 | | | | | |
Larry Pieniazek <lar@voyager.net> wrote:
> There is 800+ in that fund. Ronald McDonald House has not gotten back to
> my attempts to ask them how to link up and how to donate new LEGO we
> were going to buy, which kind of frustrated me.
>
> My sense is that changing the target donation is something that most or
> all of the donors need to be in consensus on, but I personally think
> it's a good idea.
I think it's a great idea.
It would seem that sending money to Turkey so toys can be bought there
might garner more in the way of new toys since shipping wouldn't be
involved.
--
The parts you want and nothing else?
http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/ (still in Beta)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mike Stanley wrote:
> It would seem that sending money to Turkey so toys can be bought there
> might garner more in the way of new toys since shipping wouldn't be
> involved.
What I'm wondering is: Sets are prolly the cheapest in the US. If a
retailer would be willing to discount a bunch of sets to send, might it be
cheaper to buy them here and ship them to Selcuk, thereby relieving him the
burden of shopping, etc. I will talk to a local toy store and see what they
think.
-John
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Last time I talked to Selcuk, Lego prices in Turkey were pretty steep, so it
might be cheaper to buy here and ship it, especially if we can get a discount.
Another thing that should be checked into (sorry I don't have the time for it) -
I wonder if USPS or FedEx would donate the shipping costs?
John Neal wrote:
> Mike Stanley wrote:
>
> > It would seem that sending money to Turkey so toys can be bought there
> > might garner more in the way of new toys since shipping wouldn't be
> > involved.
>
>
> What I'm wondering is: Sets are prolly the cheapest in the US. If a
> retailer would be willing to discount a bunch of sets to send, might it be
> cheaper to buy them here and ship them to Selcuk, thereby relieving him the
> burden of shopping, etc. I will talk to a local toy store and see what they
> think.
>
> -John
--
| Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
| Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
I was thinking the same thing Tom, Maybe if we can get some place to
donate the shipping and possibly packaging materials, we could buy the
stuff outright in the states and not have to worry about shipping
charges. I'm pretty sure we could buy a lot more here than in Turkey.
especially without having to worry about shipping costs. I might be able
to pull some stuff I've had packed up for a while which was going to go
into the Jambalaya boxes to ship out with the used stuff other people
are donating. When we get some points set up for shipping, let me know
so I can get the stuff collected.
Tamy
Tom Stangl wrote:
>
> Last time I talked to Selcuk, Lego prices in Turkey were pretty steep, so it
> might be cheaper to buy here and ship it, especially if we can get a discount.
>
> Another thing that should be checked into (sorry I don't have the time for it) -
> I wonder if USPS or FedEx would donate the shipping costs?
>
> John Neal wrote:
>
> > Mike Stanley wrote:
> >
> > > It would seem that sending money to Turkey so toys can be bought there
> > > might garner more in the way of new toys since shipping wouldn't be
> > > involved.
> >
> >
> > What I'm wondering is: Sets are prolly the cheapest in the US. If a
> > retailer would be willing to discount a bunch of sets to send, might it be
> > cheaper to buy them here and ship them to Selcuk, thereby relieving him the
> > burden of shopping, etc. I will talk to a local toy store and see what they
> > think.
> >
> > -John
>
> --
> | Tom Stangl, Technical Support Netscape Communications Corp
> | Please do not associate my personal views with my employer
--
Keep on Bricken'
-Tamy
Follow the bouncing boxes!
http://home.att.net/~mookie1/jambalaya.html
http://home.att.net/~mookie1/
http://mookie.iwarp.com/ (mirror site)
Lego isn't a toy, it's a way of life!
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Thank you very much friends..:-)
I've read all responses from you and being part of such a nice community
made me very happy and proud, as always.
For the several questions arise, here are my thoughts.
- Lego prices are very high in Turkey. When the freestyle boxes/buckets
(most appropriate for the purpose) have being considered the price
difference is so high, especially when your discounts taken into account.
- I didn't pay any customs fee except the two largest sets that I've ever
ordered from Europe or US, so this made me thinking of if the size of the
package is considerable, the customs fee should taken into account, but I
can of course collect required money for this with my friends and coworkers
here.
- For any used (or new) Lego (or any other toys) deciding some collection
points (in several countries or one in US and one in Europe) could be nice,
but this made shipping charges higher. I can try to collect some of the
shipping charges from my friends, too.
- If you can really contact a courier company like DHL or the like, for a
discounted shipping charge, this would be wonderful, since it would be much
more trusty and made sure it arrive at the correct place. My company also a
customer of DHL and TNT here in Turkey, so I can contact them if any
requirement arise.
You are great, as always,,;-)
Selçuk Göre
sgore@superonline.com
sg@konveyor.com
Konveyor San. A.S.
Organize Deri Sanayi Bolgesi
Yan Sanayi Gelisme Alani
YA-2 Parsel, P.K. 11,
Aydinli Mevkii, 81474 Tuzla
Istanbul TURKEY
Tel:+90 216 5910101
Fax: +90 216 5910109
www.konveyor.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
I did a bit of shopping yesterday. One K-mart was pretty picked over :(
but the other one I went to had 3 of the new classic sets with tray tables and
over 400 pieces. They also had a good supply of Duplo. As Selçuk mentioned, the
FreeStyle theme seems most appropriate, so that's what I'm keeping an eye out
for. I plan on visiting another 3 K-marts tomorrow. If I don't have luck with
classic or freestyle sets at K-mart I know there's a store nearby that has the
400 piece w/backpack for $15. Sam's club also has a decent deal for $20 on a
classic (freestyle?)set.
The cost to ship a 50 pound box air mail is $164.
$1173 is the total amount we have to work with, and I spent around $230
yesterday, so that leaves about $943 left to spend on Lego & shipping.
I just wanted to post a quick update.When I'm done I'll post a complete list of
what is being sent.
Julie
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Here is what I bought:
6 - 1200 pc blue tubs
4 - 400 pc freestyle w/backpack
1 - 80 pc primo (clearance at w-m for $11.00 yea!!!)
1 - duplo indian family (also clearance at w-m)
6 - 400+ pc classic sets playtable
1 - duplo school bus (kinda odd, I know, but I needed something about that price to
get the buy 1 get 1 50%
plus it great for storing bricks in) 70 pieces
4 - yellow duplo buckets #2493 50 pieces
3 - green duplo tubs
2 - Pooh Duplo
4 - 6580 land jet
1 - classic bucket #4288 400 pieces
3 - primo in the lady bug container
2 - duplo ghost train oval set #2276
The above totaled $512. I added up the piece count and came up with just under
13,000 pieces - that'll keep little hands busy & happy!. I boxed everything up (6
boxes) and came up with 123 pounds. According to the USPS web site, that will cost
$444.47 to ship. Depending on how close my scale is to correct (it's kinda awkward
setting boxes on it), that leaves about $216 left to spend. Unless anybody has a
better idea, I plan on going to Wal-mart on Wednesday to spend the remaining money
on the 400 pc classic bucket #4288, they had an entire end cap full of them, they
sell for just under $10. I was disappointed k-m didn't have more of the #4288
buckets, maybe I just didn't get to the stores early enough in the week.
Where I could I combined contents of items. I combined 2 blue tubs into one blue
tub, ect. I did this to get more weight into each box, the heavier the box, the
less it cost to ship.
I'll be mailing these 6 boxes out tomorrow. When I get all done with everything,
I'll mail a copy of the receipts to Larry.
I'll post another update tomorrow after I return from the p.o.
Julie
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
444 to ship? That must be a LOT of stuff bulkwise... or it just stinks
to mail to Turkey, I guess.
Thanks for doing this for us. Your check is in the mail. Well, not
literally, since today's sunday, but you know what I mean...
dkrenz wrote:
>
> Here is what I bought:
>
> 6 - 1200 pc blue tubs
> 4 - 400 pc freestyle w/backpack
> 1 - 80 pc primo (clearance at w-m for $11.00 yea!!!)
> 1 - duplo indian family (also clearance at w-m)
> 6 - 400+ pc classic sets playtable
> 1 - duplo school bus (kinda odd, I know, but I needed something about that price to
> get the buy 1 get 1 50%
> plus it great for storing bricks in) 70 pieces
> 4 - yellow duplo buckets #2493 50 pieces
> 3 - green duplo tubs
> 2 - Pooh Duplo
> 4 - 6580 land jet
> 1 - classic bucket #4288 400 pieces
> 3 - primo in the lady bug container
> 2 - duplo ghost train oval set #2276
>
> The above totaled $512. I added up the piece count and came up with just under
> 13,000 pieces - that'll keep little hands busy & happy!. I boxed everything up (6
> boxes) and came up with 123 pounds. According to the USPS web site, that will cost
> $444.47 to ship. Depending on how close my scale is to correct (it's kinda awkward
> setting boxes on it), that leaves about $216 left to spend. Unless anybody has a
> better idea, I plan on going to Wal-mart on Wednesday to spend the remaining money
> on the 400 pc classic bucket #4288, they had an entire end cap full of them, they
> sell for just under $10. I was disappointed k-m didn't have more of the #4288
> buckets, maybe I just didn't get to the stores early enough in the week.
>
> Where I could I combined contents of items. I combined 2 blue tubs into one blue
> tub, ect. I did this to get more weight into each box, the heavier the box, the
> less it cost to ship.
>
> I'll be mailing these 6 boxes out tomorrow. When I get all done with everything,
> I'll mail a copy of the receipts to Larry.
>
> I'll post another update tomorrow after I return from the p.o.
>
> Julie
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Julie just reported back from the PO and it will be even MORE to ship
than we had first thought. Quoting from an email she sent (with
permission)
>
>
> Sigh :-/
>
> I went to the p.o., and my boxes were too big. I did not use
> huge boxes. I have
> received boxes in the mail 2 or more times bigger than what
> I used. Here is
> what I was told is the rule: max length 42 inches; max length
> and girth combined
> 79 inches.
>
> I don't have any acceptable size boxes sitting around here.
>
> I could go out and get some at Office Depot, they have some
> 14x14x14 listed on
> their website. That would be a total of 70 inches. That
> really isn't a very big
> box. The p.o. charges by the pound.
>
> I have one smaller box here 54 inch total, I just put 6
> purple buckets and some
> misc. bulk in there. It weighs 9 lbs, which would cost $39.13 to ship.
>
> The way I had things boxed, I estimated $444 to ship based on
> 123 pounds. If I
> could get the 14x14x14 boxes and was able to fit 10 pounds in
> each box, that
> would be 12 boxes x $42.15 per box = $504 in shipping.
>
> I have spent $512 on Lego. Do you want to check with other
> donators to see if
> this is still a good idea, as far as this being money well
> spent? I thought I
> read a post that said the cost of Lego is double in Turkey.
> At this point, "we"
> are paying double as well.
>
> Feel free to repost/email what ever part of this email you
> feel necessary.
>
> Julie
To the group... what should we do? It chaps me to spend 1/2 the total
just on postage. Should we send money to Selcuk instead? Assuming that
Julie can get refunds on most of the stuff, that is...
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.general, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > I have spent $512 on Lego. Do you want to check with other
> > donators to see if
> > this is still a good idea, as far as this being money well
> > spent? I thought I
> > read a post that said the cost of Lego is double in Turkey.
> > At this point, "we"
> > are paying double as well.
> >
> > Feel free to repost/email what ever part of this email you
> > feel necessary.
> >
> > Julie
>
> To the group... what should we do? It chaps me to spend 1/2 the total
> just on postage. Should we send money to Selcuk instead? Assuming that
> Julie can get refunds on most of the stuff, that is...
Has anyone checked with the possibility of having this shipped over by a third
party? I'm sure that the Red Cross and the US Army (among others)are both
sending aid to Turkey, what about contacting the local base or red cross
office, and asking if they will 'carry' the cost of shipping a large donation
of toys?
$0.02
James
http://www.shades-of-night.com/lego/
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| |
|
On Mon, 13 Sep 1999 21:10:46 GMT, Larry Pieniazek <lar@voyager.net>
wrote:
> To the group... what should we do? It chaps me to spend 1/2 the total
> just on postage. Should we send money to Selcuk instead? Assuming that
> Julie can get refunds on most of the stuff, that is...
Ught. I hate the thought of spending 1/2 for shipping as well. I
sure wish some decent carrier would donate shipping for this, but the
red tape that would involve would probably add too much time to this
effort. :(
I don't know. Do you think there is time for a quick e-mail from
someone with experience in dealing with business types (like you)
asking an exec at FedEx, UPS, or someone, to chip in on this
shipping-wise, or has that already been tried?
I don't want to suggest Julie return all this, I know what a nightmare
that would be, but I know that I personally would much rather see the
tiny bit I've donated have as much Lego-buying power as possible.
--
The parts you want and nothing else?
http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Mike Stanley wrote:
>
> On Mon, 13 Sep 1999 21:10:46 GMT, Larry Pieniazek <lar@voyager.net>
> wrote:
>
> > To the group... what should we do? It chaps me to spend 1/2 the total
> > just on postage. Should we send money to Selcuk instead? Assuming that
> > Julie can get refunds on most of the stuff, that is...
>
> Ught. I hate the thought of spending 1/2 for shipping as well. I
> sure wish some decent carrier would donate shipping for this, but the
> red tape that would involve would probably add too much time to this
> effort. :(
>
> I don't know. Do you think there is time for a quick e-mail from
> someone with experience in dealing with business types (like you)
> asking an exec at FedEx, UPS, or someone, to chip in on this
> shipping-wise, or has that already been tried?
One thing which is an unfortuanate problem with getting help with the
shipping is that we would like to ship to an individual and not an aid
agency. It might be a little easier if Selçuk found a suitable agency
(perhaps even one he could volunteer to help with the LEGO once it
arrives).
Another possibility, open all the tubs etc, pull out some of the most
prized pieces, and auction them to help defray more of the shipping
costs.
I'm checking with a friend who is very involved in the Red Cross and
other community service to see if he has any ideas.
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (buisiness only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Oh man that sucks:-( I know Lego is more expensive in Turkey, but 100%???
Sounds to me like we should just cut a check to Selcuk and have him buy
them to maximize our money. And offer up a HUGE thank you to Julie for all
of her (in vain:p) hard work!
-John
Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> Julie just reported back from the PO and it will be even MORE to ship
> than we had first thought. Quoting from an email she sent (with
> permission)
<snip really bad news from Julie>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Here's a snippet from the Red Cross website:
We regret the American Red Cross is unable to accept used
clothing, canned goods, or other such gifts from
individuals. Firms
wishing to donate new, bulk goods should call
1-800-7-IN-KIND.
It states above "firms" not individuals wanting to donate. It sounds like
they may need to be talked into accepting our gift, I don't think I'd be the
best person to take on that duty. Anybody volunteering to call? Anybody
here a "firm"?
Julie
Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> Julie just reported back from the PO and it will be even MORE to ship
> than we had first thought. Quoting from an email she sent (with
> permission)
> >
> >
> > Sigh :-/
> >
> > I went to the p.o., and my boxes were too big. I did not use
> > huge boxes. I have
> > received boxes in the mail 2 or more times bigger than what
> > I used. Here is
> > what I was told is the rule: max length 42 inches; max length
> > and girth combined
> > 79 inches.
> >
> > I don't have any acceptable size boxes sitting around here.
> >
> > I could go out and get some at Office Depot, they have some
> > 14x14x14 listed on
> > their website. That would be a total of 70 inches. That
> > really isn't a very big
> > box. The p.o. charges by the pound.
> >
> > I have one smaller box here 54 inch total, I just put 6
> > purple buckets and some
> > misc. bulk in there. It weighs 9 lbs, which would cost $39.13 to ship.
> >
> > The way I had things boxed, I estimated $444 to ship based on
> > 123 pounds. If I
> > could get the 14x14x14 boxes and was able to fit 10 pounds in
> > each box, that
> > would be 12 boxes x $42.15 per box = $504 in shipping.
> >
> > I have spent $512 on Lego. Do you want to check with other
> > donators to see if
> > this is still a good idea, as far as this being money well
> > spent? I thought I
> > read a post that said the cost of Lego is double in Turkey.
> > At this point, "we"
> > are paying double as well.
> >
> > Feel free to repost/email what ever part of this email you
> > feel necessary.
> >
> > Julie
>
>
> To the group... what should we do? It chaps me to spend 1/2 the total
> just on postage. Should we send money to Selcuk instead? Assuming that
> Julie can get refunds on most of the stuff, that is...
>
> --
> Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
> - - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
> fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
> lugnet.
>
> NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
> will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
My husband stopped off at a FedEx office today, they made a call to someone and
they told my husband they couldn't help us out.
Here's another thought:
The items I opened in order to maximize weight per box (6 blue tubs, some
FreeStyle and Duplo stuff) could be auctioned off on BRICKS.
Julie
>
> Larry Pieniazek wrote:
>
> > Julie just reported back from the PO and it will be even MORE to ship
> > than we had first thought. Quoting from an email she sent (with
> > permission)
> > >
> > >
> > > Sigh :-/
> > >
> > > I went to the p.o., and my boxes were too big. I did not use
> > > huge boxes. I have
> > > received boxes in the mail 2 or more times bigger than what
> > > I used. Here is
> > > what I was told is the rule: max length 42 inches; max length
> > > and girth combined
> > > 79 inches.
> > >
> > > I don't have any acceptable size boxes sitting around here.
> > >
> > > I could go out and get some at Office Depot, they have some
> > > 14x14x14 listed on
> > > their website. That would be a total of 70 inches. That
> > > really isn't a very big
> > > box. The p.o. charges by the pound.
> > >
> > > I have one smaller box here 54 inch total, I just put 6
> > > purple buckets and some
> > > misc. bulk in there. It weighs 9 lbs, which would cost $39.13 to ship.
> > >
> > > The way I had things boxed, I estimated $444 to ship based on
> > > 123 pounds. If I
> > > could get the 14x14x14 boxes and was able to fit 10 pounds in
> > > each box, that
> > > would be 12 boxes x $42.15 per box = $504 in shipping.
> > >
> > > I have spent $512 on Lego. Do you want to check with other
> > > donators to see if
> > > this is still a good idea, as far as this being money well
> > > spent? I thought I
> > > read a post that said the cost of Lego is double in Turkey.
> > > At this point, "we"
> > > are paying double as well.
> > >
> > > Feel free to repost/email what ever part of this email you
> > > feel necessary.
> > >
> > > Julie
> >
> >
> > To the group... what should we do? It chaps me to spend 1/2 the total
> > just on postage. Should we send money to Selcuk instead? Assuming that
> > Julie can get refunds on most of the stuff, that is...
> >
> > --
> > Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
> > - - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
> > fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
> > lugnet.
> >
> > NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
> > will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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|
How about contacting your local paper, explain the Post offices, red
cross, fedExs, and any other means of shipping... Lack of co-operation
to help in shipping charges for items going to a ravaged country..
sometimes this gets people up in arms that the larger co's refuse to
help. and again.. back to the fact that no place likes BAD publicity...
might be faster than cutting through the red tape..
Just a thought...
Otherwise I say dump all the boxes, tubs, containers and toss just the
lego into the boxes. If you wanted to keep some sets together you could
ziplock baggie them... that should help with shipping costs some.. Even
shipping a bulk tub to Canada is expensive I'd bet from 8.00 down to
probably 4.00 if I wouldn't have sent the tub.. if we can half that
shipping charge that's worth it.. S said he could get containers cheaply
there.. so that's a big option...
What's the top weight on a box going through UPSP? and how much would
the shipping be on that? if we could cut down the number of boxes to 2
or 3... it might be do-able??
dkrenz wrote:
> Here's another thought:
>
> The items I opened in order to maximize weight per box (6 blue tubs, some
> FreeStyle and Duplo stuff) could be auctioned off on BRICKS.
I think this would take too long to get the money back :( As long as
we've already got the stuff.. I think we need to find a way to get it
shipped over..
>
> Julie
If I had some extra money I would be willing to help with the shipping
cost either way, though School tapped me out big time this semester :(
--
Keep on Bricken'
-Tamy
Follow the bouncing boxes!
http://home.att.net/~mookie1/jambalaya.html
http://home.att.net/~mookie1/
http://mookie.iwarp.com/ (mirror site)
Lego isn't a toy, it's a way of life!
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
dkrenz wrote in message <37DD8788.8926D862@mc.net>...
> Here's a snippet from the Red Cross website:
>
> We regret the American Red Cross is unable to accept used
> clothing, canned goods, or other such gifts from
> individuals. Firms
> wishing to donate new, bulk goods should call
> 1-800-7-IN-KIND.
>
>
> It states above "firms" not individuals wanting to donate. It sounds like
> they may need to be talked into accepting our gift, I don't think I'd be • the
> best person to take on that duty. Anybody volunteering to call? Anybody
> here a "firm"?
> Julie
>
>
Hi all,
Great thanks to all of you, especially to Julie for all of her tremendous
efforts.
I didn't imagine that the postage fee would be this much high. When
individual sets are being considered, the cost+shipment generally lower than
the Turkish price since there is always a price difference like 25-50% (I
bought my speederbike set for approx. 17$, regular retail). The price
difference for the tubs and the likes are generally close to the upper
limit, and when the discounts that you are familiar with taken into account,
it is even higher. So, it is very likely to not able to buy this much here,
too.
For lowering the postage fees, I have an idea. How about getting rid of all
the tubs/buckets and tossing the ingredients to ziplock bags?. I can
purchase suitable plastic kitchenware (they are generally very cheap here, I
mean plastic food storage tubs with lids) in required quantity to store them
when donating.
I generally use this principle (getting rid of package) in my own purchases,
and it makes significant difference.
Best regards,
Selçuk
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Well, we've had a couple of days to mull this over. Some good
suggestions have been made, but my vote is to go the Ziplock bag route
for non returnable items... return the rest and send the remaining money
directly to Selçuk. But to a certain extent, that is a lot more work for
Julie so I'd tend to want to get her agreement.
Selçuk wrote:
>
> dkrenz wrote in message <37DD8788.8926D862@mc.net>...
> > Here's a snippet from the Red Cross website:
> >
> > We regret the American Red Cross is unable to accept used
> > clothing, canned goods, or other such gifts from
> > individuals. Firms
> > wishing to donate new, bulk goods should call
> > 1-800-7-IN-KIND.
> >
> >
> > It states above "firms" not individuals wanting to donate. It sounds like
> > they may need to be talked into accepting our gift, I don't think I'd be • the
> > best person to take on that duty. Anybody volunteering to call? Anybody
> > here a "firm"?
> > Julie
> >
> >
>
> Hi all,
>
> Great thanks to all of you, especially to Julie for all of her tremendous
> efforts.
>
> I didn't imagine that the postage fee would be this much high. When
> individual sets are being considered, the cost+shipment generally lower than
> the Turkish price since there is always a price difference like 25-50% (I
> bought my speederbike set for approx. 17$, regular retail). The price
> difference for the tubs and the likes are generally close to the upper
> limit, and when the discounts that you are familiar with taken into account,
> it is even higher. So, it is very likely to not able to buy this much here,
> too.
>
> For lowering the postage fees, I have an idea. How about getting rid of all
> the tubs/buckets and tossing the ingredients to ziplock bags?. I can
> purchase suitable plastic kitchenware (they are generally very cheap here, I
> mean plastic food storage tubs with lids) in required quantity to store them
> when donating.
>
> I generally use this principle (getting rid of package) in my own purchases,
> and it makes significant difference.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Selçuk
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> Well, we've had a couple of days to mull this over. Some good
> suggestions have been made, but my vote is to go the Ziplock bag route
> for non returnable items... return the rest and send the remaining money
> directly to Selçuk. But to a certain extent, that is a lot more work for
> Julie so I'd tend to want to get her agreement.
Yes, returning what I can is not a problem...just gives me another excuse to go to
the stores and see what's on the shelves :-)
I think I will snap together the Duplo that I opened , in order to get more into
one box.
Too bad there's no birthday party planned for this weekend...."ok, kids, whoever
puts together their pile of bricks the quickest
gets first prize, second fastest second prize and on down the line".
I could do this with my 5 & 9 year old. I think more could fit in a box put
together than loose, no?
It shouldn't take too long too to snap together +7000 bricks.
It won't look as pretty when Selcuk gets it, but he could always take a few
minutes to bust them up.
As always....thoughts are welcome.
Julie
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I mailed out the packages on Monday. I ended up sending 3 boxes with contents from the
following:
8 1200 pc blue tubs
4 400 pc freestyle w/backpack
4 400 pc classic w/tray-building table
1 400 classic bucket
1 80 pc Primo
1 13pc(?) Primo from the ladybug container
2 Duplo green tubs
4 yellow bucket Duplo #2493
1 Indian Family Duplo
4 6580s Land Jet 7
and I put in 10 16x32 baseplates and some FreeStyle tire,hub & axle sets.
The boxes weighed 25 lbs 11oz, 21 lbs 15 oz and 21 lbs 4oz, mailing airmail cost $245.
I still need to sit down and figure the final amount spent, somewhere around $350..
There are many credit slips involved and I'm too tired at the moment to do the math.
Julie
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On Fri, 24 Sep 1999 04:37:05 GMT, dkrenz <dkrenz@mc.net> wrote:
> I mailed out the packages on Monday. I ended up sending 3 boxes with contents from the
> following:
>
> 8 1200 pc blue tubs
> 4 400 pc freestyle w/backpack
> 4 400 pc classic w/tray-building table
> 1 400 classic bucket
> 1 80 pc Primo
> 1 13pc(?) Primo from the ladybug container
> 2 Duplo green tubs
> 4 yellow bucket Duplo #2493
> 1 Indian Family Duplo
> 4 6580s Land Jet 7
> and I put in 10 16x32 baseplates and some FreeStyle tire,hub & axle sets.
>
> The boxes weighed 25 lbs 11oz, 21 lbs 15 oz and 21 lbs 4oz, mailing airmail cost $245.
> I still need to sit down and figure the final amount spent, somewhere around $350..
> There are many credit slips involved and I'm too tired at the moment to do the math.
Thanks so much for taking care of this, Julie.
--
The parts you want and nothing else?
http://jaba.dtrh.com/ - Just Another Brick Auction
Why pay eBay? Run your own LEGO auctions for free!
http://www.guarded-inn.com/bricks/
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Thank you very much Julie, all from my heart...:-)
Best regards,
Selçuk
dkrenz wrote in message <37EAFFF1.F1F6DC25@mc.net>...
> I mailed out the packages on Monday. I ended up sending 3 boxes with • contents from the
> following:
>
> 8 1200 pc blue tubs
> 4 400 pc freestyle w/backpack
> 4 400 pc classic w/tray-building table
> 1 400 classic bucket
> 1 80 pc Primo
> 1 13pc(?) Primo from the ladybug container
> 2 Duplo green tubs
> 4 yellow bucket Duplo #2493
> 1 Indian Family Duplo
> 4 6580s Land Jet 7
> and I put in 10 16x32 baseplates and some FreeStyle tire,hub & axle sets.
>
> The boxes weighed 25 lbs 11oz, 21 lbs 15 oz and 21 lbs 4oz, mailing airmail • cost $245.
> I still need to sit down and figure the final amount spent, somewhere • around $350..
> There are many credit slips involved and I'm too tired at the moment to • do the math.
>
> Julie
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Yes, thanks Julie!
Now I guess it's time to discuss what to do with the leftover money.
Turkey's need is desperate, but in the interim there have been a number
of other disasters!
Julie has the leftover money but it's not fair to keep asking her to do
the work, perhaps another volunteer?
dkrenz wrote:
>
> I mailed out the packages on Monday.
> I still need to sit down and figure the final amount spent, somewhere around $350..
> There are many credit slips involved and I'm too tired at the moment to do the math.
>
> Julie
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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|
Larry Pieniazek wrote:
>
> Yes, thanks Julie!
>
> Now I guess it's time to discuss what to do with the leftover money.
> Turkey's need is desperate, but in the interim there have been a number
> of other disasters!
>
> Julie has the leftover money but it's not fair to keep asking her to do
> the work, perhaps another volunteer?
I've done a little poking around towards donating to Hurricane Floyd
victims. There is a local charity, Operation Toybox, which does toys
formed a few years ago by a local high school student (see
http://www.redcross.org/triangle/toybox/) which we can probably work
with to handle the actuall distribution (unless someone else in NC has
time to do distribution). If I don't end up spending this weekend doing
clean up, I could make a shopping trip (the Danville VA TRU had a _ton_
of older Freestyle and brick buckets a few weeks ago, possibly I could
talk them into a discount).
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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<37EF50F8.31BEE0F7@voyager.net> <37F212C3.7A79@mindspring.com>
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This seems like a good idea to me. Floyd seems to have caught people
really off guard and flooded areas no one in their right mind would
expect to be flooded.
Frank Filz wrote:
> I've done a little poking around towards donating to Hurricane Floyd
> victims. There is a local charity, Operation Toybox, which does toys
> formed a few years ago by a local high school student (see
> http://www.redcross.org/triangle/toybox/) which we can probably work
> with to handle the actuall distribution (unless someone else in NC has
> time to do distribution). If I don't end up spending this weekend doing
> clean up, I could make a shopping trip (the Danville VA TRU had a _ton_
> of older Freestyle and brick buckets a few weeks ago, possibly I could
> talk them into a discount).
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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<37EF50F8.31BEE0F7@voyager.net> <37F212C3.7A79@mindspring.com>
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Frank Filz wrote:
>
> Larry Pieniazek wrote:
> >
> > Yes, thanks Julie!
> >
> > Now I guess it's time to discuss what to do with the leftover money.
> > Turkey's need is desperate, but in the interim there have been a number
> > of other disasters!
> >
> > Julie has the leftover money but it's not fair to keep asking her to do
> > the work, perhaps another volunteer?
>
> I've done a little poking around towards donating to Hurricane Floyd
> victims. There is a local charity, Operation Toybox, which does toys
> formed a few years ago by a local high school student (see
> http://www.redcross.org/triangle/toybox/) which we can probably work
> with to handle the actuall distribution (unless someone else in NC has
> time to do distribution). If I don't end up spending this weekend doing
> clean up, I could make a shopping trip (the Danville VA TRU had a _ton_
> of older Freestyle and brick buckets a few weeks ago, possibly I could
> talk them into a discount).
I will indeed have time to do some LEGO shopping this weekend, and I
will make time next week to get any purchases made to either the Red
Cross or Operation Toybox for distribution.
If anyone thinks we (I) should go ahead with this, let me know, and
especially give me ideas as to what to buy (I think buying Freestyle and
DUPLO buckets is the best bet). If anyone in NC would like to help, let
me know.
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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Things were not so easy and clear on my side, but finally it seems that it
will be ended in a good fashion.
On Tuesday 28.09.1999, I was informed by the customs that I have three
packages waiting on the customs for delivery. Obviously they were the
packages dent by Julie (thanks again Julie, and all the other donors, with
my full heart). I went for taking the delivery, and said to the inspectors
that those packages were all donation for earthquake children. Their answer
was they need a legal letter from the mayor that allows me to take the
delivery as donation without customs fee. I went for the mayors chrisis
center for the letter, but they told me that this was not their
responsibility since some date, and I should have go to the Red Crescent for
the letter. Then I went to the Red Crescent Istanbul branch, and talked
about the subject to the senior manager. She said that, if I didn't want to
pay customs tax, I should donate the good to them, and I didn't have the
right to say where should donation go. This was not the way I prefer to go
(from the very beginning) , after all the recent scandals about the
foundation and all of the things that I'd seen with my very own eyes during
the help missions.
So I returned back to the customs and said that I wanted to pay for the
customs tax. Then they asked for the invoice to calculate the tax amount. I
tried to explain at my best that there couldn't be an invoice because the
items in the packages were either used or new, and the new ones were bought
from several different stores by several different people. Additionally I'
showed them the papers came with the packages, stating that they were gift,
and they were marked as 100$ per package value already if they want to
calculate tax. They said it was not a valid price description and I couldn't
take the delivery in these conditions, and they would resent the package
back if not taken in a week time for the sender's expense.
The story from now on is a little bit(!) illegal(1), since, after seeing
that no legal methods would work, I started to find the ways to cheat. I
feel myself responsible from delivering these toys to the ones in real need,
and just saying "I've donated the toys to Red Crescent...I know they won't
send it to the victims, but hey, there was no other way, right?" is not
enough after all of your nice and wishful efforts.
First I contacted a high rank Postal Service manager that I know somehow,
but his relations with customs branch didn't make the work done. Then I
contacted with a customs commissioner, a friend from high school days. Now
the things seems all right, and he informed me just several minutes ago that
we will have the packages this evening with 99% possibility(2). Of course
this will require an approximate 200$ of illegal cash paid to the frontline
inspectors but...anyway. I've done it, and I'm happy with it.
I will repackage them set by set this evening at home, and most probably
deliver them to the child cities that I've contacted before this weekend.
Thanks and best wishes to all of the donors, and especially to Julie for her
tireless efforts, with my full heart...:-)
Selçuk
(1) Although very common in my country in any case involving a state related
work, I'm not in the favor of these methods, and I never use them for my own
benefit.
(2) If this will not work (just a very very low possibility) we have still a
last way to go: preparing a fake invoice. A little bit risky method, so
always reserved as a last chance, but it always works, as my friend said.
dkrenz wrote in message <37EAFFF1.F1F6DC25@mc.net>...
> I mailed out the packages on Monday. I ended up sending 3 boxes with • contents from the
> following:
>
> 8 1200 pc blue tubs
> 4 400 pc freestyle w/backpack
> 4 400 pc classic w/tray-building table
> 1 400 classic bucket
> 1 80 pc Primo
> 1 13pc(?) Primo from the ladybug container
> 2 Duplo green tubs
> 4 yellow bucket Duplo #2493
> 1 Indian Family Duplo
> 4 6580s Land Jet 7
> and I put in 10 16x32 baseplates and some FreeStyle tire,hub & axle sets.
>
> The boxes weighed 25 lbs 11oz, 21 lbs 15 oz and 21 lbs 4oz, mailing airmail • cost $245.
> I still need to sit down and figure the final amount spent, somewhere • around $350..
> There are many credit slips involved and I'm too tired at the moment to • do the math.
>
> Julie
>
>
>
>
>
>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
>
> the things seems all right, and he informed me just several minutes ago • that
> we will have the packages this evening with 99% possibility(2). Of course
My friend called again, and said that the legos are inside his cars trunk,
so this is over..:-) I'll inform you about donation to the childes, most
probably with some pictures, if I can barrow the digital camera that we used
in our office.
Selçuk
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In lugnet.general, Selçuk Göre writes:
>
> >
> > the things seems all right, and he informed me just several minutes ago • that
> > we will have the packages this evening with 99% possibility(2). Of course
>
>
> My friend called again, and said that the legos are inside his cars trunk,
> so this is over..:-) I'll inform you about donation to the childes, most
> probably with some pictures, if I can barrow the digital camera that we used
> in our office.
>
> Selçuk
Hi to everyone again.
I've sorted and repackaged all of the sets, add to them two duplo sets from
John and Diane Cromer + several wheels and windows/doors sets (to add more play
value) that I bought with money from Thomas Main ans myself, and started to
wait for next weekend to make the donation. There is at least one more package
on the post (I've got an e-mail from Allan Bedford), so it's better to wait for
an additional week. I also ordered several other wheels and doors/windows sets,
since the shop that I went for shopping didn't have enough.
Selçuk
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Wow...
We're going to have to figure out a better way to handle these
situations. I'll talk to the Operation Toybox folks and see what ideas
they have for the future. I think they only do aid to US and possesions,
but they have managed to get free shipping. If we went through them, it
would be a little more out of our hands, but they do do just toys, and
should be motivated to find responsible parties on the receiving end.
They also attach notes from the donors, so we could make it quite clear
that the donations are coming from AFOLs.
--
Frank Filz
-----------------------------
Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
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<FIx4x9.K7z@lugnet.com> <37F4AD4C.586@mindspring.com>
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What a horror story. Between shipping and bribes, we're getting maybe 20
cents on the dollar. I think kudos should go to everyone for a valiant
effort, no one should feel guilty for this outcome, we tried very very
hard. But still, it's frustrating.
And people wonder why I don't think much of governments.
Again, thanks to everyone who has participated in trying to get this to
happen...
Frank Filz wrote:
>
> Wow...
>
> We're going to have to figure out a better way to handle these
> situations. I'll talk to the Operation Toybox folks and see what ideas
> they have for the future. I think they only do aid to US and possesions,
> but they have managed to get free shipping. If we went through them, it
> would be a little more out of our hands, but they do do just toys, and
> should be motivated to find responsible parties on the receiving end.
> They also attach notes from the donors, so we could make it quite clear
> that the donations are coming from AFOLs.
>
> --
> Frank Filz
>
> -----------------------------
> Work: mailto:ffilz@us.ibm.com (business only please)
> Home: mailto:ffilz@mindspring.com
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hi fellows,
Finally all the legos met with children. Last weekend I've brought the
packages to their destination. I don't have enough time to continue right
now, but I'll post a more detailed update as soon as possible. I've also
taken some photos, (some of them are in a digital camera, but some should
wait for development) and I'll also post them on a web page (if I could
create one).
Any suggestions for a free web page hosting service for a simple page with
several photos (with 2 megs of web space at most)?
Selçuk
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email me the pics and I'll put them up on some space I have...
Selçuk wrote:
> Any suggestions for a free web page hosting service for a simple page with
> several photos (with 2 megs of web space at most)?
>
> Selçuk
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to lugnet.
NOTE: Soon to be lpieniazek@tsisoft.com :-)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wow, thank you very much.
The photos from digital camera are ready (obviously) and I can send them to
you after some resizing to reduce their size.(This evening most probably)
with some annotations and a little story. The ones from the conventional
camera are related with sorting and packaging process (which is not so
interesting) and need some time to be developed.
Regards,
Selçuk
Larry Pieniazek wrote in message <3814476B.F9527578@voyager.net>...
> email me the pics and I'll put them up on some space I have...
>
> Selçuk wrote:
>
> > Any suggestions for a free web page hosting service for a simple page • with
> > several photos (with 2 megs of web space at most)?
> >
> > Selçuk
>
> --
> Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
> - - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
> fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to lugnet.
>
> NOTE: Soon to be lpieniazek@tsisoft.com :-)
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