Another post asking about Tree Exchange

[bobbiwoz]

I proposed that each resort have its own tree exchange. Since posting that, I have actually gotten a PM asking to use the VWL tree that I would send. It does work out that Rob S. 's time December 6-14 dovetails with mine, 14-18.

I do not want to step on anyone's toes, but I am willing to overlook a VWL exchange if there is anyone else willing to send a tree to VWL.

The way I would do it, is anyone sending the tree gets their time, and others would be working around those times in the order people have asked.

Now, if you as a community decide there should just be 1 overseer, I'm not that person. I'll be working this fall, and will not have the time to be the overall organizer.

Bobbi

 

[sarahk0204]

I think that that is a good idea. I would be willing to coordinate BLT.

I thought about being the overall coordinator, and I have decided that I couldn't take that on. However, I would be willing to start/maintain a thread listing the coordinators for all of the resorts so that people would know who to PM. We can also share the helpful info that MrShiny has provided (what to put in the box, resort addresses, how to exchange, etc).

I like the idea of each coordinator doing the scheduling for his/her resort. Your parameters (donor first, then order of sign up) are good ones.

Yes, let's try to do this! I was just going to send our tree down for ourselves, but it is nicer to share some holiday spirit.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I was thinking the same. Its too much to handle. I do have a lot on my plate. I still have my two trees. I had one at BLT and one at AKV but I can send both to AKV.

 

[bobbiwoz]

OK


So, thinking out loud, this is what we have. Sarahk0204 will start a thread that lists the people who are co-ordinating trees for their resorts. If you wish to participate in the tree exchange, you will contact that person.

Also, if you wish to donate another tree to a particular resort you will PM the tree co-ordinator for that resort.

Should there be a thread for each resort? I think so, so people can see the dates and number of trees going to their resort.

If there are 12 DVC resorts, these threads will use a lot of Disboard space...is that OK?

 

[Sur]

You all should set up an account with Owner's Locker with unlimited amounts of deliveries for the tree. John stores things other than just the purple locker. Get enough people involved and it'd knock the price of the OL unlimited deliveries down to nearly nothing!

There are also people that live in Orlando that deliver RVs, travel trailers, etc. I know they are flexible with popping over to WDW, so maybe non-use storage could be with them. If you need their contact, let me know.

I love the tree exchange idea and would be a part if it all works out. We intend to be there prior to the previously mentioned dates.

 

[sarahk0204]

OK


So, thinking out loud, this is what we have. Sarahk0204 will start a thread that lists the people who are co-ordinating trees for their resorts. If you wish to participate in the tree exchange, you will contact that person.

Also, if you wish to donate another tree to a particular resort you will PM the tree co-ordinator for that resort.

Should there be a thread for each resort? I think so, so people can see the dates and number of trees going to their resort.

If there are 12 DVC resorts, these threads will use a lot of Disboard space...is that OK?

Well, it may only be 9 resorts. Historically, the tree exchange has been limited to the Orlando resorts. If someone volunteered for elsewhere, I'd be glad to include them, but I will focus my coordinator and tree recruitment on Orlando. (I was just imagining the cost of shipping a tree to Hawaii...)

I don't think 9 threads would be too much. Moderators, what say you?

 

[sarahk0204]

You all should set up an account with Owner's Locker with unlimited amounts of deliveries for the tree. John stores things other than just the purple locker. Get enough people involved and it'd knock the price of the OL unlimited deliveries down to nearly nothing!

There are also people that live in Orlando that deliver RVs, travel trailers, etc. I know they are flexible with popping over to WDW, so maybe non-use storage could be with them. If you need their contact, let me know.

I love the tree exchange idea and would be a part if it all works out. We intend to be there prior to the previously mentioned dates.

The only thing about OL is that the tree would leave the resort 1 day and return to the same resort the next day or a day or 2 later. Lots of back and forth. John could probably keep better track of a tree than Bell Services, though

It will be up to each coordinator and donor, but the tree exchange dates have been close to the dates of holiday happenings at WDW, so from first MVMCP (early November) to the day the Osbourne Lights come down (early January).

 

[DisneyDenis]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is a "Tree Exchange".

 

[LPnerd]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is a "Tree Exchange".

I'm trying to figure out just what it is too. we are going dec. 7-11th ( granddaughters HS choir is singing in CP) I will have a small table top tree decorated, is this what you're talking about? we also run around and decorate thikngs at the resort while we are there.
I fill 4-5 bags with things to decorate and each pair of kids and adults have to go find something to xmas-up! we found the staff leaves the until they look bad or the season is over, and we have a big card to set up that says Happy Holidays from ... all the kids names.
Its such fun, sometimes others add on or come out to help!

 

[sarahk0204]

Here is a link to last year's thread

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2951636

Hopefully that will explain the tree exchange a little better.

 

[LPnerd]

Here is a link to last year's thread

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2951636

Hopefully that will explain the tree exchange a little better.

yes it did and WOW... how confusing...LOL...
I just get a little 3 ft table top tree, its pre-lit, ad we decorate it and leave it I the room, or give it to another family that's staying longer...

thanks for the info ...

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yes, regarding the dates sarak0204 mentioned, the trees usually get sent down sometime in November. So, if you want the tree for a mid November stay that's doable!

The basic cost to us sending the tree has been between $30 & $35, and then usually the donations in the envelope cover the cost of sending the tree back up, and sometimes there's something to defray that original shipping expense as well.

Our VWL tree has been sent down 4 times (we alternate years, we have a VWL tree & a BWV tree) and we include a memory book for guests to sign. I hope the tradition does continue.

I have received another request for the VWL tree that we have. Dates requested so far:
December 6-14
December 14-18
December 25-January 4

How about it..is there enough interest among donors & recipients to continue planning?

As far as using OL. I know that we use our "off year tree" in our kitchen. So, I would not be interested in storing it all year. There usually are things that need to be done, cleared out at home, gifts are sometimes included.

 

[Whilykit]

We are staying at Wilderness too and would like to possible participate - Dec 20-27th.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are staying at Wilderness too and would like to possible participate - Dec 20-27th.

As you can see in post above...25 through Jan 4 has been requested already. This is still an organizing thread. Please PM...

 

[deltapilotwife]

I don't want to step on toes either but we'll be at AKV from Dec 7-11 and I'm willing to donate a tree and organize one for AKV if needed.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I don't want to step on toes either but we'll be at AKV from Dec 7-11 and I'm willing to donate a tree and organize one for AKV if needed.

Great, see post #3. PM Harlemgirl720 to get things organized for AKV!

Bobbi

PS. How about some of the other resorts?

 

[sarahk0204]

Here is the thread calling for coordinators and donors:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=49224719#post49224719

 

[twinmomplus2]

WOW..... I can not believe this tree exchange is still going strong!!!!
From one silly post with me asking did anyone want to use my tree?
and all these years later still a tradition!!

I actually found the original notebook a few weeks ago were we all wrote a little note to each other when we passed the first tree. It was fun to read everyones greetings again?

I think I may actually sign up this year for a tree!

What a great job you have done keeping this tradition alive, So much work.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I see we may have 3 trees. Deltapilotwife and I have it covered.

 

[bobbiwoz]

WOW..... I can not believe this tree exchange is still going strong!!!!
From one silly post with me asking did anyone want to use my tree?
and all these years later still a tradition!!

I actually found the original notebook a few weeks ago were we all wrote a little note to each other when we passed the first tree. It was fun to read everyones greetings again?

I think I may actually sign up this year for a tree!

What a great job you have done keeping this tradition alive, So much work.

Hi! Are you referring to the tree with the chili pepper lights? That was the tree that we were given when we first participated in 2003. We had it in VWL and then brought it to OKW. So long ago, the CMs at VWL even had it set up for us in our room when we checked in!

I hope you do sign up for a tree this year.

The tree exchanged has touched many families for the good over the years. Thank you for your great idea!

Bobbi