The Annual Gaiscioch Double-Up Charity Event - Check If Your Animals Have Been Delivered

A New Gaiscioch Family Charity Event

Sponsor a Toy for a child in their hour of need.

What could be better than helping one charity in need? How about helping two at the same time. In March through April we'll be launching our Annual Double-Up Charity event where we will try to benefit two charities at the same time.

This year we'll be ordering stuffed animals for the low price of $5 each from the Kohl's Cares program which donates 100% of the proceeds to children's health and educational programs. By using the Gaiscioch Registries, these animals will be shipped to my address where they'll be collected, packaged, donated, and delivered to local Portland, Oregon charities.

The Benefiting Charities

Kohl's Cares
When it comes to kids, Kohl's cares. We support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. With over a decade of dedication and millions of dollars raised, we aim to give kids a happier, healthier future. From injury prevention, immunization and nutrition programs to scholarships and cause merchandise, we are committed to making a difference for kids so that someday they can make a difference in the world.

Raphael House in Portland Oregon which is a multi-faceted domestic violence agency which serves individuals and families of all backgrounds, cultures, and ages.
Target Goal: 50 Stuffed Animals Goal Met

Insights is one of the few nonprofit agencies in the country devoted exclusively to the needs of parenting adolescents and their children. They also have a wide range of services from foster care, to displaced family services.
Target Goal: 50 Stuffed Animals Goal Met

Bear and Buddy Program which provide security to Children of Traumatic events. There are times when police officers, detectives, and Records Division personnel come in contact with children who have been involved in traumatic incidents. Often times by providing these children with something they can hold, cuddle, or wrap themselves in staff can promote a feeling of safety and promote dialogue.
Target Goal: 100 Stuffed Animals Goal Met

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer
Provides support, education, advocacy and hope to all children and their families affected by childhood cancer in Oregon and SW Washington.
Target Goal: 300 Stuffed Animals



Anything over our Target Goal will be divided among these charities as they have room to take. This event is designed to benefit multiple charities at the same time. Each year we'll select another charity to try to benefit with the possibility of expanding nationally.

For Gaiscioch / Tuatha Members
For each member that participates in this event we will have a progressive contribution reward rewarding us for every 50 Stuffed Animals we clear. We will get 1000 Contribution per 50 Stuffed Animals. So recruit a friend of a coworker and lets break that 200 mark :).

Wave 1: March 1-14

Status: Complete
Animals Sent: 200 / 200 (Goal #1)
Registry #1665096
Benefiting: Kohl's Cares, Raphael House, Insights, and Bear and Buddy Program

Wave 2: March 15-31

Status: Open
Animals Sent: 197 / 300 (Goal #2)
Registry: #1681184
Benefiting: Kohl's Cares, Candlelighters For Children With Cancer

Photo Gallery


Arrivals:
Key: First Name & Last Name Initial: B = Bear, S = Sheep, K = Kangaroo, D = Duck

Ro Ma: 6B,6S,6D,6K
Je Sm: 5B,5D,5K,5S
Je Wh: Book, 2S
Je Bo: 3B
Tr St: 5B,5S,5D,5K
Ke Ho: 1B,3S,3D,3K
Do Ru: 1B,1D

Ra Re: 1B,
An Ro: 2K,1D,1S
Ch Pr: 5B
St Da: 1K.2D,1S,1B
Ja Mc: 1k,1D,1S,1B
Sc Go: 1K,1D,1B,1S
He En: 1B,1D
Pa Mc: 11S,6B,6D,2K
Ju Go: 1K,1D,1S,1B
Da Fr: 1K 1D
Ro As: 4K
Da Ca: 5B
Sa Oh: 2B2K,2S,2D
Ke Ra: 1K,1D,1S,1B
Mi Sm: 1B
Wi Th: 2K,2S,2D,4B
Ah Br: 2D,3S,3B
Ad Ad: 2K,2D,2S,2B
Ch An: 2K,1D,1S
St La: 1K,1B
Be Fo: 5K
Je Bu: 1K,1D,1S,1B
Do Ap: 5D
Te Bl: 1S
Jo Cu: 5D,5S,5B
Ja La: 2K,2B
Jo Ek: 1K,2S,1B
Te Bu: 2D
An Mo: 1K,1B
Ma Ha: 5K
Ki Pe: 4S
Je Kl: 2K
Ch Ga Le: 1K,1D,1S,1B
Sh Ch: 5D
Da Fe: 1K,2D,1S
Ti Sw: 5K


» Edited on: 2012-04-19 13:55:49

» Edited on: 2012-04-19 14:01:39

Count me in!!! help them little people!

Oh Huggy Bears .. who doesnt like a hug from a stuffed animal once in a while... I will love this one...

I was wondering if there is a set age range to the children we are giving toys to. I looked at some of the toys and they seem to reach an age of under 10ish or so. I love this idea and feel so proud to be able to give a smile to any child/young adult who is suffering. If there is anything else we can do in addition to the toys please let us know :) Azzra! AKA Debbie

I have confirmation that the Bear and Buddy Program and Insights would be happy to receive our donations as well. I have asked each one to provide me with a capacity for their storage so we don't overflow them with too many and it looks like Raphael House and Insights can handle about 50 each. The Bear and Buddy Program is run by the Beaverton Police Department and collects donations for the entire Washington County area. These animals get split up among police services, foster homes, and homeless shelters around the greater Portland Oregon area. They said they could take as many as we can offer.

The name made me wonder, "Bear and buddy" is there a preference on what type of animals people want. First thought would be the cute sheep, yea its a NZ thing, but if they have a preference for bears thats np. The chance to give some fluffy animals to Oregon kids brings back some fond memories.

It's more stuffed animals and blankets is what Bear and Buddy program is built on. I'd say mix it up. If this event is a success we'll likely try it in other areas. Just takes quite a bit of legwork and a lot of phone calls to setup. But still if we can be the catalyst that makes these type of events a success we'll keep running them. Want to try to get a Food Drive in November but not quite sure how we can make it work. Might do a toy drive instead as it's pretty easy to mobilize. Food isn't exactly that mail friendly. We'll figure out something. Eventually I'd like: March/April: Foster Homes, DV Shelters, Displaced Families, etc. August/September: Extra Life Event: For Children's Miracle Network November/December: Homeless, Displaced Families, etc. January: CookieZerg!

Hey instead of giving store bought bears, would it be ok if I donated some hand made bears? I do a lot of crocheting and I made bears for xmas gifts last year. Just let me know how I can help out! Tash

Unfortunately they need to be wrapped/seeled. The animals from kohls come in plastic bags. Plus by ordering from Kohls we benefit the Kohls Cares charity as well. The idea is to benefit 2 charities at the same time.

Ah Ok. What can I do to help then?

Having worked in the Courts and being present during numerous domsetic violence interviews with kids, I cannot stress how important making the children feel at home while you talk to them is. I don't need to explain how traumatic and scary a time it is for them,and something to distract the kids with really makes a huge difference. A great idea :)

When do you want us to buy them do we have to wait till March? Love the idea... giving back is great.. here in Maine we have coat drives for winters... and its fun to give all the coats that you can they take last years get them cleaned and its always a good excuse to get new coats from L.L.Bean hehe... Let me know what ever I can do to help you...

Let me know if i can help always helping our future

Added the link above to get a head start :)

Problem unless im missing some thing Kohl only seem set up for orders within the US the only options seem to be US states or armed forces the site doesnt accept 4 digit post codes or NZ phone numbers and wont process the order with out them? I dont exclude the possibility i am missing some thing obvious after all im the guy that can stand in the big glowing ring of fire on boss fights and not notice that either. EDIT: Just found on their website At this time we cannot accept overseas credit cards or cards with international billing addresses. To place an order at Kohls.com, your billing address must be within the Continental U.S., Alaska and... Date Updated: 12/22/2011

» Edited on: 2012-02-22 12:24:03

They are on their Way.. wanted to name all 10 of them.. love the duckys .. hehe might have to buy one for myself:) Its all I could do atm .. will maybe do more later... I can see a child holding them and that makes me warm and fuzzy...... Good Name for this event .. Warm and Fuzzy... Love, Sea

There a few on their way.

Package is on the way. I shared the Gaiscioch Family facebook link on my facebook page also. Hopefully some folks I know will also send some.

Done! Five of each, headed your way.

35% into making all 3 companies dumbfounded by the devotion of a "Bunch of Gamers" :D way to go guys. I haven't even sent out the newsletter yet. Think the Bear & Buddy program might get more than 100 :D.

I'll be sending a small herd of kangaroo when I get paid next week. Can't let those pesky bears win.

LOL I'm a Roo fan as well. I'm gonna be snaggin a bunch of those myself :D

I've also posted a link to this thread about the event to my WoW raiding community, so if you see a batch of Leftovers sending in fuzzy things, don't be too surprised.

» Edited on: 2012-02-24 10:40:44

Package on the way Ben has 5 in it..great idea

Seems like the only major drawback we have is internationals cant join in the festivities. I'll try to see if theres a work around through some form of online payment method like paypall / google wallet / etc.

I also added to the conversation on Leftovers... haven't had much time to play in the last 5 or so months (darn you work and such), but can't resist something like this! I also tossed up a facebook link, hopefully I can drag a few friends into this. Anyway, you should be getting 6 of each. As for the overseas people, might I suggest that they could donate more directly if you had a P.O. box (or useable address here in the states... not sure if they accept P.O. box addresses at Kohls) that could be used for the purposes of sending pre-paid visa/mastercards to for these charity events? It would require a bit of trust and all, but as long as the trust is there it would make for a good method to circumvent this U.S. address issue. Also, it would probably be less than using paypal similarly in terms of cost. If that's a no go... then I don't know how you can circumvent it. Hope the event goes well!

» Edited on: 2012-02-24 19:52:43

By law i cant handle any money otherwise the IRS considers it embezzlement from a charity. I've been strongly advised by my tax attorney to avoid handling any money or forms of payment for this event.

Well, shoots down that idea. That makes it a little hard for the overseas people to participate. The only method allowed for the online purchases with them is credit cards or their own charge card... and only with that US info. Paypal and google wallet aren't going to get around that. The only chance of having either of those work, in fact, would be to request it of the company. Then you would be waiting on them to set up their account/authorize it on the website. Assuming, that is, that the company agreed to process those types of payments.

» Edited on: 2012-02-24 22:10:21

I'm also looking forward to a solution for non-US members... heck, I live far closer than Alaska or Hawaii, but Canada still isn't allowed :(

Ok All You DUCKY Fans... Lets Get some DuCKYs out there can not let the ROOS beat the Duckys...

Roos and Ducks? BAAAAAA I say BAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Everyone loves sheep! ...errr..wait... *blink* ahem.. 10 little baaas are on their way :) One of the things I love about this guild..the support of great charities!

Leo sent a ducky! I went with the bear though... a good stuffed bear is awesomely snuggly Hopefully the little ones enjoy them!

Sent a ducky and a roo as well. Should be there around March 8th it said. I hope they are well loved! :)

Order placed. Bought 1 of each.

I got an email from Kohl's this am. on today the 29th of Feb. You can get 20 percent off at checkout by putting in the code SAVE20 you also will get free standard shipping if purchasing over 29 dollars.. I am gong in for a few more duckys :) Lets get the 200 done and we can go further.. SORRY THE CODE DOES NOT WORK FOR THE ANIMALS.. .. Probably because they are only 5 each... and very very or should I say beary beary ducky special.... 3 duckys and 3 more bears on their way ....

» Edited on: 2012-02-29 04:04:37

Five more are on their way!

Bear and Roo are headed your way.

Another reason I am so proud to be a member of this family. Even though I am no longer active in Rift, it feels great to still be a part of Gaiscioch. Thank you, Ben, for organizing this (donation on the way)!

I gave the roo's a bump! Go Roo's Go!

"I agree with you Nefreteri." Thank you Ben for doing these events. /bow

Placed an order for one of each! I know I haven't been around much at all (been playing SWTOR) but plan on coming back soon...

Agree.. with all you guys are fantastic.. And Ben what a great leader you are.. you bring out the best in us.

Four more sheep on the way Fog! :D

Posted a picture of the first delivery :)

I just purchased 15 of them. (John Cunneen) is me. Me = Samine = Obeedo. Great idea and thanks for organizing!

I bought 2 of each, thanks for putting this together Fog, it's nice to feel that I'm helping someone.

Did you sea the Duckys in the middle of the picture of course they had to be the center of attention:) WTG Guys ... great job.. and I wish we could get a picture of one of the babies holding the fluffys..

I had great difficulty doing this with my credit card which it would not accept even though every other international purchase I have done is no issue with a Visa. That said, toys are on their way via Pnub dwarfmail, and I have paid him for my share :)

When theres a will theres a way hu Mijjah :D. Thanks for your contributions!

Tenebrae and I noticed that the Kangaroos were falling behind! So, we are sending 4 more your way :)

I must be doing something wrong. I add bears to cart. I say I want to ship to "Benjamin" -- then it tells me that the ZIPCode spans multiple counties and so I must enter a county. Eh? I blurred our billing info below so none of you crazies can stalk me.

» Edited on: 2012-03-08 08:56:07

Ok...I figured out that there seems to be an error if you login with a Kohl's account (my wife has one). Basically, every time I log in to buy, the address error above occurs. However, if I pretend I don't have a Kohl's account, the order completes just fine. Go figure! Anyway, more on the way! Thanks for setting this up!

Happy to announce we have a 5th partner charity for this event. We have already surpassed expectations in the 6th day of the event and have brought Candlelighters For Children With Cancer of Portland, OR onto the lineup of beneficiary charities. Candlelighters For Children With Cancer To provide support, education, advocacy and hope to all children and their families affected by childhood cancer in Oregon and SW Washington. Learn more at: http://www.4kidswithcancer.org/ To date we have 306 Stuffed Animals shipped. Amazing turnout so far. So proud of everyone that has helped make this a smashing success. Thank you! Foghladha

Wow We have to up our game... need more DUCKYS and ROOS ... calling my family to get them involved.. reach out and touch someone....I always feel more blessed giving then receiving...

Added the second registry so that we aren't capped at 396. Lets astonish!

awww. little people with cancer. sigh. i took a chemo class with a room full of pediatric oncology nurses. i don't know how they do it. fuzzies sent :)

One of each animal otw to you! What a fantastic thing! My rl hubby and I just went through our training to be Foster Parents. = D

Fixed second registry link so if bears are your thing use the second registry. Maxed out bears on Wave 1.

This is AWESOME Fog. This latest charity also helps those in SW WA. This is where I live and I think it's great. Last year I had to spend 3 weeks going to the cancer center twice a day due to a serious infection for Pick Line infussions. It was very difficult for me so I know how it must be for children under going even more invassive treatments for longer periods of time. Saren and I will be sending you some stuffies for this next round. My caregiver will also be contributing. Kiddo's with any problem especially cancer will be enlightened with some Roo's! Thank you for doing this Fog. You do so much for so many people the community and the guild. Kittara

Small contingent of kangaroos are on their way!

Just noticed those I sent arrived in Oregon today, so you should have them in a day or two. I love this idea, those cuddly toys are so special to kiddies, especially at hard times in their little lives. Before I was laid off I worked as a counselor in a homeless family shelter and we received donations quite often ... take a guess what even the older kids went for first? Yep! them soft squishy oh so huggable stuffed animals. Once upon a time some 20 yrs ago now, my kids and I ended up in a battered women's shelter. My oldest daughter was 2ish at the time, and she received a used stuffed bear from a donation that came in. She literally loved that bear to death.. well almost, it's still survives somehow with holes and floppy parts with next to no stuffing in it. She grew up to be a very well adjusted adult. But, I dare say that that little cuddly bear, which she STILL has today, had a hand in it. <3 We do things that affect the lives of other people, sometimes we never know how, but realizing this, I always try to do good when I can. I suppose you could say that's my way of giving back to those who have done unknown good towards me. No such thing as a "small act of kindness," because we don't know how big it can grow to be. Love given is never a wasted thing. <3

New Registry is in place for Candlelighters / Kohl's (Wave 2). 153 Toy's carry over from Wave 1 into Wave 2 and our goal for Candlelighters is 300. For some reason the registry direct link doesn't want to work so for Wave 2 we'll need to enter the Registry Number directly into the Registry Search. Not sure why we're getting the "Security Exceptions" issue with the direct link.

doo's roos inc

Happy to contribute and be a part of this amazing thing.

im confused about how to go about doing this, but id like to chip in for one of the kangaroos, its adorable :3

To Sponsor A Toy For Wave 2 Go to Kohl's Registry Lookup and Access Registry: 1681184 Once on the registry order whichever you like and when you ship it, it will be shipped directly to me to deliver to the charities.

ah okay i wasnt sure if i needed to add any extra info in there, getting a kangaroo now!

gonna be more expensive then i had accounted for, i understand the shipping cost but i cant seem to negate the gift wrapping charge even after unchecking the box for it, 17$ is a bit too much for me x3

You should be able not gift wrap. In fact I prefer it if at all possible. The gift wrapped ones come out of plastic and cant be donated to the places that deal with sick kids.

It should be 5.95 Shipping for up to $25 in merchandise. This is odd that they changed it. When we first started it was like 1.95 per animal. I guess if you order 4 then 5 bucks shipping is like 1.25 shipping. Still odd. Perhaps the shear volume of Gaiscioch orders caused their shipping department to drop a brick. lol.

I just ordered 5 kangaroos for $25 and shipping was free. When I initially tried to order 1 it was $5.95 shipping. Go figure. Spend a little more and make your donation more efficient =)

Out of interest, did the Roos win? I even sent roos and they're Australian!

Bears broke 100 first. Roos are in a close second. I bought 10 roos to help them along. These lil guys are adorable.

I was all prepared to sent some Roos....then I noticed the ducks and couldn't resist getting some.

Go the Roos!

Final Week! Updated List

The Ch An initial contribution should be halved, and my initials added please :)

You both will claim participation for the event I post after April 1st.

I just placed the order for Saren and Kittara. Really excited about this. I had to place the order for the 2 of us on one card. Just FYI. Opps forgot something. LOL I opted for the teddybear. Reminds me of the teddybear I had when I was a kid. Saren got a Roo! Kittara & Saren

» Edited on: 2012-03-28 19:40:50

» Edited on: 2012-03-28 20:16:39

Final Count: 405 Stuffed Animals Kangaroos: 110 Bears: 106 Ducks: 98 Sheep: 91

And the Kangaroos win! Whoo!

Go Roos! Yay!

Did we have a participate event for this yet to claim participation?

Haven't had time to get it online yet. Should have it up soon.

I need everyone to look over the list of recieved and let me know if your missing from the list. On the registry it said 405 animals were shipped. I just did inventory and I only have 278 of them. That means somewhere out there are 127 Stuffed Animals that have not arrived. If your name is not on the list above then please let me know and contact Kohls about your order.

MaHa5K is up there. That's me. Order 519039961.

An Mo 1K and 1B is there. We put our order in at the end of March so you should have recieved it first week or so of April. Hubby and I shipped in one shipping. Kittara