Alternative to Secret Santa this year. Thoughts?

[clearsphere]

I've been thinking of suggesting something different this year. Instead of doing a gift exchange, what does everyone think of giving back to the community? With all the fires in CA and things like school lunch debt, there's plenty of opportunities to help those in need. On reveal day, we could each post about what we did, pictures optional. What do you all think?

[flipping_treasures]

Great idea.  I'm in.  

[arlene_v]

Super idea, I'm in!

[clearsphere]

Thanks for replies I do love the exchange, but working at a school puts things like kids needing lunch and local food pantries etc front and center. Plus a family member told me recently they only had a little food left in the house until their social security check comes next week, and I just thought hey, for the price of a med flat rate priority box I could really help somebody. Also envisioning Sarah's elf on the shelf helping clean litter boxes at the animal shelter

[scifidaughter64]

I'm in.

[dream*peddler]

I love your idea, clear.  I'm totally in.

[gauntlettgems]

Me!

[1940fc]

HUH?????  I wuz supposed to be cleaning??????????

[1940fc]

Does it count if it`s something already being planned (thru our church) but for each individual to do?

[bat197]

Since I retired, I have the time to do volunteer work. I would love to show you some of the activities that I'm involved in!

[evelyb30]

This is what I do year round anyway.   

[thirry]

I'll miss the exchange but count me in. There are many good possibilities for volunteering or charitable auctions. 🙂

A.

[clearsphere]

I totally love exchanging gifts on the board-and there's no reason not to do both. Instead of alternate, it could be parallel-with members participating in one or the other or both? Was something I was thinking of-with working at the school and the family member needing food. Just following the signs

@1940fcEverything counts of course! I donate/help others whenever I can, as I'm a firm believer in what good you put out there comes back to you-in spades. I knew you'd find the Elf in an er em compromising position! We can definitely count on you to bring on the fun!

[thirry]

Count me in for both if anyone's interested.  😎

A.

[scifidaughter64]

I would do both. Fill one box for a boardie and do the local charity thing. Maybe make the gift boxes smaller or homemade.