Funds collection to help the needy

[rulismarquez]

A member of my ward suggested that we invite members to donate funds to buy grocery store gift cards for families in need during Christmas season. Collecting funds doesn't sound very well and I have my doubts about it.

However, a sister in my ward usually comes and drops a grocery gift card on the bishops desk for the needy. I think it's a great idea but I wonder what the best way would be if organized in a collective way.

At first I thought of using the fast offering account for this but I get the feeling that's the wrong way to use it.

Any thoughts?

[kd7mha]

The notice from Sept 9, 2022 Donation categories simplication: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/let ... 2e1&letter has this

Cash contributions by individuals or foundations to be used at the discretion of the unit leader cannot be accepted

I believe there is language elsewhere that classifies gift cards as cash

[rulismarquez]

I found the letter. It's really good. Thank you.

However, there's no direct mention of gift cards being classified as cash. In fact, there's a line that states:

"However, collecting items to be distributed to individuals and families in need may
be an acceptable alternative."

I believe it refers to actual gifts and groceries but I'm not sure 100 percent.

Here is the paragraph on the letter:

"Other contributions
Historically, some units have accepted cash contributions and even invited members to make cash contributions to fund service projects organized at the ward or stake level, such as Christmas “Sub for Santa” collections, refugee and homeless
shelter assistance initiatives, and many others. While these initiatives are founded in the desire to follow the Savior’s commandment to love our neighbor, accepting cash for these purposes is not in compliance with financial policy and guidelines—some cases may even increase tax or legal risk to the Church—and must be discontinued.
However, collecting items to be distributed to individuals and families in need may be an acceptable alternative.
If a stake identifies a service opportunity that may require significant resources, leaders should contact the Global Services Department at 855-537-4357 for further direction.
Cash contributions by individuals or foundations to be used at the discretion of the unit leader cannot be accepted. The creation, funding, designation, or use of any subcategory for this purpose is contrary to Church financial policy and guidelines.
These guidelines are designed and established to protect the Church and its leaders."

[BrianEdwards]

I expect that any families with the needs described in the OP, also have other pressing needs. If that's the case, then if other members desire to help during the holiday season they can donate "items to be distributed" that are not gift cards, and the Bishop can remain the person who would address any needs that the gift cards may have been intended to help with. With a bit of extra effort, specific needs of these families can be identified, and those wishing to donate can supply those specific items without needing to use gift cards. It just avoids the whole "gift card" issue while still blessing those in need.

We have a neighboring unit that every Christmas season partners with us to help many of our members in need. We always identify possible gift ideas (including ages, sizes, etc) and request they not be simply gift cards. When that unit delivers the items to us they are always beautifully wrapped and we have no idea what is inside, we simply deliver the gifts to the families. I think this also removes the unit leader from the equation as he is not personally collecting or distributing anything. My expectation is that it's quite likely that there are occasionally extra gift cards included by generous members along with whatever "official gift" they are giving, but it's all wrapped inside and we don't know anything about it...