Firstly, I'd like to than Kris for all the extremly time consuming and hard work he puts into the tree every year. Kudo's for continuing it. So many ferrets have a special christmas thanks to him. I know this year was tough, so many, many DMK kids out there who deserve christmas, one they've never had. But, I would like to add something. We'll really the only thing is to start earlier and (baring this year) keep the numbers per shelter down. I know, I know.. it doesn't matter if they receive their gifts late to the ferrets but sometimes, us humans want to try to hard to get them there. Five days before christmas is too late to get them to their destination on time. Yes, I know kids pass on. That, each and everyone of us deal with (though not to the extent shelters do numbers wise). But, even if we start taking names in September, through October and cut it off in the first week of december it makes a lot of difference. I know shelters are busy, but it really would help out us folks wanting to help a kid from the tree. Come December, funds are tighter. So, maybe if we had a little more time to plan? Just a thought. I could only get one kid from the tree this year which makes me sad. Due to extenuating circumstances that's all I could do. Yes, Im a last minute louey this year due to some reasons I won't mention but in all honesty it buys time to pick up little things if you have that chance to know before hand, before the holiday rush. I know the kids appreciate anything... but sometimes you really like to know earlier what their special present would be. Leanneb [Posted in FML 5826]