Re: Charitable donations

Luvtoshopathome · ‎03-09-2010

Be careful about what charities you donate to. After seeing informercials about the Wounded Warriors, I was very moved by it. They asked for $19 a month, and I wanted to do it. Well, before I did I went on the Internet to see if it was on the up and up and I'm happy I did. I read on how much of the money did NOT go to the Wounded Vets but to the Execs running this organization. Flying all over the world first class, dining at expensive restaurants, spending all kinds of money, living a lavish life on the money people donated thinking that money was helping our Veterans. I think they scamed over $800 million. What a disgrace.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@dex wrote:
it seems that everyone needs something these days.My husband has a deduction from his pay monthly and I donate to breast cancer.We also buy diapers for the food bank.The problem is that a couple of ladies at my gym belong to a club and they are always collecting for something.I don't want to donate to any more causes.My family also needs things.How do I say no without looking like a bad person.

@dex

I'd say ..... Darn, I'm fully committed for all donations I'm making in 2016. Sorry!

Bridgegal · ‎03-09-2010

I fully agree with what others have said here. We have donated a set amount every month for years to two organizations that are dear to us.

We have learned how to politely say, we can't help.

In addition, my husband started a non profit about 7 years ago that is for Viet Nam veterans. 100% of donations go to the organization. No one takes a salary or spends a penny on anything not directly related to the mission. We know full well the fraud that is out there and understand the limited donation resources that people have. No one can give to everything.

sissel · ‎08-13-2010

It seems I can't leave the grocery store without people hanging in front asking for donations. Boy Scouts, Girls scouts, school projects & firemen so instead of buying their expensive cookies, popcorn etc... I say I can give you $3 for your cause and they accept it & very happy. I don't need the items they sell but I do like to give to the local projects & help my community.

dex · ‎03-09-2010

I like to help my community too.There is always a cute neighbor child at the door fundraising for school or sports.I too donate cash rather than purchasing the cookies or paper goods etc.

MaggieMack · ‎10-01-2014

@Luvtoshopathome wrote:
Be careful about what charities you donate to. After seeing informercials about the Wounded Warriors, I was very moved by it. They asked for $19 a month, and I wanted to do it. Well, before I did I went on the Internet to see if it was on the up and up and I'm happy I did. I read on how much of the money did NOT go to the Wounded Vets but to the Execs running this organization. Flying all over the world first class, dining at expensive restaurants, spending all kinds of money, living a lavish life on the money people donated thinking that money was helping our Veterans. I think they scamed over $800 million. What a disgrace.

Wounded Warriors has since fired their Executive Director and CFO. Good places to start, they have a lot of cleanup to do to restore the public's trust. I think they will right the ship and when they do, I will consider donating again.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

I'm wondering what kind of 'club' these ladies belong to?

Maybe contact the 'club' anonymously and relay to them that you (and possibly other gym members) don't want to be pestered while working out. They need to come up with another way of fundraising and not in people's personal spaces.

It is pestering.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@SydneyH wrote:
I have no difficulty saying no.

Exactly! When I get solicitors on my phone begging for money I hang up on them in mid sentence......on the other hand, yesterday I was at an intersection waiting for the light to change and there was a guy with a sign asking for help ....something told me to give him a few bucks....I listen to my heart When I give charity. Sometimes in the oddest places....in the dollar store a few weeks ago, a lady in front of my was short money for the food stuff she was buying. I just took care of the whole transaction. I just knew I was there for a reason and she needed help.

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@SydneyH wrote:
I have no difficulty saying no.
Exactly! When I get solicitors on my phone begging for money I hang up on them in mid sentence......on the other hand, yesterday I was at an intersection waiting for the light to change and there was a guy with a sign asking for help ....something told me to give him a few bucks....I listen to my heart When I give charity. Sometimes in the oddest places....in the dollar store a few weeks ago, a lady in front of my was short money for the food stuff she was buying. I just took care of the whole transaction. I just knew I was there for a reason and she needed help.

@SeaMaiden

How kind of you to pay the woman's bill. I have never had that happen to me, but hopefully, I would do the same. I give to people on the street sometime. My family thinks I am crazy because they say they will spend it on tobacco or alcohol, but I give anyway. I hang up on phone solicitors as soon as I can tell that's what it is. I simply say, "No, thank you" and hang up.

I give to lots of charities. I also give to my church and help my brother and sister with their monthly bills. My DH and I are not wealthy, but we are blessed so we do what we can to help others.