Holly's Profile
Thanks Tarkus!
Something to discuss: we have a 5 year old boy in one family asking for a Playstation. I am assuming this would mean a newer model - you can only get Playstation2 & Playstation3 in stores right now. The 10 year old girl in our newest family would like a Nintendo DS - again, I'm assuming she means a DSi, since that is what is still in stores.
A Playstation2 will run $100, Playstation3 would be $300. Nintendo DSi is around $150.
I think we can strike the PS3 right off the list based on price.
Should we consider purchasing the other two game systems if we raise the funds, or are these wishes considered too extravagant?
I have a spreadsheet going that says we'd need $1100 to make sure every wish is taken care of, including the 2 game systems. Right now we're at $715 with a promise of another $100. It could be doable.
Opinions? We can discuss this in more detail tomorrow, but I'd like to hear some opinions - especially from those that won't be at the Phoenix.
Minion Christmas Thread (yes I know it's October)
 What, Me Worry? Minion 
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY 
|
 Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:31 am
Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
|
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:53 am
Despite all my work with telecommunications, I'm not much of a gamer.
Virtual Reality is more like being in the game, rather than observing it. I suspect that games ARE extravagant. That's kind of what makes us a little different than the charities. Such extravagance might not fly. We're more like the Nutcracker's Councilor Drosselmeyer with the expectation that such luxuries may be damaged in short order, but it does little to diminish the excitement of the extravagant gift. I think I would defer to the majority, but towels, socks and clothes or COOLEST SANTA EVER. We should cover the basics with the sensibility of Aunt Mildred and use excess for the extravagance. The problem is that it might lead people to expect similar extravagance in future years, leading to making Chistmases happy for fewer families. In short I'm torn from the financial standpoint but leaning towards yes. Are there any game companies in the area that can give you some advice? |
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:02 pm
Holly,
Seth at Gamestop 393-0210 can answer some questions for age appropriate games and devices. I told him that you, Mama or the intern might call. When considering the consoles, it might be a good idea to get cost ideas on the programs. |
|
|
What, Me Worry? Minion
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY
|
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:19 pm
LMAO at the COOLEST SANTA EVER comment!
 I don't think that buying "extra" items will lead to requests for things like that in the future - we are not an advertised gift-buying service, like the Salvation Army or the Churches in Action. At the present time, families don't come to us with requests, our social work friend goes to them. And not as a group - the families don't know about each other at all. So word-of-mouth isn't a big worry - family 1 isn't going to go to their friends and say "sign up for the minions' holiday drive because you'll get expensive stuff." The families don't know it was the minions who helped. Tarkus, do you think GameStop might be willing to make a donation? If so, then I'll defer to Sue or Tomsdad calling, as they've been handling the business outreach. A few games off the "used" shelf, or a gift card would be great. I DO know for the DSi - I've already had conversations prior to this one with moms of my 11-year-old's friends about it. It is a hot gift item this year in that age group. The games that are being requested by this girl are $15 and $30. Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:13 pm
Holly, I called Seth cold. I suspect it is a chain and would not have any local donation policies. However, I did discuss our purpose. He may be able to put together the sales of new and "previously loved" items that would be of help. Maybe he could ask other gamers if tehy would like to donate software and get a few new ordinary citizens in the process. I suspect most small stores feel the pinch of every inventory item in a slow year. Margins are cut to the bone. Black Friday is usually called that because that is the day most stores hope to go from red ink to black. Might be best to ask for creative ideas rather than products. Also, ideas for future years. |
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:22 pm
I think there is Game Craze over at Parkway (yes?) (585) 393-0440.
Other vendors are at the mall. |
|
 Stinky Gym Shorts Minion 
Posts: 3570
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:39 pm Location: Canandaigua |
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:52 pm
I know it is just me but I steer away from game consoles for "charity" giving. First thing ya know, the kid has blown thru the game(s) that come with the console and wants the latest and greatest game which, usually, the family can not afford. Or if they can afford all the latest and greatest games, why are they on our list?
Driving the Left Back into the Shadows
|
 Cheez Wiz And Triscuits Minion 
Posts: 7416
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 9:32 pm Location: The poor side of Nott Rd.
|
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:10 pm
Good point Noli nothis permittere te terere.
 |
Mama Loca's Website
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:12 am
. . . On the other hand, it may be the only chance for these kids to get such toys. I think it makes more sense for the 10 year old than the 5 year old. One of the reasons I suggested that Holly (or someone) talk with the stores was to see if other customers might also provide some age appropriate, "previously loved" software. One of the reasons not to be a charity is because we have a little more freedom to give Chistmas to strangers, not just charity. The "Aunt Mildred" gifts MUST be covered before we can consider being Councilor Drosselmeyer. The other consideration would be to add a family. All turns on the distance between the money collected for the sensible things and "the rest." See you, latter this AM. |
|
|
Cheez Wiz And Triscuits Minion
Posts: 7416
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 9:32 pm Location: The poor side of Nott Rd.
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:55 pm
Was great to see everyone at the Phoenix today. We brought in $211.00 bringing the Grand Total to $836.00 http://www.thephoenix-fingerlakes.com/
4mrbam went to Wick-edly Sent and they generously donated a $30.00 gift basket. http://www.escentedcandle.com/ Last edited by Mama Loca on Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
|
|
Cheez Wiz And Triscuits Minion
Posts: 7416
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 9:32 pm Location: The poor side of Nott Rd.
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:38 pm
$886.00
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
|
|
What, Me Worry? Minion
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:11 pm
Yep - and 4mrbam has passed off the gift bag to me, so it is ready to go. Wickedly Sent requested that it be given to the mom in the second family, since she didn't ask for a specific personal gift for herself. Can do. Best of all, this frees up $30 that would have been spent purchasing an item for this mom from our budget, and instead we can redistribute those funds to other family member requests!
4mrbam & I went to Build-A-Bear this afternoon with my daughter, and we put together a very cute puppy dog for the 7 year old girl in the first family. Also purchased a leash & collar, and 3 outfits - including one that has a similar clothing for the little girl to wear from Justice, so the girl and her doggy can match! Unfortunately, our mall did not have that particular outfit, so 4mrbam is going to go to Pittsford Plaza's Justice store tomorrow and pick it up. The Justice store gave her a 40% off coupon when told about our fund drive! Both the stuffed puppy and outfit are being purchased by 4mrbam, outside of the funds we have raised, so we don't need to deduct anything from the total yet! (My daughter Carolina donated $5 while at the Build-A-Bear store, to contribute to the sounds in the dog. Press one paw to hear the dog bark, and the other paw to hear the dog say "I love you.") Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
|
What, Me Worry? Minion
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:21 pm
To follow up about the great electronics debate,
 we decided to not use any of the funds donated so far to purchase a Playstation2 or a Nintendo DSi. Instead, we are going to canvass both Game Stop and Game Craze next week to see about a possible donation there. If they are willing to donate the hardware, then we would purchase the games. The consensus was that both of the children who requested these items have other things on their lists, that if purchased, would be a much more equitable arrangement when compared to what will be bought for the other kiddos we're sponsoring. In a shorter sentence - we want things to be equal for all the kiddos. Also, if we don't buy the expensive electronics, we could actually sponsor an entire 4th family for the same cost, and that would be money better spent. All that said, if any minions want to step forward and donate either a Playstation2 OR Nintendo DSi specifically, we would be more than happy to accept it and include it in our donation. However, we will not be purchasing either of these with group funds. Edited to add - for what it's worth, I did stop by Target and saw that they carry Playstation2 for $99, and the Nintendo DSi for $169.99. Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:52 pm
I have a PS2 that has a lot of games. I can give these if you don't mind used but good condition.
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS. And some people are just MEEP
|
|
|
What, Me Worry? Minion
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:00 pm
um, let me think...YES. Let me know where to meet you and I'll pick it all up.
I will be in Canandaigua tomorrow if that might work for you. PM is on the way. Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
 Ancient Sage Minion 
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:34 pm Location: inside my mind |
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:49 pm
while at the mall ran into someone i know. told her about what we are doing. gave her a copy of our letter and the wish list. she is going to put it up at the hair salon where she works. she is also going to talk to coworkers to see if they want to help. she will let me know early next week.
Semper Fi |
 Did Not, Did Too Minion 
Posts: 5771
Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 3:41 am Location: Vine Valley |
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:54 pm
I should have grabbed a copy of the letter - can someone e-mail it to me?
The more the government protects people from their own stupidity, the more stupid people survive to make more stupid people.
Officially declared "Snarky" by Canandaigua's Daily Messenger  |
|
Ancient Sage Minion
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:34 pm Location: inside my mind |
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:57 pm
mike, pm me your email and i will. i am the one who has the letter.
Semper Fi |
|
Cheez Wiz And Triscuits Minion
Posts: 7416
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 9:32 pm Location: The poor side of Nott Rd.
|
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:53 pm
$911.00 WOW
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
|
|
What, Me Worry? Minion
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY
|
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:24 am
Awesome. Keep it coming - if we hit $1000, we can sponsor a 4th family!
Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
|
What, Me Worry? Minion
Posts: 2043
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:37 pm Location: Greece, NY
|
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:05 pm
I picked up the Playstation2 from jchris this morning and it looks great. He included a TON of games (22!) AND a dance pad for playing Dance Dance Revolution. Some of the games are rated either for Teen or Mature players, so I will try to exchange those for child-rated ones at Game Stop/Game Craze on Wednesday.
Thanks so much jchris! Holly Ritchey
The cosmos is also within us - we're made of star stuff. |
|
Ancient Sage Minion
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:34 pm Location: inside my mind |
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:31 pm
I was able to get the outfit for the 7year old little girl that matches her puppys outfit. It is adorable. Thanks to Justice, they gave me a 40% off entire purchase coupon. Saved me almost $18. Yeah for them!!!
Semper Fi |
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:14 pm
"Previously Loved" Thanks JCHRIS |
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:30 pm
Thanks to EVERYBODY!!!! We have pooled a lot of money and Holly, Mama, and others are busting there butts to organize this and shop! We don't always (usually) agree on things but this is something we all have come together on and supported. To me it was a game system in a spare room collecting dust...hopefully to the new recipient it will bring some joy. It was also a good lesson for my daughter, who, by the way, was very happy to give this away to try and brighten some ones day like it did for her when she got it.
SO THANKS ALL MINIONS! SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS. And some people are just MEEP
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:44 pm
Agreed, we are a rolling brawl most of the year. However, with the tradition started by Holly and carried on by MamaLoca in her absence, we've managed to step up as a group, even when & if we can't as individuals. The posters are not the only ones. We have lurkers and observers who step up every year. We may not be loveable lil scruffs most of the year, but we know how important it is to make just a few families feel that they can make it through the holiday season. |
|
Return to The Home of the Minions
Who is online
The team
Delete all board cookies• All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]Powered by phpBB© 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group