Christmas Donations

[Hilohi]

Our ward is planning on letting members know that if they'd like to help members who are facing challenges this year, they can donate money to the ward and the ward will buy a Christmas gift for those members facing challenges. Our plan is to receive money from the beginning of November until the beginning of December, after which we'll buy the gifts. Any suggestions on how we should store that money until we actually buy the Christmas gifts?

[garystroble]

Our ward is planning on letting members know that if they'd like to help members who are facing challenges this year, they can donate money to the ward and the ward will buy a Christmas gift for those members facing challenges. Our plan is to receive money from the beginning of November until the beginning of December, after which we'll buy the gifts. Any suggestions on how we should store that money until we actually buy the Christmas gifts?

Your ward leaders need to read the bulletin dated September 9, 2022 in the Official Communications library. The subject title of that bulletin is Donation categories simplification: Discontinuation of "Authorized Member Financed Activities" Category. What you are planning on doing is specifically not authorized. This is a quote from the bulletin:

"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."

Contributing to fast offering and then having your bishop deciding what to do may be another avenue which would be acceptable, although even then suggest he consult with his stake president first.