Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

***********************An important question regarding the Christmas appeal from SOAPBOX*********************************

100 replies

andaSOAPBOXinapeartree · 17/12/2006 20:48

I need to get peoples views on how to distribute the mountain of stuff I have received for the Christmas appeal!

Thanks to a marvellous response from several sponsors I have got loads of things here that need to be distributed for the Christmas appeal - in reality probably much more than would pass the boundaries of good taste!

Can I get your collective views as to whether I should just package the lot up and send them out, or whether MN would prefer me to hold on to some of what are quite substantial gifts for distribution during the year to those having a difficult time?

I could keep the gifts and distribute when a child is sick or when relationships break down or when birthdays come round and there is no means to pay for a gift - those kind of times when it would be nice to send a little something to the children.

I'm happy either way - so over to you to let me know which you think would be best

OP posts:
DelGirlsRingAreYouListening · 17/12/2006 20:50

Could some be donated to some local charities perhaps, like Julia's hospice or something? Just a thought.

DelGirlsRingAreYouListening · 17/12/2006 20:51

Julia's House I mean.

Heathcliffscathy · 17/12/2006 20:52

soapbox.

what a star you are.

I'm humbled by your sweet kindness and willing to get on and do rather than just talk.

i think the through the year idea sounds great, but more work for you!

wickedwinterwitch · 17/12/2006 20:52

Well, if you've got the room to hang on to the stuff (how much is it exactly?) then I think it would be lovely if we had a sort of stash of treats for those having a hard time.

foxinsocks · 17/12/2006 20:52

I think it'd be nice if you held on to it for occasions as you have suggested (if you have the space and you don't mind doing it!).

wickedwinterwitch · 17/12/2006 20:52

Or someone else could agree to co-ordinate and stuff?

SherlockLGJ · 17/12/2006 20:52

If you can store it, I would hold on to it. This is not just a December problem, due to the size of MN these days, there is always someone in need.

MariNativityPlay · 17/12/2006 20:54

I think through the year would be a lovely idea Soapbox. Am happy to lend a hand seeing as I am localish, mail me if you want

Nemoinapeartree · 17/12/2006 20:55

I agree with others..as a reciever have had far more than could ever have wished for but the problems a lot of the families have is ongoing. It is a nightmare to know you cant help your kids all year I think christmas just ends up being the ultimate crappy time on top of everything if that makes sense.

olittletownofberolina · 17/12/2006 20:57

I agree with through the year, soapy. Can't physically help in terms of storing/distribution etc. but would be happy to assist with coordination.

(p.s. haven't got those biccies out yet, sorry, hopelessly overworked - but a new year treat coming!)

JollyOldSaintNikkielas · 17/12/2006 20:57

Store it and save it if you have room.it is quite late now for you to be rushing to pack & post anyway so you can help those in need through out he year

ISawTortoiseKissingSantaClaus · 17/12/2006 20:58

I agree with sending through out the year.
Although the sweets will have to be sent out before they go out of date won't they? !!

lulumama · 17/12/2006 21:09

definitely store to distribute throughout the year..someone, somewhere , will always need a helping hand..

Original poster
andaSOAPBOXinapeartree · 17/12/2006 21:15

Thanks for all your replies - storage is not a problem - we have a loft above the garage which is nice and dry and secure.

Has any one got any ideas about how nominations might work, as I know some people were a bit worried as to the Christmas appeal being abused a little (although hand on heart I can say there is only one person who I have remaining doubts over - which out of 70 or so families - is a pretty good result)!

OP posts:
Original poster
andaSOAPBOXinapeartree · 17/12/2006 21:16

Tortoise - the DCs and I have spent the whole evening packaging up sweets and little stocking fillers - and we've got a long way still to go!

OP posts:
ScoobyDooTheyKnowItsChristmas · 17/12/2006 21:17

I agree that storing & sending out through the year is a fab idea as so many people may struggle through the year too.

Not to sure how you can work it though...

JollyOldSaintNikkielas · 17/12/2006 21:17

I had just been wondering about that.

Miaou · 17/12/2006 21:20

What a good idea soapy - keep and send throughout the year. What an absolute gem you are

FairytaleOfNewNORKSBRIDE · 17/12/2006 21:26

Hi Soapy, gifts through the year is a good idea. And I'll help offset some of the postage costs

Nominations - it's pretty straight-forward with existing members because they & their stories are known but how to proceed with new members? Possibly a qualification period? Or blind trust and assume that whilst the system may occasionally be abused on the whole, a lot of good work is done.

Meanwhile, A Very Merry Christmas to you & your hard-working DCs. (Am picturing the soapy household as elves...)!

munz · 17/12/2006 21:26

prob sweets/perishables send out now iycwim - unless you think they'll last but, definatly save them if you have space, not sure on nominations thou. there's alwasy things throughout the year which come up.

flutturkey · 17/12/2006 21:28

Keep and send out during the year. I know what happened to me happened right near Christmas but if it had happened in the middle of summer I would have been just as upset and worried.

Please keep anything that you possibly have been thinking of sending to me, as Xmasmummy is sending me more than a tree (as I first thought) and I will feel to take anymore. It will make me feel good to know that someone extra in the New Year could get a little boost instead of me getting more now.

Hope you enjoy your wine soapy you deserve it.

FairytaleOfNewNORKSBRIDE · 17/12/2006 21:28

skipped a comma there, should read...

... be abused, on the whole,

ISawTortoiseKissingSantaClaus · 17/12/2006 21:32

Aww Soapbox and her little elves.
Nominations may be tricky but on the whole i would expect it to work out ok.
(I have doubts about one reciever too,maybe the same person as you!)
We have to trust people and hope they won't abuse the trust of good people on MN.

I hope you have a wonderful xmas Soapy family.

ScoobyDooTheyKnowItsChristmas · 17/12/2006 21:35

at tortoise How are you & the kids ?

ISawTortoiseKissingSantaClaus · 17/12/2006 21:43

We are ok.Think we are finally all over the bugs.(fingers crossed)
On MSN anytime you wanna say hi. happy christmas to you and family.

Swipe left for the next trending thread