Food Bank donations in lieu of gifts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed by the number of commenters who are offended by this concept - so much judgement! This is a child's birthday... Maybe it's not a personal affront to you if parents decide to do something outside of the norm.

Maybe the kid already has a bunch of stuff. Maybe they live in a small house and don't have room for more things. Maybe parents and kids are sick of the generic gifts they get from parents who just 'have to bring something.' Maybe the kid legit wants to collect things to donate to the shelter/food bank/animal rescue league/whatever. Maybe it's a value that the parents are trying to make instill.

Regardless - you really have to go out of your way to be offended by this.

I too can't understand how people are offended by this? It's odd that people are more comfortable with the concept of children receiving numerous gifts for material things they don't need than with collecting items for a food pantry?

This is exactly what I am talking about. It's inplicit in the request that you feel that gifts are "material things they don't need" and "numerous", aka "too many" and is precisely the kind of smugness and "better than you" feel of the request that is off putting.
They are 6! They are children! It's their birthday! I am NOT going to feel badly that my 6 year old is really excited to have a birthday party and get little trinkets from their friends because they are KIDS and that is part of a very normal age appropriate and traditional fun of being 6.
And I suggest you think about being 6 and the magic of childhood, the fun, the excitement of a special day and remember these are kids.

Oh my god, so much about YOU and how YOU feel insulted and how YOU interpret this parent's intentions and how YOU think it sucks.

I suggest YOU stop adding a whole bunch of unnecessary insult to someone who is inviting your kid to their kid's birthday party. And chill out and buy some canned goods.

+1000

-1000 I don't buy my family canned goods and would not buy it for someone else. If you want to donate, buy it yourself.

[Anonymous]

I like this and would feel good knowing we were purchasing something that would go to a worthy place.

Anonymous wrote:We've said:

"This is a "no gift" party, but if you'd like to bring food or supplies for XYZ Animal Shelter, we will be making a group donation later this month."