Meet the Drinkerbells: These booze fairies are a pandemic gift

Let's talk about...Booze Fairies.

Have things been so dire that even fairies have taken to drink?
Ha ha. We can’t blame them if they have but I was talking about the real-life, tooth fairy equivalent.

I’m intrigued.

It’s a pandemic-inspired trend in the US, where some folks are anonymously dropping off care packages, usually with alcohol, at doorsteps.

Wow! Spirits to lift your spirits. How does it work?
It works on a pay-it-forward basis, among groups. Those who would like to take part share their address and choice of alcohol with group leaders, who then assign them to other “fairies” who will deliver the goodies. Each goody bag or basket will have an address for the recipient to deliver to, so that they can don their own fairy wings.

Ah ha. What if I accept the goodies, and then don’t deliver?
You’ll have your wings clipped pretty fast! Freeloaders are not tolerated in these groups.

I’m kidding. But it all sounds quite heart-warming. A bit like Secret Santa.
Yes, exactly. Also, the baskets are not just about alcohol – sometimes they have customised, inexpensive gifts for the recipient. If they have children, for instance.

Ah. How do the “booze fairies” know that, though?
From social media, particularly the groups they are part of! Recipients also post pictures of their goodies, so that news about the good deed is shared.

This sounds like a welcome pandemic innovation.
True. Apart from fostering a sense of community and kindness, some of the “fairies” say they also enjoy it for the thrill of sneaking around and quietly dropping off the goodies.

By the way, can you guess what else these booze fairies are called?
Do tell.
Drinkerbells!