Disney Givers?

[AirDisney]

Had a young couple approach our family in the park today and ask if it was OK to give something to our kids. Said they were with a group called "Disney Givers". They had a Mickey Ear hat and Minnie ear head band for our kids. They then wanted to take a pic of the kids holding their new gifts for the Disney Givers Facebook page. Has anyone ever heard of this group before and know if they're legit? I thought it was a nice gesture but my wife was very suspicious.

Thanks!

 

[Lm3js]

Don't know about them, but they have ~2000 members on their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisneyGivers/) and this is the description "We are a group of Disneyland fans and annual passholders who do giveaways online and in the park! Anyone can participate and do a giveaway or receive a gift! Spread the magic and pixie dust!!"

 

[amyg1975]

My daughter received a small Pooh in western wear when we were in DTD back in February from this group.

 

[ashley0139]

I've never heard of this. But it seems like the whole posting it on Facebook kind of negates the good gesture. Give a kid something and make them happy. But then having to go post it on Facebook so that the group can praise you for your good deed? Meh.

I'm probably just cynical.

 

[cmph]

Eek. I'm sure they mean well, but my 12yo doesn't even like it when I post her picture on MY facebook page, which has privacy settings to the max fb allows. (Sure, I have this photo here for my profile, but we're making pufferfish faces and it's pretty old at this point anyway.) There's just something off-putting about complete strangers posting photos of my kids, outside of my control.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I'm sure you could ask the givers not to include the child's face in the photo, e.g. just the hands holding the gift. Maybe they have the FB page to provide some sort of legitimacy for people who, naturally, want to verify who they are? But, I agree, if they want acknowledgement for their good deeds, that rather deflates the whole thing.

 

[BriannaRuth]

We give little things to kids on a regular basis at DL and never feel the need to post on FB about it or take their photos. Were they shady characters ... probably not. After all, anyone who wants to take photos of kids at DL for nefarious reasons could easily do so without their parents' permission or knowledge. But I also wouldn't blame anyone for declining to have their kids' photos taken by strangers!

 

[SirDuff]

I've never heard of this. But it seems like the whole posting it on Facebook kind of negates the good gesture. Give a kid something and make them happy. But then having to go post it on Facebook so that the group can praise you for your good deed? Meh.

I'm probably just cynical.

That and the fact that kids at DL are already receiving a whole lot of pixie dust given that they are at DL. Seems to be that there are a whole lot of children who could use their "good gesture" even more.

Any room in the cynical corner?

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm sorry but putting the photo on Facebook just gives me the creeps. And it makes the gesture more about the giver than the receiver.

 

[SMD]

I'd be suspicious of any unofficial group like that. Anyone can make a FB profile. And anyone can point to the URL of a FB group and say they are legit. Even if 99.9% of the people have the best intentions, they've made it very easy for the .1% to try something nefarious (I'm thinking tamper with the items they give away) under their name. At least when Disney does their giveaways they have employees who have been vetted in some way.

And I agree it's about the giver and people giving pixie dust to someone who is already in Disneyland seems a little hollow. If you want to insert yourself into someone's trip, get a job there.

 

[cruisehopeful]

It's interesting. I often win stuffed toys at the boardwalk games and since I don't want the prizes, I think about giving them to kids in the parks, but always thought was too creepy. If I am staying in a hotel, I leave it for the housekeeper to keep or give to someone else.

 

[SteveMP]

HhM have only done the RAKs through MouseWait. Sounds like this group took after that and went to FB with it.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... I often win stuffed toys at the boardwalk games and since I don't want the prizes, I think about giving them to kids in the parks, but always thought was too creepy. If I am staying in a hotel, I leave it for the housekeeper to keep or give to someone else.

We save ours until we have enough to fill a decent size bag, then donate to the local shelter. The domestic abuse shelter is always thrilled to get new toys because too often the moms and kids have to flee with nothing.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I'm sorry but putting the photo on Facebook just gives me the creeps. And it makes the gesture more about the giver than the receiver.

this

 

[Jedi Mouse]

We save ours until we have enough to fill a decent size bag, then donate to the local shelter. The domestic abuse shelter is always thrilled to get new toys because too often the moms and kids have to flee with nothing.

That's a great idea. I know there are kids at the parks that are in need, but there are a whole lot more that aren't. So while I appreciate them trying to spread a little Disney magic, there are probably better places to give things to kids.

 

[ExcitedMama]

We were at the park in 2014 and a woman handed us a puzzle when we were eating at a bench waiting for a parade to start. We were really confused! Plus it was a villains puzzle which seemed a strange choice to give to a small child but it was a wonderful gesture. Would have been a completely different thing if they had tried to take a picture! No way! I did wonder after that if there was a thing about random giving.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

It's interesting. I often win stuffed toys at the boardwalk games and since I don't want the prizes, I think about giving them to kids in the parks, but always thought was too creepy. If I am staying in a hotel, I leave it for the housekeeper to keep or give to someone else.

My kids had won a few of the Dumbos at one of the games, while already having two at home. We were at the Jazz Kitchen and two little girls were having a rough day and dad looked completely flustered (mom had gone to tend to a baby). My kids walked two of the Dumbos over and asked the dad if they gift them to the girls. It felt like a win-win all around; but felt better having my kids do it and not me!

As to the original post, I would think the gesture was sweet, but would probably return them to the giver once they asked for a picture. Even for private use and not FB, that would make me feel very uncomfortable.

 

[GrizzlyGirl]

I'm in the cynical, creeped out group. Just the name of the group signals that it is more about them than the kids.

 

[mpadilla89]

If someone wants to give my daughter something out of the goodness of their heart. We will thank them and either keep it or donate it. But to take her picture uumm no. wait Helll no. That is very very creepy. to be taking pictures of others kids and post them on social media. nope sorry but i too think this is not a Disney Giver but a Disney attention seeker.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I've never heard of this. But it seems like the whole posting it on Facebook kind of negates the good gesture. Give a kid something and make them happy. But then having to go post it on Facebook so that the group can praise you for your good deed? Meh.

I'm probably just cynical.

I dont do FACEBOOK, I would NEVER let anyone take a pic of my kids(when they were young) sounds like another LA"Cult of personalities) to me. Their intentions may be good?????? Not the way to ""do good" All in my opinion.

Jack