I don't know if this can be done but......

[crazyme5kids]

I was thinking about what a bad week it has been for some posters, so I thought to myself it would be nice to be able to help in some other way. Here is my idea: Why not choose one or two people a week and send each one an envelope with $1.00 in it? Even if only 20 people send it that could be used toward pizza or something that makes life a little easier for the recipiant. I know I could spare a dollar or two each week. Is this something that could be done? Maybe we could have someone voluteer to over see this and choose the recipiants. It could be people having a bad week or month or just someone special. What does everyone think?

 

[Jennyfyar]

I'd do it. Maybe it could go into a flower fund. I was actually thinking this morning about how I wish I could send 6 time momma flowers. I don't know her personally, but she has really been in my thoughts lately.

This would be a great idea.

 

[tc]

I was thinking the same thing Jennyfyar, that I'd love to be able to send 6 Time Momma some flowers to help with her grief. I don't know how we would work this out. We could only do it if someone had her address. The only address I know are the people I've done exchanges with. Anyone else have ideas of how to work this out?

I'd send the dollar or two also. Again, we'd have to get the addresses. Or, we could send it to one person, and that person could forward the whole amount, in a money order maybe.

 

[CathyCanada]

The thoughtfulness and caring of the people on this board never ceases to amaze me.

It is a lovely thought, but I have some reservations about abuse of it. While we "know" our regular posters, what if someone we really don't know well needs a boost. Not trying to be a party pooper, just practical. And a lot of people are very hesitant to give their address out to "strangers"".

I thought the idea of virtual flowers for Kristy was sweet. For people to take the time to do that is very heartwarming.

Just my 2 cents.
CC

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just wanted to say that the DIS is one heck of a group of caring individuals.

 

[crazyme5kids]

I thought about the possibility of the abuse factor too. Personally I would be willing to risk a dollar, because I think overall the people on this board seem honest. Maybe tc's idea of sending envelopes to one person (maybe a PO box) and having them forward the envelopes. This would mean a postage fund as well. Maybe I am being overly optimistic, but I think it could be done somehow. It sure would be a nice feeling to know that someones spirit might be lifted a little during a very difficult time. It is amazing how having the extra cash to have your house cleaned or go out to eat when you just can't or don't want to deal withone more detail of life during an already stressful time can make such a difference in someones day.

 

[Dream]

Count me in if we can figure out the logistics. I agree with CC that the abuse factor is definately there. Ialso agree that I will be willing to risk a dollar or two. It is such a helpless feeling to sit here day after day and read about other's pain and not be able to DO anything other than offer words of support...and prayers of course. These are wonderful things, but I would love it if we could take it a step farther. I will follow this thread and see where it goes!! Great idea!!!! The DIS rocks!!!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Trying one more time. I really do think this could work.

 

[Goofball]

Dream said everything I was thinking. I hope this can come together somehow!

 

[Lars624]

If we can work it out I'd love to be a part of it. Let me know what I can do.

 

[janette]

As many of you know I collected funds for our suprise for Ray. That was a little different because it was something for him but also for the parents of the babies he works with. We all got to feel like elves and it was great.

There was also the project to send Stephanie and her family to WDW. There again many people contributed and were able to help.

It is okay for special circumstances but on an on going basis I don't know how it would work. It's hard too to make something a suprise for someone when you have to ask them their address. We don't always have personal information on everyone. I'm just afraid too many feelings would get hurt.

I do think it's a great idea just not sure it would be something that could be worked out.

 

[crazyme5kids]

I have been thinking about how we can get this going, and taking into account the concerns and opinions of of everyone. So here is what I have come up with, and maybe you all can improve on it.
We need one kind person, someone who has a long history and is well known to people on the Dis Boards to volunteer to oversee this project. His/her duties will be to get a PO box which will be where people send the money. This volunteer will collect and distribute the money by check or money order to the recipiants.
Now about the money, here is my thought. The PO box needs to be paid for, along with any other expenses such as money orders, postage etc... So I thought the way to do this would be to charge a membership fee to the DIS ANGELS CLUB. Say $5.00??Then each month each member would send $8.00 (or $10 when it is 5 week months). Hopefully we will get enough people to join that at least two people a week would get a fifty dollar money order, which could be used for what ever they want. With some luck, maybe enough people will join that the good cheer can be spread to more than 2 people a week.
If money for expenses starts to run low our kind overseer will let us know to send a couple of extra dollars when needed.
What do you all think? Please improve on this and lets get it going!!!

 

[GEM]

I'd help out!

 

[dizneegirl]

Logistically, if you really wanted to send someone money, you could send it through PayPal. It doesn't cost anything to send it, and it wouldn't cost anything to receive it (though, if someone used a credit card, they'd take a processing fee out). You can send to ANYONE with an e-mail address, even if they don't have a PayPal account.

I would still be concerned about people's feelings though. It's a nice idea, but there are already groups and seperations on the DIS that cause bad feelings... I would think it would be hard to pick just one or two people to receive money, without overlooking another hundred that probably could use it more, but don't like to air their dirty laundry on the board. Then too, I'm sure there will be plenty of people who would never see a "just because" dime, and I would think their feelings may be hurt. Especially when they see all the "thank you" posts.

Now, I'm an adult, and I realize that not everyone gets what they want, and life isn't fair... but I'd hate to see a really nice gesture go bad because of hurt feelings... my 2 cents.

On the other hand, a flower fund (sending flowers for births, deaths, etc.) might be nice, but then you have the problems of the address again.

Good luck.

 

[crazyme5kids]

The address thing is simple, just PM the recipiant and let them know they have been "tagged" by the DIS ANGELS (or whatever we call it) and please supply an address. No one but the overseer would get the address. PayPal is a good idea, have you used it? Is there a membership fee? Anyone else have experience with it.
Now about hurt feelings. Hopefully people will put their differences aside, and realize the spirit in which it is being done with. If you know of someone on the board that is going through a rough time and can use a little day brightner, but has not aired their problem, let the overseer (sorry I don't know what else to call him/her) know. Again hopefully we can get lots of people involved in this and that it grows as time goes on, so that more than one or two people a week are recipiants.

A flower fund would be a nice alternative,but you run into the same hurt feeling problem. You just can't please everyone.

P.S. If this should get off the ground, and I am going through a hard time, don't send anything to me, send it to someone else. I promise I won't be offended or upset, I have a thick skin!!!! (LOL).

 

[dizneegirl]

There is no membership fee with PayPal... it's quite easy to use.

As far as feelings... Doesn't bother me a bit, I think it's a nice idea. Everyone could use a little pick-me-up now and then.

But I also know that it's easy to say that there shouldn't be hard feelings, but honestly, it's easier said than done. There are some pretty thin-skinned people around here (as well as in RL! )... wouldn't want a nice jesture to get ugly, that's all.

And, no, you certainly CAN'T please everyone! You'd go insane trying!

 

[crazyme5kids]

maybe we could take a poll and ask who is thin skinned and as who is thick skinned!this way we could get to the thin skinned first lol!

 

[fireplug]

I think the IDEA is great, but you may have to check into postal regulations as they may have rules against this. There have been a lot of pyramid scams so they regulate sending cash very strictly. I know that this is different but don't want anyone to get into trouble. They may say you can only do it fo a certain person at a time. But if its legal count me in. a few bucks a month to bring a bright spot into somebodys life is pretty inexpensive.


Steve

 

[Dream]

Maybe a "flower fund"...rather than cash...would be a little better. Seems like the dis has no problem supporting "projects" when there is a special need. A "flower fund" could be used for somebody who just needs a smile and a tangible symbol of our love and support...not just those who need money. When it comes right down to it, 50.00 is a drop in the bucket if you are THAT in need f cash. I like the idea of an email saying the "dis angels" would like to send you a pick me up and then ask for the address. If the party in question feels too uncomfortable to supply the address, well then the idea was good but we can save the money for the next person in need of some pixie dust.
There WILL be hard feelings at some point in time...that's the tough part of doing something like this. I am sure that somewhere out there there are hurt feelings that we didi so much for Stephanie and not them. Some people just think that way and you need to realize that before you start this.
You are also looking at a big job for the person who is the "overseeer". Sorry to just offer concerns and no solutions...just wanted to keep the dialogue going on this one!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Fireplug your concern flashed through my mind at one point so it is definatly something to look at. Dream you are right about the money, I was just looking at it as purely a do something nice for yourself type of thing. Now the more I hear from people, and the more opinions and great points/ideas, perhaps a flower fund is the way to go. This way maybe there could be more recipiants each week because you can send something nice for around $25.00 total! Does anyone know of or is anyone a florist on the boards? Maybe we could work with them. Keep all the thoughts coming! People on the Dis Board are wonderful!