I'm Dreaming of a Blue Christmas

November 2, 2009 10:10 AM

Last year we gave a little girl a bicycle. Anyone interested in getting together to sponsor a whole family?

I know enough of you to know how generous you are. I thought it could be fun to pool our resources as a Metafilter.com team and sponsor a family through the NYCares Winter Wishes program. I volunteer to act as NYCares liaison, money/package (if people want to buy and send things) collector, and to get everything wrapped and delivered to the final destination.

I figure anyone interested could say so here, I'll register for a family in the next few days (size based on interest in participating), and we can organize the details of how we'll split up our family's wishes off-site (I was thinking a mix of e-mail/Google docs, but suggestions would be welcome).

posted by ThePinkSuperhero to MetaFilter-related at 10:10 AM (127 comments total)

I'm in.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 10:14 AM on November 2, 2009

moi aussi.
posted by gman at 10:15 AM on November 2, 2009

Count me in! I would love to be part of this. At least by contributing $$, if not actual items.
posted by kimdog at 10:15 AM on November 2, 2009

I'm in!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:16 AM on November 2, 2009

I'd like to kick in a couple bucks.
posted by box at 10:22 AM on November 2, 2009

This sounds awesome, I'm in.
posted by mathowie at 10:22 AM on November 2, 2009

Count me in too. This is a good thing.
posted by Kangaroo at 10:22 AM on November 2, 2009

I'm down.
posted by edbles at 10:23 AM on November 2, 2009

This sounds great
posted by caddis at 10:25 AM on November 2, 2009

Pick me! Pick me!

Oh, wait, that's not how this works?

I have some cash in my paypal account I'd part with.
posted by cjorgensen at 10:27 AM on November 2, 2009

What an eponymous idea. I'm in.
posted by JeffK at 10:28 AM on November 2, 2009 [1 favorite]

I'm in, I'll throw some $$ at this.
posted by marxchivist at 10:30 AM on November 2, 2009

I'm definitely in!
posted by pjern at 10:32 AM on November 2, 2009

In.
posted by dersins at 10:34 AM on November 2, 2009

Absolutely!
posted by ChuraChura at 10:36 AM on November 2, 2009

Count me in for a few bucks.
posted by jbickers at 10:41 AM on November 2, 2009

Just a logistics question: TPS, you said you'd liaise; are we going to know the demographics of the family we sponsor (#of kids/ages/sexes) well enough so that we can purchase appropriate gifts should we decide to do so?
posted by pjern at 10:41 AM on November 2, 2009

I (a long time ago) was on the receiving end of a program like that. Its amazing how much of a difference it makes to kids, esp if they are small enough to not know the details behind it. it really does make it seem like there is a Santa Claus.

So yea…i will help as much as I can.
posted by ShawnString at 10:42 AM on November 2, 2009 [5 favorites]

are we going to know the demographics of the family we sponsor (#of kids/ages/sexes)

Yes, we will receive letters from actual people with their actual gift requests, which we will fulfill as best we can. Last year, the little boy I sponsored wanted a basketball (and he was very specific about the brand and model, too, which made it easy for me).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:43 AM on November 2, 2009 [1 favorite]

Would google Wave work to organize details? (Not that I really know, but it seems the kind of thing that we could try, if we can come up with enough invites)
posted by pjern at 10:44 AM on November 2, 2009

Count me in.
posted by bondcliff at 10:49 AM on November 2, 2009

Sure, I'd like to help.
posted by fixedgear at 10:50 AM on November 2, 2009

I would definitely be in; thanks for suggesting and organizing this project.
posted by lalex at 10:52 AM on November 2, 2009

Heh, I was telling a friend about the bike story just a few days ago when we were looking for a similar organization here in Germany.

Count me in on the MeFi team, too.
posted by starzero at 10:53 AM on November 2, 2009

Definitely in.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:54 AM on November 2, 2009

Not sure how much I can contribute, but I'm in for at least a little bit.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:58 AM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by scrump at 11:00 AM on November 2, 2009

FWIW, there is a community center I work with sometimes (in underserved Appalachia, I should add) who is looking for people to sponsor families' christmas meals. I won't post a link here, but if you have any interest ( I think the min contribution is $24) then shoot me a MeMail and I'll facebook you the event or forward you the email.
posted by TomMelee at 11:04 AM on November 2, 2009

Count me in.
posted by burnmp3s at 11:19 AM on November 2, 2009

I'm in
posted by bahama mama at 11:19 AM on November 2, 2009

I'd like to contribute.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:37 AM on November 2, 2009

In for at least a little $.
posted by runningwithscissors at 11:38 AM on November 2, 2009

I'd like to help too.
posted by gemmy at 11:43 AM on November 2, 2009

This really does have the makings of something awesome. I missed the bike thing, but I could totally get on board with this year's project. Consider a few bucks from me in the pile.
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 11:48 AM on November 2, 2009

I am in too
posted by shothotbot at 12:00 PM on November 2, 2009

I am in.
posted by gaspode at 12:09 PM on November 2, 2009

Just post up a link to donate or whatever and I'm there.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 12:15 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in it to spread the cheer.
posted by deezil at 12:23 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by DMan at 12:25 PM on November 2, 2009

thank you for posting/organizing!

i'm in.
posted by gursky at 12:42 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in too.

On a semi-related note, who is stepping up to coordinate this year's Secret Quonsar?
posted by cgomez at 12:49 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm down. I don't know how much I can be in for, but I can contribute!

I will be so happy when this happens.
posted by elmer benson at 12:52 PM on November 2, 2009

Terrific idea -- please count me in.
posted by vers at 1:13 PM on November 2, 2009

Count on me and my friend, Mr. Lincoln.
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:20 PM on November 2, 2009

Count me in. Awesome idea!
posted by futureisunwritten at 1:33 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by French Fry at 1:37 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in, at least for some cash.
posted by piratebowling at 1:47 PM on November 2, 2009

I want to join in also.
posted by scottymac at 1:48 PM on November 2, 2009

Sure, me too.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:48 PM on November 2, 2009

I'd love to participate. Can't afford to buy a whole gift. But I can throw in a few dollars. Thanks TPS for doing this!
posted by marsha56 at 2:18 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by iamabot at 2:25 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by Madamina at 2:59 PM on November 2, 2009

In.
posted by donnagirl at 3:02 PM on November 2, 2009

I'll put a few bucks in the hat.
posted by deborah at 3:12 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by peep at 3:14 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by min at 3:26 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in.
posted by des at 4:35 PM on November 2, 2009

I'll do it.
posted by Alison at 5:01 PM on November 2, 2009

Sure! And thanks for thinking of it.
posted by bearwife at 5:03 PM on November 2, 2009

I'm in. :)
posted by wiskunde at 5:29 PM on November 2, 2009

Glad interest is so strong! I'm signing up for 12 people (I would imagine that will be split into 2-3 families). Once I get the gift requests, I'll be e-mailing or MeMailing everyone who's in.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:29 PM on November 2, 2009 [1 favorite]

Thanks, TPS!
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 5:31 PM on November 2, 2009

In, definitely.
posted by odinsdream at 5:57 PM on November 2, 2009

Count me in too.
posted by special-k at 5:58 PM on November 2, 2009

*raises hand*

Thanks for organizing this!
posted by Kat Allison at 6:40 PM on November 2, 2009

I'll jump in too.
posted by maxwelton at 7:19 PM on November 2, 2009

Add me to the list as well.
posted by Gucky at 7:35 PM on November 2, 2009

in
posted by Rumple at 8:11 PM on November 2, 2009

This is a place where I would put some of my money.
posted by rmless at 8:25 PM on November 2, 2009

Not to detract too much from TPS's fabulous idea, because I think it is so great, I do it every year. What I want to note is that most every city's social services department puts programs together like this. You could try going local.
posted by msali at 8:40 PM on November 2, 2009 [3 favorites]

Poor student, but to be honest the bicycle thing was one of the reasons i joined, so i am in for 5 or 10 bucks.
posted by djduckie at 9:00 PM on November 2, 2009

Add me to the list as well, please.
posted by faineant at 11:32 PM on November 2, 2009

Me too.
posted by tangerine at 11:37 PM on November 2, 2009

Absolutely in. Could you get a paypal account setup for donating?
posted by potch at 12:23 AM on November 3, 2009

I am in there like swim wear (let me know how to get you the cash TPS - or, you known, if one of the gift requests is a goatskin drum or lion's tooth or something unique I can mail back from here I am happy to do that too).

And I second the suggestion that if any of the above contributors are in another city that they investigate the possibility of starting an effort in their own community if they are up for it. Maybe organize an x-mas party meetup to wrap gifts or something.

This could end up perpetuating a lot of metafilter awesomeness if you are not careful with it.
posted by allkindsoftime at 5:35 AM on November 3, 2009

I'm in. You know how to get a hold of me.
posted by TrishaLynn at 5:37 AM on November 3, 2009

I'll send a note to the Kiva people and see if they can give $ each to this. Sounds like a great extension of the giving spirit :)
posted by parmanparman at 7:32 AM on November 3, 2009

I would love to contribute to this!
posted by kiwi-epitome at 8:17 AM on November 3, 2009

In.
posted by MLIS at 9:30 AM on November 3, 2009

In like Flynn.
posted by JaredSeth at 10:28 AM on November 3, 2009

I am interested in helping. Let me know.
posted by bjgeiger at 1:11 PM on November 3, 2009

In.
posted by rollbiz at 1:43 PM on November 3, 2009

I'm in (although I can't afford a ton, I could contribute a few bucks to the pool).

TPS, I'm also in Astoria (yes I am one of those people who has never gone to a meetup, shame on me) so if you need help with logistics/transporting stuff, I can help with that as well - I have a car and drive all over for work, so I am familiar & comfortable driving in NYC :)
posted by AlisonM at 3:08 PM on November 3, 2009

Oh, and wrapping. I love wrapping. I'll wrap an empty box just to open it again and then rewrap. So I can help with that.
posted by AlisonM at 3:09 PM on November 3, 2009

Thank goodness! I'm a *terrible* present wrapper.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:32 PM on November 3, 2009 [1 favorite]

This is relevant to my interests! Count me in!
posted by orrnyereg at 4:46 PM on November 3, 2009

tell us where to send the moola...
posted by HuronBob at 5:29 PM on November 3, 2009

Me too! Heard about this from last year and would love to participate.
posted by garnetgirl at 6:50 PM on November 3, 2009

I'm in as well.
posted by miss-lapin at 8:42 PM on November 3, 2009

I'll kick in.
posted by 26.2 at 10:59 PM on November 3, 2009

I'm in for $$, and in NYC so if I can help in any other way just memail me.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:47 AM on November 4, 2009

In also.
posted by dpx.mfx at 8:45 AM on November 4, 2009

I'm in, but just for $, can't do any actual gifts.
posted by sotonohito at 12:29 PM on November 4, 2009

am in
posted by darsh at 1:32 PM on November 4, 2009

I know I've been scarce around these parts lately (new baby) but I would hate to miss this. Please count me in for a cash donation!
posted by shiu mai baby at 5:35 PM on November 4, 2009

Hi. I haven't been around at all lately—waaaaaay too much other stuff going on, and a saving lack of internet at the apartment. But this was brought to my attention, and I am of course in. How could I not be?
posted by felix grundy at 10:10 AM on November 6, 2009

Heard from NYCares that I should be receiving our letters sometime late next week. Weeee, I'm excited!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:26 AM on November 6, 2009 [1 favorite]

hope it's not too late -- i want in too!
posted by nanhey at 8:45 AM on November 14, 2009

It's never too late! Particularly since we're still waiting on our letters.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:22 PM on November 19, 2009 [1 favorite]

Our letters are here! We have received a dozen letters from children currently living in a homeless shelter. I'll be sending out instructions on how to donate money in the next few days; in the meantime, consider making a purchase from the Metafilter Cares 2009 Amazon Wish List. All these toys were requested by name by the children we are helping (the list represents 9 of our 12 children; the other 3 had requests I need to visit a toy store to figure out). The deadline to deliver gifts is December 10, so please don't delay if you're considering being involved- I'm hoping that there's enough interest that we'll be able to request more letters and help out even more kids. Thank you!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:24 PM on November 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Oh, one more thing: if you could, after you buy, please forward the Amazon receipt to my e-mail, so we can track the packages.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:25 PM on November 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

done, thanks TPS
posted by Rumple at 10:40 PM on November 24, 2009

I'll be sending out instructions on how to donate money in the next few days...

Do they involve PayPal?
posted by gman at 4:25 AM on November 25, 2009

Why yes, yes they do. Anyone interested in donating cash monies can do so at the e-mail address in my profile. I'd prefer anyone who can purchase directly from the Amazon list, but cash will be very helpful, too.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:44 AM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Anyone interested in donating cash monies can do so at the e-mail address in my profile.

I think the reason gman mentioned PayPal is that the donated funds from the 100K raffle are currently in limbo and might have to be refunded to the donators. PayPal specifically has rules against using their services for fundraising drives so make sure you that you won't be breaking any of those rules with this.
posted by burnmp3s at 5:39 AM on November 25, 2009

I read the rules, and I think the issue specifically was the contest; I'll double check with Matt. In the meantime, those nervous about Paypal can buy from the Amazon list.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:58 AM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Nobody needs the Grinch stealing Christmas.
posted by gman at 6:03 AM on November 25, 2009

Setting up the Amazon list was a brilliant call. You are the best, TPS.
posted by JeffK at 6:12 AM on November 25, 2009

The Amazon wishlist was definitely a good idea. One iCarly something-or-other (man, I'm old) is on its way. Thanks again for setting this up, teeps.
posted by box at 6:55 AM on November 25, 2009

Looking at the things they wanted made me feel CRAZY old, I don't know what any of this stuff is!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:05 AM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Adding a few more things- found what I think will be a nice package of things for the kid who wanted "wrestling men".
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:26 AM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

It makes me so happy how quickly stuff on the list is going.

I love you, Mefites!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:36 AM on November 25, 2009

I'd like to chip in, but not buy a whole present myself (plus I am a grouchy woman and will not buy a Bratz doll). Can I send you an Amazon gift card, TPS, and you'll use it towards something (and not tell me if it's a Bratz doll)? That would avoid the PayPal fees.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:16 AM on November 25, 2009

Yes, Amazon.com e-cards would be much appreciated. You can e-mail them to me at the address in my profile.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:50 AM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Wow, almost everything purchased in one day! You guys are swell.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:42 PM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

The one thing left on the list is a Bratz doll set. Note that if you try to purchase it, it gives a delivery time of December 28 - even if you pick one day shipping - despite it being supposedly "in stock".

Will you be adding more items on there, TPS, or would an Amazon.com e-card or cash be the way to go now?
posted by gemmy at 6:05 PM on November 25, 2009

Interesting! I did not know that about the Bratz doll, gemmy, so I've removed it from the list for now.

Right this second, we have fulfilled 10.5 of the 12 wishes we need to fulfill. I could use cash to fufill the other 1.5 wishes at a local toy store (the Bratz World doll for one girl and a Dora doll for another girl who requested something I think might be discontinued- a Dora Friendship doll? The only doll I see like that on Amazon is $325) and for wrapping paper/batteries & other accessories to include with the gifts (did you know Easy Bake Ovens don't come with light bulbs? go figure).

I'm hoping we'll be able to get some more letters from NYCares next week (it sounds like right now they don't have any more available- yay generous people), at which time I'll sound the alarm for what we need next.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:53 PM on November 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

What kind of a kid makes half a wish?
posted by gman at 4:09 AM on November 26, 2009

Hahah, she made a full wish- she wanted a Bratz doll. I put a Bratz World doll and a Bratz doll bed on the Amazon wishlist, but looks like I'm going to need to pick up the doll at a toy store.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:18 AM on November 26, 2009 [1 favorite]

This is the best of MeFi and so is TPS.
posted by caddis at 6:43 PM on November 26, 2009

I have returned victorious from the Toys R' Us in Times Square with the remaining items.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:13 PM on November 27, 2009 [4 favorites]

So, I was out of pocket for a week and missed all the fun - is there anything left to get? Also, I have a car and free time in NYC, so if we need to make like a raindeer, I can help out there too.
posted by shothotbot at 2:56 PM on November 29, 2009

I'm gonna make some calls tomorrow to see if there's anything else we can do. Will report back!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:18 PM on November 29, 2009 [1 favorite]

I spoke to the head of the shelter- she said they could use toys for children under 3 for the children NYCares doesn't cover (they do 4 and up) and diapers. So I've updated the Metafilter Cares Amazon Wish List, please take a look! Let me know if you'd like me to add something to the list that isn't on there already. Because these items don't have to be wrapped and there isn't a hard deadline, these items will ship directly to the shelter.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:53 AM on November 30, 2009 [1 favorite]

Kudos to TPS for putting this together. It's such a small thing, relatively, but it will make such a huge difference.
posted by scrump at 12:11 PM on November 30, 2009

My amazon recommendations are gonna be screwed up for a while...
Thanks for all your efforts, ThePinkSuperhero, this is great.
posted by starzero at 1:56 PM on November 30, 2009 [1 favorite]

Yay, I got to buy Sandra Boynton books, which makes me very happy! Thanks for everything, ThePinkSuperhero!
posted by donnagirl at 1:45 PM on December 1, 2009