Some of the past churches gave my husband a predetermined amount. This call and the last call collected money from the members and put them in one envelope for use The collection is usually in cash, so no one is obligated to a certain amount, but what they feel best. Nor do they want us obligated to write thanks you notes to each person. Some people do write checks to be included.
Nice thing is, we tend to take a week to travel after Christmas and what they give us does good job covering gas and hotels. We usually end up with family which does reduce expenses.
