John,
As far as I know, the envelope system is still in use here. From memory the envelopes would carry only a number. Those responsible for sending out envelopes had a list with members names and corresponding numbers. Those responsible for opening the envelopes noted the amount against the number, but were not aware of the member to which that number had been allocated. Thus, if required, a check could be carried out, but normally no one would know who had given what! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/ClapHands.gif" alt="" />