After receiving a gift basket, the polite thing to do is post a photo of it in the group with a thank you. Often, friendships then develop. These self-proclaimed Drinkerbells may have initially bonded through booze, but many went on to organize charity fund-raisers, clothing drives and toy collections.
When a woman mentioned she couldn’t make Thanksgiving for her family this year because of knee surgery, Corinne Pennington, 40, helped cook and deliver a full dinner to her home in Nashville. “That just made my day, being able to help someone,” Ms. Pennington said. “This group has been a godsend to me, to be able to connect with other women.”
Pam Giorgi, 57, from Glen Cove, N.Y., delivered with her brother James Pascucci, 53, who has Down syndrome, the two in matching fairy wings. Her online friends were so charmed by Mr. Pascucci that they organized an impressive outdoor birthday party for him last October.
Local pandemic restrictions, as well as sensitivities to group members who pause their alcohol consumption, have made fairies more creative. (This year, the pandemic has led many women to examine their relationship with alcohol and how it factors into their daily lives.) They cobble together little gifts they’ve had around the house, or things they’ve picked up while shopping for necessities, and use dollar-store art supplies to enhance the packaging. Skin care products, bath bombs and fuzzy socks are popular. So are art supplies and fun notebooks. Many add in their own creations, like hand-sewn face masks and personalized wine glasses.
“I’ve probably spent a small fortune on supplies, but honestly that’s not what our group is about,” said Amanda Lee Sohl, 34, from Shirley, N.Y., who works in client services at a local nursing home. “You can leave me a candy bar on my stoop and I’ll love it because someone took time out of their day to deliver it.”