the receiving end this year, as they have posted about it on here already.

I would just really like to get what will be most useful for them

I got my match earlier-brought another lump to my throat. Eagerly awaiting my trip to town for a Voucher. Still totally overwhelmed by how wonderful the world of Mumsnet is.

xxx

Oh sod it I am going to email the person, I am bloody sure they won't mind, apologies if I am breaking a golden rule, you can chuck me out if you like

I've just got my match too! It is exciting, isnt it?! I want to get wrapping and packaging now, but ds1 is asleep in the room where the stuff is! Now I know the ages of the kids, there's a couple more bits I reckon would be ok in there!

right soapy i have shed loads for you. have got my craft packs which you already know about. also have 3-6 months unisex snowsuit, avent express steam steriliser, cot bedding, cot duvet and bumper set, video player, teddies, and prob loads of other stuff. will need it picked up though as cant afford to post it xxx

And do we as givers identify ourselves when we send our gifts? I for one have no idea who I'm sending to as I have been given her real name, so do I write it from my real name, my mn name or just a mner??

To my mind if a person has said that they are a reciever, then it is fine to email...

I only have the receivers real name too-not MN name.

xxx

Posey I think you use whatever name you feel happy with.

I don't think I am going to put a name-just lots of kisses

xxx

Thanks soapy that's cleared that up! Will limit myself to the one child but maybe put a few little extras in!

Only prob I can see is if I get Toys R Us Vouchers and the receiver hasn't got one nearby.

xxx