Question about donations?

Question

I'd like a few objective opinions on this. I'm a huge fan of a tv show and recently decided I wanted to make a gift for the stars. I'm thinking about doing some volunteer work and dedicating it to them--they seem like nice people, but they're busy making my favorite tv show, and probably don't have time to do as much as they might like. Anyway, here's the idea: collect gifts for charitable donation, donate time and work etc and then put together a scrapbook to send them.

At first, I thought this seemed like a cool idea (obviously), but now I find that as I try to tell people about it, I feel like I am bragging about myself and I wonder if that's how it seems to other people. Is this different than any other homemade gift? Does it seem vain or boastful to you? I'm normally a very shy and self-effacing person--the last thing I want is create the impression that I am full of myself. Help please!

Answer 1

I can see the point of some of the other posts, but I say why the heck not! If you are truly doing this to give something back, good for you. Not enough people put themselves out there to take a chance. So maybe your book doesn't reach your intended party, maybe the trash man sees it. And he sees the time and care that you gave, and it changes his life. And his children's lives are changed.... And the charity work, come on, of course that is a wonderful thing in itself. Good for you!

Answer 2

Ditto to what Jane's already said - I won't repeat what she's already written, but I agree with her post.

Second... I personally wouldn't send this book to them. I hate to say it, but I think your book would end up in a pile with all the other gifts they've received. It does seem like a bit of a brag book, to be honest with you.

Why don't you do what Jane said and instead of sending them something, just do good for the sake of doing good.

Answer 3

Believe it or not, there may already be a movement like this in support of your favorite TV show. A LOT of TV shows have fan bases that engage in philanthropic endeavors and donate the proceeds to the cast's favorite charities. The X-Files had such a fan base, as did Xena. Often, the casts and crew of the show even get involved. I wrote an article about these kinds of efforts here:

http://www.coyotecommunications.com/cult...

So first, look online for fan clubs for your favorite TV show, and look carefully at their web sites and message boards -- you may find that they are *already* engaging in philanthropic activities you can join in.

Also, read the article to get an idea of things you can do. The best philanthropic activities -- the ones that do the most good -- are the ones that involve many people, not just one person volunteering, so consider how you can reach other fans of the show to get involved.