Cupboards and closets gradually got cleaned out and many people were able to have needs met in a satisfactory fashion. On each of those Sundays, each person present was given a sheet which asked everyone, including visitors, to write their name, address and phone number. The offering plates were then passed and slips of paper were collected. The offering plates were then passed a second time and each person took one slip from the plates. Receiving nice things is not really the most important aspect of the week.
Most people find that they derive much more pleasure from the things they plan and do for others.
Sometimes, they are even funny. One church reported a lady who placed a freshly baked pie on the doorstep of her friend's house. She rang the bell and then ran away.