>At my annual holiday parties, I ask guests to bring donations for a local food pantry, and they are always generous. I’m also planning a 60th birthday party for myself in 2013. I don’t need or want gifts, but people often feel obligated to bring something anyway. Can I say on the invitation that I don’t want gifts, but if they must, I would appreciate a donation to the food pantry? How should I word this?

W.P. / Jamaica Plain