Secret Santa Completed

[red1030]

Secret Santa was a success again this year. We were able to assure that 7 family’s needs were met for Christmas. Through these families there are 15 children who had smiles on their faces due to this program. Consequently, I want to thank each of you, whether you donated or not, for your donations, support and pray for this program. I truly believe that each of us should consider coordinating this program from time to time. While there are some hard and difficult stories about need, there are many rewards when those needs can be met.

I sent out a chart explaining how the donator’s money was spent. Some did not email and ask to receive the chart. The chart outlines completely what was collected and what was bought for each family using the numbers assigned to the families. If anyone who donated would like this chart please pm me your request. Admin I am going to email it to you if that is ok, as I did last year.
Each of the families were very thankful and sometimes in tears when their items arrived. Many commented that they are hoping that next year they will be able to be a donator in this program because it has made such a difference in their lives for this year. I received via my personal email some pictures of the kids who received the gifts. The gifts are bought based on what the need is stated to be. Often I will ask the person in need for his or her children to go to a store and find certain things that they think their child would like or need. When this happens it is easy for me to buy and shop. I spent a great deal of time searching for coupons to lessen the expenditures. I believe this worked well this year. There was only one instance where I paid any shipping cost and it was for a small amount of less than $5.00.

The only set back in this program for this year and last year was that I need to start the program earlier. Jayne even tried to get me to start it earlier and I did not. The reason I say that is that I need to have everything ordered and on its way by the 15th of the month or in most cases you can’t get some of the free shipping deals and there is no assurance that it will be there on time, consequently, I must use my credit card or checking account to purchase everything with the understanding that the donators are sending in the donations. Therefore, whoever does this program next year truly needs to consider starting the collection by the 15th of November versus saying the 10th of December? Even though I do see this as a set back almost all donators did exactly what they said they were going to do. You are all such a great group of people that sometimes I wonder how I was so lucky to stumble onto all of you. I truly want to thank each of you for giving me this opportunity to coordinate YOUR program and for the several families that we helped. It kept me feeling very good and I saw all the rewards. I wish I could write it for you, I just don’t know how to put into words that wonderful feeling that I felt as everyone was thanking for what YOU all did. Again thank you. Love Red

[jayne]

It could not have been done without you my dear

[Bummer Knees]

Bless you Red, you are a kind person giving your time to make this program a success.

[Tuffy]

Red I agree with the others, Words can not express what we all feel the way you put things together. You are a great Lady, and Thank you..........

[admin]

Again, a very impressive program and result. We are very proud to be associated with all of you. Thanks Red, you're the best!

[buildergirl1973]

red, you are one giving lady, you gave up lots of your own time doing for others, thank you. this forum is a blessing for many, i know it is for me. thanks for doing what you do!

[sparkey]

Red,

You are a woman with a very big, kind heart. I think you are the perfect person for this program. It must feel good to hear the stories of the happiness of these kids on xmas morning.


I have always looked at you as the Mother Theresa of this site. I mean that in a sincere way. There needs to be more Mother Theresa's in this world and you have certainly shown what you can do for people. Not only at Xmas time, but all times throughout the year. I wish there was some sort of metal we could give you for all you have done. Especially during your time of sickness and dell's. You two are both wonderful people and we all thank you for everything you do.

[hurt at work]

thank you red for doing this and im glad than some people got to have a christmas this year as alot of others did not.thxs again

[capricorn]

Red...I also feel you are wonderful in taking this on. I remember the first year we did it when Monster held the reigns. It takes alot of time and energy and you have that. I beleive all your military training and different areas you have worked and volunteered have truly helped you make this a success. God has smiled on you, and we get to see that smile.

Capricorn

[red1030]

Good Morning all...thank you very much, all of you, for the very kind remarks. I thank you for that, but I do want to explain that this program does take some time, time of which I have, but it is YOU who makes it a success. Coordinating this program gives me a lot of reward each other and YOU all allow me to do it. I could not receive all the nice remarks and words of thanks if not for all of YOU good feelings of accomplishment if not for YOU. Thank you so much. Love Red