*************************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).

i feel sorry for my recievers - compared to some you're getting a raw deal from me as i don't have much...still, 'twill be sent with love and genuine hopes for a brighter 2007

FS your gift can only have been given by someone who knows you and wants to give it.

flamesparrow if you're still on here can you check MSn and see if you've recieved a message from me please?

Well, don't have a lot of spare cash at the mo (but definately not struggling) but have a lot of preloved (and some unopened) items that I'm giving. I know my kids would have loved them at the right age so I'm hoping they can put a smile on some child's face, and ease some of the worries for the parent.
As for me - well I get payback in the form of that warm fuzzy feeling, and lots of cleared out cupboards - winners all round i think
PS my children can be hoarders but are really keen to give it to a 'real' person who will love it.

I joined this originally to ensure that my babies had something to open at Christmas - all I was after were a few secondhand toys. For me, it has gone above and beyond anything I could have imagined.

None of us joined this expecting sh*tloads of new things, handfuls of cash, or any of the amazing things that have been given.

I am gonna copy my post from another thread and post it here....

The world is a crappy place. If you have enough for your own family to be happy and a little bit to spare then a random act of kindness is the right thing to do (if you want to). Think how good this whole thread was making everyone - more the joy of being able to give to a stranger.

It doesn't matter if they are desperately in need or not, all that matters is what was in your heart when you gave - you give with the right intention, your children will grow up wanting to help others, and the world will be a nice place. No-one gives, everyone thinks of their own tiny world, and the world as a whole will fall apart.

Hey out there... if my receiver (Brum lass, two children DD 4 and DS 13 months) wants to make herself known, I've got a question for you. You can CAT me if you'd rather...

flame.

i also self nominated expecting no more than a secondhand toy for dd to open on xmas day. i certainly never expected the incredible generosity that has been shown on this thread. and the gift i received today of vouchers from some mysterious MNer has astounded me beyond words (whoever you are, i want you to know how very grateful i am, you've changed xmas for us this year. theres a post on the thank you thread for you )

i hope no-one feels i came here hoping for a free ride

FWIW Pinktinsel, I thought you were lovely, based on a few scanty emails

PT

I for one am more than happy for you to be my reciever, please do not worry abut it . Nothing I am sending is worth fortunes, but it has been chosen with love and care, and I hope will make you happy.

I have learned a small bit looking at a few of your posts (alright one then I got distracted) - is your daughter still on the g f / LF diet? My son is too, so I can probably add a small appropriate treat or two if that's OK very easily (ie from his stash LOL- he's not short).

scootergirl, sound like we have the same receiver... email me [email protected] if you like

yes SFPT, she's on the diet til our referaral to paediatrics next year sometime, i'm sure she'd love a treat that she can actually eat

thank you mustrunmore, i'm trying to keep calm and not get upset, i just can't stand the thought that people probably feel i'm scamming you guys

Cool - will do lapinrose x

SFPT, the fact that you're sending anything at all touches me deply, i certainly don't care how much or what its worth, it will undoubtedly make dd happy and that overjoys me

i have a feeling i have been nominated. i feel odd about it tbh. remember the best give you can give us is to sign up for organ donation www.uktransplant.org.uk

i dont want anything material, there isnt anything money can buy that i want really.

a card will be fine, honestly.

lapinrose - have emailed you, have you received it?

Re the 'other' thread.

Very depressing reading I must admit.

BUT

I don't care, I trust that most people on and off mn are good and honest.

ALSO

I certainly don't think my receiver needs to be horribly badly off to be deserving. Maybe they are in dire straits, maybe they are just trying to give their child a magical Christmas.

PinkTinsel - I've put a message on Christmas bit for you...

yes berries, have just replied

FMF - Have sent you messages but you are set to busy

I don't have much compared to some but i have very good family and friends who have helped me when we have been in need.I can't offer much to this 'campaign ' but am incredibly glad to help anyone who deserves it and i haven't seen anyone whodoesn't!

have just read the other thread - like many otehrs who have already posted - If my giver wants to "ungive" becasue they feel uncomfortable tinking i may not be genuine then taht is fine. I didn't self nominate, i was nominated but now am feeling the need to justify any reasons for that person (or people) to have nominated me.

Unlike a few ppl on this thread my boys will have presents to open. There won'[t be many nor will tehy be big but they will have things to open and if that makes me less 'needy' than someone else then i would rather be taken off the list. I have enough guilt about this already

STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!

You have either been nominated or self nominated and I dont believe that ANYONE would do that lightly so please dont feel you have to justify yourself or your needs to anyone.

I know from experience it is not easy to ask for or accept help

so please accept the gifts etc that the givers here want and are happy to give

I've emailed you, Soapy, to be a giver. I can give vouchers etc or I could have a dig to see what I can find (DS is 10 and DD is 8 so clothes etc). Just let me know which is more suitable.

(Big DOH! I've just realised that I didn't include my MN name on my email! Put it down to utter stupidity.... I'll resend the email)