Community Chat

[insomniac]

I'm fine with it.

[issiestorm]

On 12/2/2014 occasional rain said: The political begging fills my email and I've started sending it to spam. Some makes it seem that I owe them a contribution. I'm disgusted with both parties so neither are getting a dime from me. I'm wondering, do cashiers ask those paying with food stamps to make a donation?

No, food stamps are exempt.

[hckynut]

On 12/1/2014 spenditallbaby said:

Anyone have an opinion on this?

Today I was making a small purchase at a chain housewares store and was asked if I wanted to donate to such-and-such charity. Depending on my mood, I can say "yes" or "no". Today was a "no" day because, for some reason, it just bothered me to be asked for money when I just came by to buy an item. I'm practically accosted on the streets daily by people asking for "spare change" and I'm sure the cashier must have to repeat the charity-contribution request at least a hundred times a day.

I do major year-end contributions for tax purposes, primarily to animal causes, and have been known to flip tens during my daily travels to those who ask and look like they might need it--and I don't mean to sound condescending. I don't know why this was a minor irk for me today (probably because they are MAJOR retailers than reap tax benefits) and I was wondering what posters thought.

This poster thinks I do not like being put in a position of having to say something to anyone regarding charity. If I am shopping and someone is waiting at the end of check out register? If I say anything it will be "what's up?" and move on out the door. Rude? You decide.

[febe1]

I think it would be better to have a large display asking for a contribution. Like others, I have three favorite charities and wish I could give to every cause. But I can't. Also, at Publix I have given for good cause at Thanksgiving for dinners, but then I keep getting asked for weeks. My state has a reputation for being the most givers in the country, and I love that. But, I also would like to know to whom and what I'm giving is all going to that cause. There's a lot of fraud out there.

[qualitygal]

We did one donation yesterday. You can say no. We were getting some of the younger kids in the family toys, and when we are blessed to be able to do this, we do.

[JuJu Squeezie]

On 12/2/2014 minkbunny said:

On 12/2/2014 JuJu Squeezie said:

Except for a red kettle or toys for tots, I give in private to charities I support. The check out ambush isn't very appealing, just like the "would you like to put this on your acct.?" No thank you, I'm paying cash. "Do you have an acct. with us?" No, I'm paying cash. "If you open an acct. right now you can get a 10% discount..." No, Please let me pay in cash. "Sure, but if you opened an account today..." Do I have to harm you some how to pay with cash?

Yes JCPenney, I'm talking to you!

But, ma'am, today only we will take an additional 15pct off and we will come to your home and wrap your Christmas presents. Plus, here is a lovely 184 piece eyeshadow kit which will be free with a $5 purchase along with a 3 quart Corningware dish of scalloped potatoes. Ma'am? Ma'am??????

And a pair of houseshoes - and an umbrella?

Ma'am????

ETA, Ma'am?

This is why there's no gun department.

[Cranberries]

Sometimes I say yes, sometimes no. I prefer to donate to local charities/causes first.

[bells4me]

Dollar General & Dollar Tree are the worst. I usually say yes, but it's adding up. I give generously to the Heart Association, Veteran's, Humane Society and Children's Hospital, both time and money. Those are my charities of choice. I say "not at this time" more now.

[beckyb1012]

It used to be hard for me to walk by the ones outside the door with their bells and not give. But that organization is on my monthly list of charities all year long with a couple of others. So even though that particular bell ringer does not know I give, I know where my heart is. People should be able to give when they can and where they want and it does not have to be during the holidays or for anyone else's knowledge.

I do hate the cash register begging does not seem right to me. I most of the time just say no.

[croemer]

I do not care for it at all. I think it puts you on the spot. I also do not care for the terms used when customers donate... that the company takes all the credit...no you did not make the contributions...your customers did.