Anyone Too Poor for SantaThing?

Last year I was a poor and miserable post grad student and I couldn't afford Christmas (yes, it was sad, you may snivel into your tissues at will). I missed out on everything vaguely festive, with the exception of my slightly crumpled Father Christmas hat and SantaThing because Tim was nice enough to spring for a few poor people to be Santa-ed up.

I'm not poor this year. Christmas is fun again.

So, here's the deal. I'm more than happy, in the spirit of festivity, to pay for a couple of people to do SantaThing who haven't got the money this year (in the true spirit of the season and because nice acts breed nice acts). If you'd like to do SantaThing and the only reason you're not doing it is because you don't feel like you can dish out the $25, post a message here or leave a message on my profile if you prefer and for the first two people, I'll sign you up as Christmas pressie.

Ho! Ho! Ho! (Yeah, there's a downside, you have to put up with another month of me being ridiculously festive ... but look on the bright side, at least you don't have to work with me!)

Beautiful example of "don't pay it back, pay it forward." Well done!

I'm in too. (See? Your karma is already accumulating.)

When klarusu has met her quota, come see me. I'd love to help out a couple of you - as I am in the debt of people in my past who stepped up when I needed it.

Love it! It's a festive karma roll! ;-)

Uh oh... *dabbing eyes*

klarusu and MerryMary, you are angels. no, really. i had just said to myself last night "if i don't do SantaThing, i can buy a whole bag of chicken feed instead of a wimpy little parcel." you are really wonderful for thinking of others!

edited, as per suggestion, to say i was SantaThing adopted.

I have a bit extra this year, when klarusu & Merry are out I will step in.

Geez, y'all are too nice.

I'm newly a grad student myself, and also unemployed. I was hoping to be able to scrape together the $25 for SantaThing this year, but it looks like I'm not going to have anything extra after important things like paying my car insurance.

Anyway, I'd like to take advantage of y'all's generosity, so that I can participate, and I'll make sure to return the favor next year, if possible.

I run a secret santa with a group of collector friends on a forum, and I gotta say it's my favorite part about the holidays. I love picking gifts out for people, and trying to find something that is surprising but perfect. (Alas that this year I can only run it, and not participate in it myself, either.)

OK following the great example set by klarusu, MerryMary and angelikat, I'm happy to say that when those three ladies are out I'm in to the first two members who post a private comment, with their details, on my profile.

MerryMary, angelikat and riverwillow,

You guys are great!

Has anyone adopted keristars yet? Don't want to double up. I've got my two but I've got an offer in the pot via PM that can do a couple more so if you are all Santee-d up, I can take extras. Could you message me and let me know?

keristars has been adopted, I need another though if you would like to send one my way!

and I have room for another.

I also have room for another too...

See, there is room at the inn ... ;-)

I just posted this thread to the main SantaThing thread. I'm so so so so so so happy this spontaneously came up (thank you, klarusu, for starting it). As I said in the other post, I am absolutely filled with joy right now, knowing that we have so many members willing to partake in acts of kindness this year, when I'm sure there are many people who cannot afford it.

I suggested that we use this thread to keep track of adopters and adoptees. I was thinking adopters could edit their post once they found adoptees, so we know who's offer hasn't been taken up yet.

See, now really Tim started it last year by being nice so I can't take the credit ;-) Cross posting's a good idea, just in case anyone misses this one. I reckon it's been a tough year for some people and sometimes it's the little things that make it a bit less tough.

I saw your SantaThing page, Congratulations!

It IS great that these members are being so generous. Last year we were in the position of not being able to do anything that was not absolutely necessary so I know the adoptees will appreciate their Secret Santa.

ok, question about logistics: once we are adopted by one of these shining angels of literary giving, what do we do next. do i just go and sign up myself and then message my angel or is that backwards?

There's the option to sign up for another LT member, so if someone signs up for you hopefully you can then go in and amend the details. I did my first one today and just passed on the paypal code after I finished the transaction so they could use the code to sign themselves up without complicating issues. I would guess either way would work.

I'm also passing on the paypal code as that seemed the easiest way.

That's a better idea than signing them up. I'm still waiting to hear from my adoptee about what her address and real name is. This is better.

I did the same as klarusu, it seems to work the best.

I thought I had one member adopted, but she had already been taken care of by klausu. So please, leave me a private message on my profile and let me help out. This is really fun.

This reminds me of when I was destitute and had a lot of people doing little things for me. I've done a lot of paying it forward in the past, but I won't contribute here, as I do my extra Christmas things for local children, and I don't need to be adopted because I usually can get most any book I want. Also, my daughter buys them for me on different occasions.

I just wanted to let you all know that you have done my heart good and have brightened my day considerably. Thank you to all you wonderful people.

You guys make me want to cry.
:õ)

I'll adopt a needy person, too. I'm actually not going to participate myself this year because I have about 800 books in my house waiting to be read, but I want to share the love. ;o)

When the above folks have met their quota then I'm up next.

Edited to add: I have got my adopted member all lined up.

I had so much fun with this last year, and was feeling sad this year because there was no way to swing it. This is such a wonderful wonderful gesture. Not to get too much into the sob story, but I'm recently divorced, getting no support from (unemployed) ex, and trying to figure out some way to do Christmas for my girls. If someone is kind enough to adopt me, I would get such a charge out of getting to pick something out for someone else. Thanks to library sales I have plenty of books for myself, but I'd love to have a couple of brand-new books for the girls for Christmas.

Jenex --

I'd love to "adopt" you AND your girls for the SantaThing. Contact me directly on my page -- aglassmd -- and we can arrange the details. ~Amy

I think MerryMary may have already adopted Jenx and her girls as there is a slightly disorderly queue of adopters seeking adoptees...

I've been trying to check the SantaThing sign up page each day to make sure that I see the names here. I was thinking that if anyone didn't show up, I'd assume that they weren't yet adopted and check back with everyone here.

I have a couple of people who PMed me with offers to sponsor Santees so if you haven't been adopted or you think you've been missed by mistake, just repost here or PM me and I can pick you up from my end.

I'd love to adopt two or three someones; if anyone would like to contact me they can do so. :)

Last year I was seriously broke and only able to participate because of Tim's generosity. This year I'm significantly less broke, so this time around I'd love to adopt a someone.

I've been adopted! Thanks so much, MerryMary, and thanks aglassmd for the offer as well. This is making me cry!

Jenex and her girls are adopted. I'm so excited. This is so much fun. That makes my 2, so it's someone else's turn. Maybe klarusu ought to be traffic cop here.

Someone has already contacted me and I will be 'adopting' them, so I believe aglassmd is up next!
:o)
Oh, and Ho Ho Ho!

aglassmd: check out bookbutterfly on the other Santa thread.

That's a great idea - I have one adoptee and am still seeking a second.

I'm sorry - I posted this in the wrong thread...

I'd love to participate, but being a single mom of three that was laid off last year and finally found a job (with a huge pay cut) - I am not able. Unfortunately, I'm finding it difficult to provide Christmas for my kids. If I haven't come in too late, I'd love to participate if there's any spots still open. :-)

Thank you!
Shilo

I've offered to cover bookbutterfly - if I'm not too late...

I've adopted bookbutterfly so have my 2 so its on to whoever's next, unless angelikat is still seeking a second? klarusu this was a brilliant idea, thank you.

I would love to be able to participate, but I haven't been able to find a job in this economy, and financial aid is taking forever to get back to me about school. If someone was willing to cover me this year, I'd be happy to pay it forward in the future!

Thank you so much,
~S

very nice idea - am offering to adopt two.

but isn't there an easier way to do this? ;-)

would it help if there was a wiki page on wikithing with the names?

it could be deleted/emptied afterwards.

edit: (for example here: http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/SantaThing)

Hiya sunny, I know that leannan in #40 is looking for a sponsor. Could you message her?

but isn't there an easier way to do this? ;-)

Indubitably! But it kind of grew of it's own accord. I'm trying to keep an eye on everyone and hopefully I'm catching anyone who slips through the net. I have a little square of paper with scribbles on it in purple ink ... ;-))

> leannan

> I have a little square of paper with scribbles on it in purple ink ... ;-))

ok :-)

I still need a second, have been away from the comp for most of today - if someone wants to PM me I will gladly adopt you!!

Don't prioritize me, as I'm sure that there are many people in worse financial shape than I am right now, but my student-currently-sans-job budget doesn't have room in it for $25 Christmas festivities this year. If someone covered me this time, I'd definitely plan for the expense (and to pay-it-forward, of course) next year.

Thanks. :)

--Krys

Ask and I shall receive! Krysbrezinski is all mine!! May all of your holidays be full of cheer, and books of course :)

That makes my two, but if there is anyone else left at the end without a way to be a Santa, I will be more than glad to do a third. Three is my favorite number after all.

As one of the people benefiting, I'd be more than happy to be the mediary between those offering and those applying. I have a job (if one can call it that) that allows me to keep LT open in the background at pretty much all times, so I can pretty much keep on top of what's available and what's been taken. Just an idea... And at least a little way for me to give a little something back.

With our new baby, we're not able to do husband-and-wife gifts this year, so I can't afford to participate *or* adopt, sadly. It would be superbly amazing to be adopted so I could get him something - although don't put me first on the needing list if there are any kids wanting books! I vow to adopt in return the first year we can.

Jesse - I think it's a great idea for you to help klarusu keep tabs on this so no one gets forgotten.

You two can coordinate by PM pretty easily, I'm thinking.

If that's the case, why doesn't anyone who's willing to offer adopt someone send me a PM with the number of people you're willing to adopt, and I'll post an update with the number of SS's available.

On the other hand klarusu seems to have us all covered with her scribbles in purple ink :-)

Ani_Na: mine :-)

I figured it was better to keep this personal, instead of creating some sort of feature to automatically give people free SantaThing, to minimize abuse. (I'm not inherently cynical, but I do want to make sure those who really can't afford it, and really want to participate can.)

That being said, since this aspect is becoming so popular (on both the giving and receiving sides) and I've made mention of it both on State of the Thing and on the SantaThing page itself, having a members organize it more formally would keep it from getting too confusing.

I also can tell you that I am absolutely positive that there will be other donations made before this is over. ;)

I'll adopt postage-wise two people from foreign countries that aren't on any of the shipping lists. The first two people that private message me--I'll give you my address to add on sign-up and, when you give me your address, I'll forward your gift to you when it arrives. I can't guarantee it'll be before Christmas, but you can participate in the festivities this way. :)

Sign me up to adopt someone too :D

Hi-
I've been unemployed most of the year and no family. But I know there's folks more needy than I am.
thanks for reading

This is a fantastic idea.

I haven't logged onto LibraryThing in a while, so hopefully I haven't missed this. Reason for that is that all my books were in storage in a foreign country and everything in storage is all gone, and I'm not ready to look at the now-historical list of my books and comic collection yet.

I'm poor, semi-homeless (mostly staying with friends), don't have any non-estranged family, and I'm in poor health. So if there's still someone out there who is willing to 'adopt' me for this I'd really appreciate that and it would make the holidays not suck quite as much.

However, there are plenty of people with more dire circumstances than my own. If there are other people waiting to be 'adopted', especially people with kids -- please take care of them first. I can cope without but I don't want others to have to do so.

Sunny: ohmigosh thank you!!!

Txpan & Sahra, maybe I could send you some gently used books off my shelves? Not quite the same, I know, but the best I can offer right now...

I would realy like to participate. Reading is my main hobby since I'm sitting in this wheelchair. I know how important books can be. Sometimes they get me 'cought', so I can forget the pain I'm in for a few hours.

But I can't afford to pay, as I'm living of social benefits and I never will have a chance for a job again.
I realy would like to be 'adopted'. But as Sahra says, if there are people who needs it more, I would like them to have it.

The thing is to give and not to get, so if one gets to be adopted instead of me, I will be happy for that person.

This has warmed my heart and reinforced, as if it needed it, how special a place LT is.

I can't afford to participate this year but have boxes of TBR books, so don't need adoption, either. (And I am doing a Secret Santa in one of my LT groups.)

But I want to offer any of my BookMooch books to anyone who is needing or wanting books. No need to join if you haven't or spend points; just check out my listing and leave me a message here on LT if you find one or more you'd like. I'll send them whenever I have funds for postage. They are quite a mixed bag of titles, as I've inherited a friend's library.

My BookMooch listings are at:
http://bookmooch.com/m/inventory/ejj1955

Happy holidays!

Hi all, this is such a lovely idea, what good people you all are. I'd absolutely love to be adopted - I haven't been able to find work and my boyfriend is putting me through library school so things are tight this year. I'll pay it back next year when I'm (hopefully) a librarian!

I wanted to thank agassmd for adopting me. :)

I'm at work right now but I'll go back through the thread and see if anyone's been missed this evening. I've got offers for enough to cover quite a few people so anyone who hasn't been picked up in a day or two, I can cover from my end. If you think you've been missed on the thread, message me and I'll sign you up.

Jesse in #47/#50, any help is always appreciated. Hopefully between the lot of us, we'll make sure everyone gets matched.

Bah humbug!!!! You are all crazy people!

LOL.I just Kid. :p Buah ahahaha.I crack me up.

I would love it if someone could "adopt" me. Money is really tight for me right now- poor college student with health problems- living with parent who just lost their job. I would love to participate- and would def. pay it forward as soon as I can!

Macophile (Message 66) -- I think I fell out of the loop for "adopting" someone. Macophile -- If you haven't heard from someone else about sponsorship in SantaThing, please send me a private comment (aglassmd) and I will take care of your enrollment. ~Amy

Ladylenneth (Message 62) -- Please post to my comment area (aglassmd) and I will take care of your enrollment in SantaThing. ~Amy

Okay - I have no idea how to "adopt" someone for SantaThing - I admit to being confused.

If someone can tell me HOW to adopt someone for SantaThing, and WHO to adopt, I will happily do it. :D

To 'adopt' all you do is pay for someone who posts on this thread, who hasn't been adopted by anyone else, to take part in SantaThing. I've done this by passing my adoptees the paypal transaction number so I don't have to have all their details etc., and this means that they'll pick their partners books themselves.

klarusu and Jesse_wiedinmyer are keeping an eye on things to make sure that no one slips through the cracks, so they may be able to help you if you get into difficulties.

If anyone is looking to adopt, I'm not able to participate this year :-/ California's public universities keep upping tuition while work keeps cutting my hours. -_-;;

If my adopter gives an address, I'd be happy to send them some holiday art, fresh from my paintbrush!

Edit to add: I've been adopted, thank you :D

My offer's been accepted.

This is my first year for Santa Thing but I'd be glad to "treat" someone else, only one though, sorry.

I've lost track of who has been adopted and who hasn't but, if you send me a note to my Profile, I can pay the fee and send you the Pay Pal transaction number.

(Not sure--klarusu, are you keeping tabs on this?)

Oh, I don't know that this was explicitly stated, but my thought on how to go about donating an account was to give the PayPal transaction number to the adoptee, so they can sign up themselves.

This means they can fill in their own likes/dislikes (and edit as they think of more), and get to participate in the picking.

If you sign up on someone's behalf, you (not the giftee) are responsible for picking. For instance, if you sign up yourself, and then sign up your spouse, you'll get two Santas assigned to you to choose books for.

What a wonderful idea! So in the spirit of the season!!! As a graduate student I will not be able to participate this year, but next year: count me in! Then the funds should be there.
And again...it's such a great idea! It's getting me into that festive spirit. It's good to see that humankind hasn't gone all bitter and sour! :-)

My offer to treat someone to SantaThing has been accepted. I will be treating Book_Fann.

Hope everyone gets something they like!!

I would love to be able to participate in SantaThing, however with my husband's hours being cut, it doesn't look like it's going to be possible. Any extra money we have is going towards presents for our kids, so hubby & I have decided not to buy presents for each other this year. If there's someone who'd be willing to "adopt" me this year, I'd do everything possible to do the same for someone next year. It's great to see so much kindness ~ God bless!

The 20 gifts that the anonymous donor gave have all been given out.

I'm never going to get tired of saying thank you to everyone who is donating their dollars and time to make more LibraryThing members' holiday more bookish!

I'm also treating mom-of-two (see #77).

#78- Wow! How wonderful, sonya!
:o)

>78 sonyagreen: That's an amazing wonderful gift and its lovely that so many people get to participate.

>78 sonyagreen: How great is that? Seriously. See, I knew I people were great really ;-)

So, I've currently cleared all my pending adoptees from my profile and I've still got 6/7 offers on the table to sponsor a Santee. I'm going to go back through the requests here and PM them and check they've been picked up by someone. To echo Sonya, if anyone wants to be sponsored by one of the people who offered on my profile, can you leave a profile message for me rather than posting to this thread because it's easier for me to keep track of what's what.

I'll edit this post and post afresh below once I have no more spots left so if you're reading this, there are still places available.

ejj1955 in #60 had a great idea! i have lots of books on BookMooch that have just been sitting there. i can ship a few books a month for free through a friend, so if anyone wants something i'd be happy to send them out as Christmas gifts. i'd really like to do something nice, since i've so kindly been adopted for SantaThing!

all my books are in boxes at the moment, so it might take me a few days to locate a particular book, so i can't give you a specific mail date in advnace. if you see something you want, just drop me a profile message and i'll see what i can do.

my BookMooch page

#60 & #83 ... Ahhhh, book karma, nothing better ;-)

I've been back through the thread and PMed anyone who hasn't obviously been picked up here up to this message.

>84 klarusu: Great! Thank you, klarusu!

Now I can go to bed ;-)

Hi -- I'm sure there are needier people than me, but as a single mom & teacher (ugh) it is going to be a tight Christmas. If there is someone with room for me, I would be so thankful and would promise to pay back next year when things are (they have to be, right?) better.

Regardless, Happy, Happy holidays.
~Michelle

Wow, this restores my faith in humanity. It's so nice to know that there are such generous people out there who are willing to share the thrill of new books with random strangers. Made my day!

I just sent a PM to someone (riverwillow)that was looking to adopt/sponsor a member, but I think they may have already found their adoptee/s.
I also saw the post by sonyagreen (msg#78) but wasn't sure how to email her so even though she asked us not to....I am posting here.
If there is still a spot available I would love to be able to participate. I am a mom of 2 children, and am currently unable to work due to medical reasons. I am scheduled to have 3 surgeries in 2010 (all before May), and would really love to have some new books to read while I am recovering.
I would really appreciate the opportunity to participate, and promise to pay it forward!

I've forwarded momtotwo's comment to Sonya. If anyone can't find Sonya's email address, its on her profile, sonya@librarything.com, and I'll continue to forward any adoptee requests to Sonya until she confirms that the 20 places have been filled.

That's great riverwillow, have you passed on mishlkari in #89?

It would be really good if anyone that has been adopted came back and edited their posts to indicate they're covered.

I think we've got everyone thus far and I still have spots available too.

I am relatively new to LibraryThing and would really like to participate. But like so many others, money is tight for Christmas. My wife and I are spending most of the holiday money on gifts for our 2 year old son, which leaves little for the two of us.

If this was not the case, I would be happily pay the $25 this year... I'm hoping that someone out there can find some room for me. I will be more than happy to Pay It Forward next year!

Thanks,

-- Chris

I will try my best to get a list of books I can send off to people together after I get back from a business trip this week. Once I do that, I'll post here and/or on my profile. I'll send out picks to 10 different people for free. I have a few hundred books I was planning to sell anyway, so I can spare some. Plus, it'd be giving a gift to my wife who is tired of having to move boxes of books around with our book cases all filled. ;P

My husband and i have this account as a join account. We have three children 13,11 and our baby will be 7 on 12/11. I am disabled due to serious heart problems and he works full time midnights, but it still is not giving us any wiggle room for Christmas. Unfortunately, he lost a weeks worth of pay when he was out with swine flu (no insurance, no sick days.) We had actually planned on adopting before that happened. To those of you who have already adopted someone, we'd both like to say thanks, and that you are doing an awesome thing. Hopefully we can go next year, even if we don't get adopted this year, and help out someone who needs it. Thanks all - and Happy Holidays.

#95 Book_Fann, I've passed you onto someone who messaged me personally on my profile so consider yourself matched :)

#97 dbhutch, I've passed you onto Sonya who has the big donation so you should be covered.

>93 klarusu:, klarusu I hadn't given Sonya mishlkari's details, but have now - I have an essay due for MA next week and am frantically juggling work and study just now so it was vey quick pop onto the site this morning.

I've also passed on the info for Book_Fann and dbhutch.

For anyone else interested in being adopted for SantaThing, Sonya has received a donation of 20 gift SantaThings from an anonymous benefactor and if you are interested in being adopted email her (Sony@librarything.com) with your details as she is managing these adoptions. Sonya will let us know when the 20 gifts have gone.

>99 klarusu: And I see you already have them covered - I'm suffering a case of too much to do in too little time today!

>101 riverwillow: You have my essay sympathies! I've got my viva on the 15th December so I'm also doing a bit of both.

>102 klarusu: Everyday you impress me more and more, all of this, plus an upcoming viva. Lots of luck on the 15th, but somehow I think you've already got it covered.

>103 riverwillow: Nah, I'm just about as much of a rolling ball of chaos gaining speed downhill as this thread's become. Hoping if I just hang on, nothing'll fly of the sides ;-)

Viva???

http://www.viva.org.uk/
http://www.viva-paris.com/
http://www.iisg.nl/womhist/vivahome.php
http://www.viva.nl/

Anyway, best of luck with it

>105 Nicole_VanK::

http://www.earlymodernweb.org.uk/emn/index.php/archives/2005/01/the-final-hurdle...

Ah I see. We have those in Holland too, but I would never have guessed that lurked behind that word.

>107 Nicole_VanK: one of your links mentioned Sing Star (according to the Google translation) and I kind of like the idea of conducting a viva to an accompaniment from Sing Star - so wrong, but yet somehow so right!

Should add that I knew klarusu had nearly completed her PhD, so immediately knew what she meant, which is unfair on everyone who didn't.

I really thought I had put my email address in my initial post about the 20 gifts. Sorry!

OK, I've got momtotwo, dbhutch, and mishlkari, My understanding is that Book_Fann was taken care of.

Are we caught up?

I was just reading this post. My family is having a really hard year. We have filed bankruptcy and I have been really sick. I have been diabetic since I was 3 and in August my doctor changed all my medications, my out of pocket cost is $1,300 per month. I am unable to work and have two children ages 8 and 11. My grandmother, who helped with my kids when I am sick, passed away in May so I have been without much help.
If someone would find it in their heart to adopt me for this program I promise to do something nice for someone in my community in order to pass it on. Unfortunately I don't have money to pass on but I will find a way to pay it forward. The books would be such a great help to me and my kids as we all love to read and I can't afford much for Christmas this year. Thank you for considering helping me. Happy Holidays!

I've got TFS93!

From reading this I really can't tell who is covered and who isn't. I'm willing to cover someone as well. If there is anyone in need, put a comment on my profile. Once someone does comment, I will update this post to say that it's been taken.

** Hooray! I have an adoptee :)

I'm able to do two adoptions. Please let me know who's in need and how the process works to sign up for other people. Thanks!

>112 SqueakyChu: You can't edit your suggestion. You can always make another comment to clarify. I'll have to ask Mike if suggestions disappear at all.

When reading about SantaThing, and other members' wonderful experiences with it I was excited to try it out. While still paying off a few years of school loans, I knew I would still be able to afford it...until I had to replace the wheel bearings (a lovely $480) on my vehicle, and my puppy decided the best course of action was to get a hernia and require surgery.

If there is any donor money left over, I would love to participate and would be one of the many to pay-it-forward next year. If there isn't any left - no worries, such is life. But I do know that next year will be very fun for me :)

!

Don't use that word....

One of my favourite quotes is Erasmus' "When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes." Unfortunately on my pension I can afford few books and for some reason most of my relatives don't buy me books for Christmas. So if someone else wants to I would be most grateful and when/if my situation changes I would reciprocate.

i have no money because my parents pay for everything. In turn i do chores and stuff so i have no money. But i love books, sending and reading. Hopefully by next year i will have a job and then i can help someone else out next year.

I was so dissapointed that I couln't afford to do this, I love Christmas shopping and I was looking forwards to picking books out for someone else more than I was getting them for myself.

Unfortunately this year money is very tight. I'm starting an internship across the country from home in January, and all my money right now is going into fixing my car so I can get there and actually get to work...

I would be so greatful if someone could help me out, and I'd love to pay it forward next year when I'm back home.

I'd love, love, love to participate in this, but alas, I have no money to spare. I am a wife and mother of two very young girls, and we live paycheck to paycheck. All my reading material comes from the library. I'm brand-new to this site, but I'll be adding books to my profile over the next few days. Several years ago, I used to work in a bookstore and everyone got books for Christmas, birthday, etc., and I have to say I was pretty darn good at picking just the right book for just the right person. I really hope someone allows me to participate in this.

Edited to say: I have now adopted three people. Thanks to everyone for setting this up! :D

> We haven't talked about this yet, but I think the way we adopt members for SantaThing should be for those who don't have parents who can pay for everything. licoolgirl, that's not to say you don't deserve books too, but while there are people can't afford Christmas gifts at all, we should put them first.

So, if someone wants to adopt lpcoolgirl, they should. I feel that I should use the anonymous donors gifts for others.

I have TFS93, deslni01, Elenadc, and JacobsBeloved.

Sonya, I haven't been adopted yet... I would love to be if someone is interested.

I have adopted three people, sonya, and I am sending you their names in a private message. Right now, those will be the three I adopt.

I'm assuming that with Sonya's post in #125, we're up-to-date as of here. I'll fill in any spaces for people who turn up after this post and aren't picked up by people on the thread until my matching/adopting fund is gone. There are still some spots available on mine but I'll edit this post once I'm all out.

We are caught up. Between JPB and I, we've covered these last few (unless there's someone who's been missed, so speak up!)

I've also given out the 20 gifts from the anonymous donor.

Please, if there's anyone else in dire straights this year, speak up. There are people willing to help.

I'm in as well. Klarusu, please PM me if someone needs adopting.

I need to be adopted! THis is great! I love to GIVE and receive....Most of all I am a GIver. I love the concept of paying It Forward....KUDos to the person whose heart led him or her to do this

I was going to participate until my husband told me that he is concerned about the layoffs at his company. The are supposed to happen in December. Apparently they are merging two departments and he is the manager of one of them and much "newer" than the other manager....so, just in case, we are tightening up on everything (since I don't work outside the home) and we are not even getting presents for each other this year, just our 2 little girls.

Anyway, I would love it if someone would adopt me this year and I will definitely reciprocate next year!

**I have been sponsored by Shijuro*** Thanks to him and everyone else that is giving this year...you guys are great!

I'd be happy to sponsor someone. Please leave a comment on my profile if anyone still needs adopting. :)

I would love to be adopted by someone! :) when I saw this santathing on my librarything, I was disappointed cuz I didn't think I'd be able to participate. Christmas has always been my holiday, my favorite thing about christmas is the giving. yeah, it's nice to receive, but giving is what makes christmas so special. to take the time and hunt down the perfect gift for someone. I love this adoption idea! it's such a generous thing. :)

Hi! I really wanted to participate this year, but I unexpectedly lost my job. I worked at a music store repairing instruments and teaching flute lessons. Since budget cuts led to music program cuts, the mom and pop music store wasn't making enough money and had to shut down. It was heartbreaking to see all the shelves bare and have to say goodbye to the friends and coworkers there.

I would really appreciate someone adopting me this year and I will definitely adopt someone next year. If everyone is already paired with someone, that's ok too. I think it's great that people in this book community help each other. :)

Hi, I would like to be adopted. My husband has been out of work for 5 out of 6 months. I've been wondering what I was going to do for Christmas. Hopefully next year I will be on the giving end.

I can sponsor someone as well. Klarusu, (or Sonya?) if you're keeping track of who needs to be sponsored, please leave me a comment on my profile page. Thanks.

I can sponsor someone. Please do whatever it is you do to let me know of who needs to be sponsored.

This is a wonderful idea. As a graduate student who is getting married this year
I will have to pass for this year however I will keep an eye out for future years once I have my teaching certificate. Happy holidays to all!

I will adopt someone if you match me up.

Haven't been matched up with an adoptee yet...

I would like to take part in SantaThing, but don't have any extra money this year with which to do it. If anyone out there would care to adopt me, that would be great, and thanks in advance!

Does naughty or nice count. I will confess when I was 5 years old I got cinders from Santa, but I have usually been blessed and also have been able to give to others (family, gift tree at church) but this year is bleak. My car is slowly dying and several other things and being a sp ed assistant at a middle school is not big bucks, but I love it and I basically have a very nice life.

I am alone this Christmas and getting a gift would be nice, especially a book. I love any thing Alice in wonderland- the students say Abrahams as a great mystery with Alice, but any thing would be so much fun to get..If I don't get picked that's fine, remember I got cinders one year and nothing can be worse than that. Holiday Joy to all .

Hi, I'm in grad school right now, and would love to participate, but money is a little short this year (stupid tuition expenses). If someone were able to adopt me, that would be fantastic. Otherwise, it's not the end of the world. Thanks!

It's a brilliant idea! and if it were any other year I would certainly adopt a couple of you to ensure loads of good books in your xmas stockings. Unfortunately I was severely credit crunched this year and selling things on ebay just to keep myself from going under. My husband and I are not doing Christmas for the first time ever. I'm not a student, just a working stiff who is also a writer and avid reader. If someone is able and willing to sponsor me this year I will promise to pay it forward threefold next year. If not that is okay, I will certainly love to Secret Santa someone else next year anyway. Hope everyone gets great books under the tree!

I love the entire concept of the Santa Thing here at LT. I have always wanted to participate, but have never had the money. This year even more so. My mother became disabled this year and I lost my job when I had to take a leave of absence to care for her when she moved in with us. Thank God she is doing better now, but will never be able to work again. I have been struggling to find a job and have been unsuccessful. I had to declare bankruptcy and ultimately lost our family home just about a month ago. We are now living in the partially finished basement of a relative. There is one bed and a sofa for my mother, myself, and my 9 year old son. I am so thankful for all the things that we still do have. We still have each other and we still have a roof over our heads and my mother's health is better than we ever though it would be. But I would so love to participate in the Santa Thing. If there are any more sponsorships available, I would be honored to be considered a candidate. I love the pay-it-forward thought that klarusu had and hope that I will be able to participate and sponsor someone else in the same way next year.

Happy Holidays to all.

Oh man... I feel like I'm late getting to the party, but if it is still possible to be sponsored (or adopted), I would be forever thankful. I did SantaThing 2 years ago, and I loved it. But now I work at a daycare for minimum wage because I love working with children (and because it's hard to find a good job these days!). So money is extremely tight. This is truly a wonderful idea, and I will definitely return the favor one day. Thanks to all who are sponsoring!

Adopted, I think, by shearon. Thanks!

Had a day off yesterday but now I'm back ;-)

I'll go through the thread later and make sure that everyone is in the process of being matched and I've still got offers on my profile so hang in there!

this is awesome! I'm unemployed, and I'd love to participate.

I have a job for next year but it doesn't start until after new year's day, so I'll be sure to pay it forward next christmas.

Thanks :o)

I would be happy to be your secret santa, maria.owen. Merry Christmas

Hi - I'd love to play SantaThing, but with my ex unemployed and no child support since May, I just can't make it on my own. (darned 6'3" 17yo would just keep eating anyway, y'know?) I'd be grateful if there are any angels left.

BethyB

I am so thirlled. I am being adopted by the wonderful cbl_tn. I am very excited to be able to participate in SantaThing this year. Best wishes to everyone. Jennifer

This year has been bad with me not being able to work but part-time. I did manage to scrape up gifts for my kids. I'd love have someone be my Secret Santa this year and hopeflly I can pay it forward soon.

Also, how do I let people see my shelf if I want to share with some of the secret santas? I may not have a lot but I have a few popular books I can share.

I was poor last year and kinda vaguely unsure of how to do this, but I don't mind putting in my bit for the thing.I got two jobs so I just have to read more on how to do it and get it where it needs to go. Peace.

My b/f got sponsored by amckie (Ty you so much hun!)

OK, I got the message on how this goes; I will participate and do my part.

I know this is late in the game, but if anyone still needs a benefactor to be able to participate, I can do up to 3. Let me know as soon as possible, so I can help out.

I'd be willing to sponsor you savvynlady if no one has yet.

or anyone else for that matter that's been missed.

I volunteered to adopt someone yesterday but haven't been paired up/heard back from anyone yet....

-updated - nluvwithx has now been adopted.

I requested a sponsor earlier today but haven't heard anything - how does this work?

#161 Bethy, I requested to be adopted a few days ago but figured with the holiday weekend the matching up of the poor and the generous would resume on Monday. :)

Okay, I don't know quite how I got to this page but I am so interested in being adopted. I am not sure how this all works but I looked around and can't figure it out so I guess someone can explain it to me. It used to be the norm for my family to give and get books for Christmas but things have changed and most of the gifts we get or give are home made, which isn't bad since we all can sew but sewn things are not books.

I was adopted, Thank You!!!

I won't be participating (as I've decided to keep things local this year; my area has been competing, often "successfully," for the highest level of unemployment and chronic underemployment in the US for some time now), and I don't need to be sponsored (as I've managed to throw three to four hundred dollars at my own library since I managed to claw my way out of a soul-crushing state of unemployment--keep your heads up, everyone), but I do want to say: what everyone is doing here is very, very cool. Carry on.

I would love to be sponsored if anyone is still offering. I am one of the many unemployed (though in past years I've wanted to do it while employed and still didn't manage then either. ^_^;). And...no one's given me books for Christmas since I was a little kid, hahaha. I'll make sure to sponsor someone else the next year I can!

I've done it since its inception and things aren't too good for me right now... If I could be sponsored by anyone still looking to do so, that would be awesome.

Hi , single mom of 2 struggling my kids wont have a christmas if noone will help me i recently got out of a real abusive relationship now it is just my son 9 , and my daughter 8 and me ! i dont have a phone , no car, im not able to work now no family my mom was the last of the last 3 lost all this year i want my kids to have a christmas wouldnt be here probbly if it was not for my caring sweet kids they are my rock we are living barely on my son's disability which barely pays the rent please someone help us thank you , misty

Hi everyone - I'm another one who is late to the party. I thought I might be able to scrape together the money for SantaThing, but it just isn't going to happen. I would love if someone could sponsor me, but it's not the end of the world if they can't. I just think it sounds like a really neat idea, and since it'll be my first Christmas without my parents nearby it'd be nice to have some hand-picked books for comfort.

I totally want to pay this forward - it's such a brilliant concept.

Hi,
I would love to participate in Santathing, I just found out about it and it sounds wonderful. Unfortunately I don't have the money to do it this year. I could go into detail of all the reasons I don't have the money but you hear those stories so much these days so here's a short version, loss of job, borrowed money from pretty much everyone in our family to keep our house and are barely holding onto that. I now stay at home with my son (he is 3 yrs), we read books all the time, I read to him, he reads to me and I read for myself. If anyone can sponsor me for the Santathing this year I promise to pay it forward next year. Thank you.

I've picked up everyone up to and including message 168 and either passed on codes or matched them with a sponsor and sent the sponsor a PM asking them to adopt them. Hopefully no-one has fallen through the cracks. I'm out of sponsors on my profile and I've messaged everyone on the thread that offered as far as I can see.

I'm hanging up my elf hat for the season You're on your own for the last 24 hours so if anyone posts to the thread, can any potential sponsors pick them up themselves. Ho!Ho!Ho!

Can I just say, shucks, you guys are all great. I just thought I might make a couple of people's Christmas a bit brighter because I remembered that it was the little things that made the difference to me last year. Just goes to show that a whole load of little things can come together to make a big thing.

momsnotall - I've got your back. I will put your username on my profile just now.

E.R.

You guys are awesome, and this thread is one of the reasons I adore LT!

Klarusu, do you have any idea how many people you paired up? It seems like a lot!

#172, I reckon I must have either matched or sent codes to about 30 all told (hopefully the matches all got picked up ... I've seen a lot of the names on the SantaThing sign up page). Add that to Sonya's 20 from the anonymous donor and whatever got picked up through direct contact on this thread and that's not a bad season's work ... ;-)

Hi,
I am very late to the party and would only like to be a very last pick-up (if there's no one else who is out of luck). If those conditions apply I would love to be sponsored, it's been a rather tight year and we are terribly in debt and thus won't be splurging on ourselves but focusing on making sure my 6 yr old son has a great x-mas (and he will!). The library does a super job of meeting most of my needs book wise but I am bummed to not be able to join in Santathing as it was a blast last year. So, if you need one more sponsoree I'd be delighted if not I will watch and delight in everyone's super suggestions. You're all wonderful to pitch-in and help one another which is so great to see (the holiday spirit in action!)

Jacey25, I've got you covered if you still need help. Just let me know!

Here's how we're going to organize this for the last 24 hours:

1. If you would like to be adopted, leave a message here. Make sure to check your profile comments (or have them sent to your email) so you know when adopters are contacting you. Please come back and note that you've been sponsored, so others who are reading this thread know to offer to someone else.

2. If you would like to adopt someone, please contact the adoptee directly. Ask if they've been sponsored yet. If they haven't, sponsor away. Also, please come back and note who you sponsored.

I'm not going to be able to monitor this thread closely, since I'm working on the Early Reviewers batch and the transition from sign-up to picking SantaThing.

Klarusu, everyone, thank you for making this happen!

If it's not too late I would really love to be adopted. I really wanted to participate this year, but things are really tight right now and I can't afford it on my own. I also think it's really neat that so many members are offering to sponsor others and I'm hoping to be able to do the same next year.

That's a pretty interesting idea. Is this open for all countries? If yes, I would like to be sponsored too.

> 178 Is this open for all countries?

These are the countries that are they are able to do this year: http://www.bookdepository.com/help/topic/HelpId/3/Which-countries-do-you-deliver...

BUT: If you look at message 15 on this thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/77689, AnnieMod said "See my note in the Santa Thing thread. My offer stays for anyone that cannot participate because of their country of residence (if you do not mind getting your books late, I do not mind getting them and forwarding them to you while you pick books for someone else)."

I am not sure where that thread is where she originally said that but I'm sure you could message her directly to ask about it.

Zibiliee has been adopted!

I've successfully adopted Jacey25! YAY!

180> The original message is at http://www.librarything.com/topic/77502#1617692 , but yeah, I'd message on her profile. The person she was talking to there decided not to participate, so she'd probably be happy to hear from you!

I had to go away for a week and some (hooray dog-sitting with very little 'net access?) but I wanted to come back and say thank you all public-like to the folks that offered to help me out, and I'm really excited about getting to play Santa. :)

I posted before, but I was hoping that I didn't fall through the cracks, lol. I would love to be adopted by someone, and since it's the last day, I thought I might post again, but if it's too late, then I'll be looking forward to next year, when I plan to adopt someone for the first time

yay! I was adopted! thank you ccatalfo!

Anyone not comfortable with posting here (either as an adopter or adoptee), please email me. We'll try to get people matched up before the deadline.

sonya@librarything.com

#153 sherryladan - I've left you a comment on your profile

I have one anonymous member who has been adopted.

(Edited to update status.)

Being a poor (well, relatively speaking, not compared to a lot of people in the developing countries) grad student I'd love to be adopted. My private library would really need an extension.

This is a lovely thing. I have lots of books but no money.

I'm actually selling books and other things to try to fund a move that I don't really want but must do.

I wish you all great joy with this...

I guess I fell through the cracks as well. :( I requested to get adopted a few days ago but hadn't heard anything back yet. I am still hoping I get adopted, if not, I will still have fun suggesting books for other people. I have already been doing alot of that.

***Shijuro is my favorite person today! Thanks to him, I will get a book (or 2) for Christmas!!

>185 sweetandsyko:, 191 Sorry you've not been tended to. It was completely unintentional. If there are any members willing to adopt, or if you've previously said you'd adopt someone but haven't been matched yet - please contact someone who hasn't been adopted yet:
sweetandsyko
Phille
RowanGolightly

(anyone else?)

...

Edit: Belladonna1975 is covered.

I would like to know more. I can't afford to do this this year, however I would like to become involved. Who do I contact and how?

I would love to have participated last year and this year but I was laid off work May of 2007, still haven't found a job after almost 2 years and I just recently lost my Mother to Peritoneal Mesothelioma (cancer) July 25. Reading has always helped to take me away sometimes when I'm feeling down. I hope that when things do pick up for my family I will be able to participate and be someone else's "Secret Santa" :)

I was adopted Yeah! Thanks so much!!!

Message 136: weaverladyllj

I'm sponsoring you! :) Since it is so close to the deadline I left you a private comment on your profile with the payment info so you can register and fill in the form with all of your information. Happy Holidays! :)

I am too poor for Xmas this year. Books are such a rare treat where I am located, I will be gratefull for any good book, in any condition. We have had a very tough few years in my country and sometimes only a good book allows you to escape. But enough whining, if anyone is feeling generous and kind please think of us. I am the only book lover out of 8 in my book club with access to a fast connection on internet. We are an interesting collection of single mums,and a granny. We are so far also looking for winnie the pooh books for the childrens ward at the local orphanage. Thanks a lot for your support everyone, and even if you don't manage to donate anything, thanks for the thought.

How do you let people know which books you want?
I would adore any of Catherine Alliots Books, Anything by Minette walters, Ruth Rendel and Louise rennison. Thank you

Belladonna1975 & sweetandsyko, I did match you with people who'd offered to sponsor people but maybe they have already sponsored someone and not posted here. Sorry for that but hopefully you'll both get picked up by someone.

> 143 hoodlumsaint..
You've been adopted!

add:Transaction number on your profile. :))

Hiya,
Well, I have to admit, before a bit ago, I had no idea what you guys were talkin' about- this "Santa Thing"- I'm brand new to the Site, and kept noticing the it mentioned, and, being the curious one I am(yes, I READ everything I SEE!), I came over to see what it's about, and I'm so excited to participate. I'm humbly writing to see if you could possibly sponsor me, as I'm completely out of funds for Christmas gifts for my family/friends this year, and books would be perfect. I fully intend to stick around so I can return the favor multi-fold as the year progresses, because I think this is the coolest "giving" opportunity since my Uncle Earle left us all a few bucks each with the instructions to find someone who needed a break and to serve them!

I would not mind being adopted. Things are really tight due to grad school and medical bills this year but if people need it more please adopt them first but any lovely people still wanting to adopt someone I would be very interested. Thanks.

I know that it's kind of last minute here but I havent logged on here for a while and I saw the santa thing and thought it was an awesome idea. I went home last night and tried to figure out a way in my budget to be able to pay the $25 and it doesnt look like it is going to be possible. I lost my beloved grandmother on October 6, of this year and right after that I got really sick and had to have all of these expensive medical tests done. I even had to decline one test because it was over $2,000.00 and I couldnt afford to pay that on my small salary. I really hope that someone can "adopt" me because it really would bring some joy into an otherwise depressing Christmas this year. Just having a book or two might just make getting through this first Christmas without my grandmother (who always made Christmas special for me, my sister and little cousins) a little bit easier.

I've requested (twice) to be adopted, but have yet to be contacted. I hope it's not too late!

Message 206 - BethyB -- I just posted a private comment to your account with the PayPal confirmation number you need to register for SantaThing! Happy Holidays! ~Amy

WOOT! I've been adopted! Thanks so much, Amy! This is gonna be FUN!

I know it's pretty late, but I would love to be adopted, too.

I'm fairly new to LT - not super-new, but new enough that I'm still learning how to find my way around - so I didn't even see the SantaThing information until today and didn't know to plan for it.

Next year I will be more prepared!

I am relatively new to the site and just found out about this. Would love to be sponsored if its not too late!

Hi All,

I have been underemployed (my pay cut in half) for about a year now. I have worked small jobs to try and at least make up some of the lost income but have had to live off of my rainy day fund this year. Well, this is my last month of rainy day fund money. If I dont find another job soon, I will begin to go into the red in January. Needless to say, I would love to sponsor someone else but I find myself in need of being sponsored. If anyone out there would love to sponsor me, I would be most grateful.

Thanks,

Mike

I know it's pretty late, but I'll try anyways. I'd love to be adopted =)

>212 ncstateredwhite: - Consider yourself adopted by a dukebluedevil.

I really really hope that someone can adopt me..it would really make my christmas this year...see post 205 above...i would be forever grateful...

I was adopted and thank you very muchly all who organised and participated, especially my Secret Santa!

If you like this whole project, please see http://www.librarything.com/topic/78113

NOKLARUSU (Explanation at that link.)

Saratoga99

Ich bedanke mich ganz herlich. Froehlichen Weihnachts!

- Mike

I did the SantaThing last year and loved it! This year, we cannot afford for me to participate :( My husband's job was deferred and we've been living quite meagerly for a while now. Next year, I hope to not only participate, but to help out w/ those like me as well!

If it's not too late, I'd love to be adopted. But if it is, I understand and wish everyone Happy Holidays!!

I have been adopted by the lovely Mr. Robert Pettifer. Thank you!!

My original message is #195 and I didn't actually say " Please adopt me" and I haven't been adopted yet and people who posted after me here have so I guess just to make sure.. Please adopt me! :)

I got adopted!! Thanks so much!!!!!

I'm on the same page as you mermaid...i havent been adopted either and people have after me too...im starting to get nervous...hope someone can help us...good luck and merry christmas

I can take both of you, mermaidjoy and lilkim714. Comment me ASAP if you've already been taken.

I've covered sweetandsyko (185/192). Just under the wire!

Thanks again to klarusu and everyone else for seeing this through!

I'lladopt you avanders :)

I am still trying to be adopted. I posted earlier. I would greatly appreciate if someone could help me out this year. Happy Reading!

>226 RobertPettifer: - A Happy Heathen with a generous heart.

I am also still waiting for a late adoption if its not too late. Merry christmas all!

We can't afford anything for Christmas this year. We have 4 kids and we homeschool. I don't even know how we are going to manage school books for next year. We have been at the food pantry line every week for 2 months. My kids are learning how to get by and what a need is and what a want is, but it is hard at Christmas time. I would love to have the money to do this, but it just isn't going to happen for us this year. I know I might be to late to participate, but I just wanted to say thank you to all of those who are helping to make a bright spot in somebody else's life. You are all blessings.

Tick toc, people. We're closing it in 40 minutes—no extensions. We have to really stay on this one, or we're going to be eaten up time-wise.

I'm extremely, extremely last minute but... *timid voice* I would like to be adopted?

I'm a post undergrad student right now, unable to find a job. (English major. WHAT do you do with a BA in english? lol) I think this is a fabulous idea, and I wish I could participate. ^_^

Thank you!!

I would desperately like to be adopted. I have fretted over posting this and decided to swallow my pride. If there are any spots left, I would appreciate being adopted.
I want to thank everyone who has generously donated and I hope to be amongst the ranks of those who can next year.

#235 knittingmomof3, I've left a message on your profile.

I'd just like to say once more to all of you lovely people -- Thank you for your generosity and for the love in your hearts, truly the spirit of Christmas.

Nobody wants me? :(

>238 A2JC4life: Let's hope someone appears xDD

Oh, well. Next year.

Don't feel bad, I join you as not being adopted. I have to say though I am so glad to see so many people getting adopted. This is truly heartwarming and i am thankful to be reminded about how caring people can be. Next year I will save in advance and try to adopt someone. Happy Holidays to everyone!!

The system is now picking Santas. We are actually using book-to-book logic, so it's not immediate. In fact, it's tantalizingly slow. Check

http://www.librarything.com/santathing.php

to see if your santee has been picked yet.

I'll send out profile and email notices later tonight, after I put my son to bed.

And adopted at the last minute, I can't express how wonderful everyone has been. Thank you to everyone who adopted someone!

If any adopters put in money for an adoptee who didn't sign up in time, email me and I'll refund the money.

sonya@librarything.com

Ah, I wish I would have known this sooner, Sonya! My adoptee never replied (I tried to wait until the last minute since she was from South Africa). I didn't think I'd be able to be refunded, so I hurried and joined the Secret Santa myself (there was only 2 hours left to sign up and I had to go offline quickly). But I just picked my Secret Santa books and look forward to being surprised by mine! :o)

Reviving this thread for all givers and givees participating in SantaThing this year!

Let's start a new thread, though. Massively old threads present problems.

I started a new thread for this year, along with my offer. It's at:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/102812

I alread posted this somewhere, but I do not know if this is the right place or not! I am currently unemployed, and I would have loved to participate - how does this work?

THIS THREAD IS CLOSED!!!

PLEASE GO TO THE NEW THREAD AT:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/102812

THANK YOU!

THIS THREAD IS NOW CLOSED!!