Christmas Idea

[shadowrider]

 As some of you may remember last year the forum had a Christmas gift giving event. I think it was a success and everyone that signed up did receive their gift. Which was a major concern of mine with the post office being involved. I have been planning on doing another one this year but am, as always, running later than I would like.

 As I am sitting here thinking about my plan and how to execute it something has been placed on my heart to go a different route this year.

 As we look around our surroundings we may not have everything we want. But I think most of us can agree that we have more than some and honestly more than we truly need.

 My thoughts for this year are to start an organization, loosely formed for now since time is going to be pressing. One that will load up a box full of small new stuffies and maybe puzzles or whatever I can get together, and send it to an orphanage. I think we can agree those kids need a bright spot in their day, especially during what has to be the hardest times for a child without a family. 

 I wanted to give gifts to y'all again this year but I think this is a better way to spread our love than sending a few of you a gift. I want to include you in this by opening up a discussion on ideas and plans to make this happen.

 We can't use the forum or anything connected with this lifestyle to do this as I don't think an orphanage would like that idea. Plus if this comes together I plan on taking it bigger next year if possible.

 I am trying to come up with a name but so far most of the things teddy bear related are in use or close to what I was thinking of is being used. Even Bear Hugs is in use. So I need to come up with a name and some ideas of things we can send.

Also if you know of an orphanage or have ideas they are welcome.

 I will need to reach out to the place we choose to make sure they are ok with this and to get a count of how many kids there are so no one is left out. This will take a little time.

 I need to keep shipping costs and times in the mix as well since this needs to be delivered before Christmas.

 Anyone that wants to give ideas and offer suggestions please jump in, I'm open to your input as I want you to be a part of this with me.

 

[MissNMTX]

I guess it depends on where exactly you where thinking. There's an orphanage in Juazez my old church has worked with/supported for years. I could find the name?

[SweetLu]

I love this! I'm putting on my thinkin' cap for name ideas. I'm much better with logistics though. 😊.  One thought is, since time and shipping is an issue for an inaugural year, and the folks on this site are from all over the world, what if we focused on an organization close to you?  The other thought (shhh, yes there were two of them LOL) is ages to aim the efforts towards. I spent a long time working with homeless teenagers & besides things like food & toiletries, they liked the stuffies & toys just as much as younger kids & would tuck them so they were safe in their packs. 🤷‍♀️  

[Littlest]

This is a nice idea! I can only think of a name something like ‘Santa paws’ with it being for Christmas, but may be in use already as well, I’ll return if I think of something else. Good luck 😁

[shadowrider]

6 minutes ago, MissNMTX said:

I guess it depends on where exactly you where thinking. There's an orphanage in Juazez my old church has worked with/supported for years. I could find the name?

I am open to anywhere actually. Granted dealing with a place closer allows the reduction of shipping costs which increases what can be spent on actual items. Distance also determines how long shipping could take and the possibility of customs interfering with what we send. They have been know to open and confiscate items. 

6 minutes ago, SweetLu said:

I love this! I'm putting on my thinkin' cap for name ideas. I'm much better with logistics though. 😊.  One thought is, since time and shipping is an issue for an inaugural year, and the folks on this site are from all over the world, what if we focused on an organization close to you?  The other thought (shhh, yes there were two of them LOL) is ages to aim the efforts towards. I spent a long time working with homeless teenagers & besides things like food & toiletries, they liked the stuffies & toys just as much as younger kids & would tuck them so they were safe in their packs. 🤷‍♀️  

Awesome, I need all the thinking help I can get.

I plan on checking amazon for stuffies in bulk. And depending on the age range the place we choose gives us we can decide from there.

The basics like toothpaste, toothbrush, stuffies. I did small puzzles last year which I think most people like puzzles or at least kids? 

[LittleOceans]

2 minutes ago, shadowrider said:

The basics like toothpaste, toothbrush, stuffies. I did small puzzles last year which I think most people like puzzles or at least kids? 

My 1-year-old loves puzzles! I think it will depend on the kid. Maybe, if the orphanage is willing, we could get a list of a couple of toys that each kid wants. We could make a list or something. It might not be a good idea, but that is okay, just a thought. 

What About Cuddle Bunches for a name? 

[shadowrider]

24 minutes ago, LittleOceans said:

My 1-year-old loves puzzles! I think it will depend on the kid. Maybe, if the orphanage is willing, we could get a list of a couple of toys that each kid wants. We could make a list or something. It might not be a good idea, but that is okay, just a thought. 

What About Cuddle Bunches for a name? 

Finding out age ranges and likes is a great idea, thank you.

Seems there is a humane society in Arizona that uses Cuddle Bunches as the name of their program of taking puppies to places like nursing homes. Was an awesome name though. 

[LittleOceans]

Dang, I'll keep thinking about it. 

[shadowrider]

The name may prove to be the hardest part lol

SnuggleUp and Snuggle Buddies are taken as well as Cuddle Up

Maybe I'm thinking too cute and stuck inside the box.

[LittleOceans]

used a name generator... but what about 

Kindhearted Claus

[shadowrider]

Not sure I'm feeling the Claus part. I'm thinking of trying to send a box of smaller stuffies at the end of the year so whenever a kids birthday rolls around there is a gift waiting for them. I would think an orphanage would be ok with that but I need to talk to whoever runs the one we find and work out some particulars. 

 I haven't tried a name generator yet. My mind has been stuck on paws and hugs and even toe beans, also taken lol.

[LittleOceans]

That is okay. I'll keep thinking about it. 

[shadowrider]

 I've never used ChatGPT so I'll have to look into that idea.

 I wasn't planning on taking "donations" though I could set up a paypal for that once I see it growing and start a website. I know on forums like this to set up a marketplace to take payments is ridiculously high every month so paypal is probably the best route.

 I found some 12" bears in bulk cases of 30 and they weren't that much considering we're talking about 30 bears (all identical so no worrying about who gets what color or whatever). I also found some travel style toothbrush/toothpaste kits that are individually wrapped. And they were a little nicer than the basic what I would call industrial type packaging. My goal is to find things like that that don't feel so government issued if that makes sense. I also found 24 pack crayons in bulk and sharpeners in bulk. All of this will have to be approved by the place of course but I wanted to at least know where to get some ducks so we can then get our ducks in a row when the time comes.

[shadowrider]

That I'm not sure about. Or if I could remain anonymous that way.

[Alisolte]

I love alliteration:
Holiday Huggables
Christmas Creatures
Love Lenders
Surprise Smiles

Oh, also:
FluffNStuff
FloofGoofs

You can set up a Go Fund Me.  

 

[shadowrider]

Some good ideas, thank you. I am also working with chatgpt and the ones I like I google to make sure we are not using someone elses name.

This year I will probably fund it myself and if all goes well I'll file paperwork to make it legit and start a go fund me and talk to some businesses after the first of the year for next year.

[beanbean]

Or we could just cancel Christmas.bahumbug🤣🤣

Edited November 19, 2023 by beanbean

[shadowrider]

A couple more ideas.

Smiles & Stuffies Initiative
Sunshine Snuggles Initiative
Caring Cuddles Initiative
Snuggles & Support Initiative 

I am trying to avoid words that might remind them of their situation, in case they are told where the presents came from.

Like

• Orphans
• Foundation
• Coalition - chatgpt seems to like this word
• Charity
• Project

Y'all get the idea

 

[shadowrider]

8 hours ago, gigisweetheart said:

Does it need to have a word after it like initiative? 🤔

It does not. chatgpt keeps adding things like that and I prefer that over charity, foundation, and it's other ideas lol

 

[shadowrider]

On 11/17/2023 at 4:17 PM, MissNMTX said:

I guess it depends on where exactly you where thinking. There's an orphanage in Juazez my old church has worked with/supported for years. I could find the name?

 Evidently there aren't really any orphanages around here. I guess the foster system kinda took their place.

So @MissNMTX if you could get me some contact info or point me in the right direction it would be ever so helpful.

[SweetLu]

Another idea? See if your local police & fire departments are accepting stuffies (maybe a mid-year idea). A lot of them use the toys for scared kiddos is DV cases or if there's a fire in their home.

[shadowrider]

On 11/21/2023 at 10:07 PM, SweetLu said:

Another idea? See if your local police & fire departments are accepting stuffies (maybe a mid-year idea). A lot of them use the toys for scared kiddos is DV cases or if there's a fire in their home.

I'll stop off and talk to my local sheriff's office this week.

What do we think about Plush Patrol ? Or Plushie Patrol?

 

[shadowrider]

Update

 I talked to a local officer about this idea. He said when he was with the sheriff's department they had someone that would bring them toys just for this. He also said it did help kids cope with a bad situation. For some reason the people haven't brought any in a while so maybe something happened to them.

 I'll be looking at stuffed animals this weekend and I'll probably order some also. But my plan is to get enough for every cruiser, city and sheriff, to have a couple. I'll update on what I find.

[beanbean]

That's a great idea I will have to ask mine

[Guest RaawrrrPincess]

I have a lot experience working with the foster care system. Every year they provide toys to each of the kids. We think more about stuff like this during the holidays but it's really needed all year. My child and I started putting together drawstring bags with essentials, snacks, a journal and a few small toys that would fit in too. These children would sometimes come to us in the middle of the night with nothing. 

Plushies on patrol is an excellent idea! You should set up an Amazon wishlist and share the link so others who are able to help can!