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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,560
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Wary of donating to charities.

Before you jump all over me I’m just going to state some simple facts about my situation and then my observation. Not looking for pity but just the backstory. I am a domestic abuse survivor and in the middle of a divorce and living hand to mouth. I don’t even have the heat on in my home. For thanksgiving I went and ordered two thanksgiving dinners for me and my daughter ( have no family here). It was nice nonetheless. So I’m watching my local news station, where this one charity was giving whole Thanksgiving meals to needy families. When they went to bring out the meals, one was in a late model Audi and there was another late model car. I myself have a 15 year old car with a 180,000 miles on it. All I could think was why didn’t sell their cars for a less expensive model or used one at that. I’m sorry but if I had a late model car in my situation I would definitely buy something a lot less expensive or one with no payments. They just didn’t look needy to me if you get what I’m saying. It makes me not really want to donate if I could because I would want to know that the families were in real need of a meal.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,314
Registered: ‎06-06-2019

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

[ Edited ]

Don't judge others by what you see and assume  You never know their situation or what they might be going through.  That's all I'm going to say; I'm sure others will be chiming in.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,479
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

You really don't know what's going on in other people's life. Do not judge so that you won't be judged. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,749
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Wary of donating to charities.


@Allthingsgirly67 wrote:
Before you jump all over me I’m just going to state some simple facts about my situation and then my observation. Not looking for pity but just the backstory. I am a domestic abuse survivor and in the middle of a divorce and living hand to mouth. I don’t even have the heat on in my home. For thanksgiving I went and ordered two thanksgiving dinners for me and my daughter ( have no family here). It was nice nonetheless. So I’m watching my local news station, where this one charity was giving whole Thanksgiving meals to needy families. When they went to bring out the meals, one was in a late model Audi and there was another late model car. I myself have a 15 year old car with a 180,000 miles on it. All I could think was why didn’t sell their cars for a less expensive model or used one at that. I’m sorry but if I had a late model car in my situation I would definitely buy something a lot less expensive or one with no payments. They just didn’t look needy to me if you get what I’m saying. It makes me not really want to donate if I could because I would want to know that the families were in real need of a meal.

Maybe they borrowed their cars. I never judge because if someone is destitute enough to seek food assistance, I believe they need the food. And it would never stop me from donating food.

 

I once volunteered  at a food bank. There were some wealthy women who never worked and their husband's left them destitute. With kids to feed, some were left with infants that needed diapers and formula. They drive those nice cars you are posting about, too @Allthingsgirly67 .

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,674
Registered: ‎06-09-2010

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

I heard on the news that many people are struggling to pay their bills..Many are falling behind in their car payments. This is just my thought but they might be living in their cars. I think we just never know what financial situation a person is facing. It is hard to pass judgement.

 

I am sorry you are struggling. I know it is not easy to make it in life. We have so many challenges facing us. I hope your situation improves and you have a Merry Christmas. Take care.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,608
Registered: ‎03-29-2020

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

If you don't feel like donating, you don't have to. Like you, I'm not being snotty, just stating a fact.

 

Sometimes poverty and hunger/homelessness isn't obvious. Don't be too quick to judge. I know how you feel but I've had some unpleasant surprises in that regard.

 

I hope your situation improves. I also hope no one has judged you harshly or wrongly.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,416
Registered: ‎02-14-2017

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

Maybe they were delivering boxes to a shut in? Maybe they are foster parents who were invited to partake? Maybe selling a car you’re still making payments on doesn’t yield the dividends you think it does if you’re financial hardship is temporary?
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,219
Registered: ‎06-13-2010

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

[ Edited ]

Wow! I am SO very sorry you are going through this!!❤ Many people are barely making ends meet, and living pay check to pay check.😐I do not know their story, but some people have lost their jobs, homes, businesses, etc and are in GREAT need this time of year while just trying to put food on the table, and clothes on their backs!!❤

 

THANKFULLY, charities are able to help fill the void for many of them! The car one drives does not always dictate their true life status. Perhaps they are TRULY in need.😊

 

I know there are those who exploit the system, but PLEASE do not allow this to stop you from blessing others by donating, because their status is unknown! It is best when it comes from the heart without preconceptions.❤

 

Again, I am REALLY SORRY you are going through this and am sending prayers of HOPE that things improve for you soon!!!🤞🙏

 

Edited for clarity

 

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,560
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Wary of donating to charities.

I think you are all missing my point. I don’t understand why they just don’t sell their cars to have less expensive cars or a used car with no payments. If I were used to shopping at Bloomingdale’s and my situation was dire than you obviously can’t shop there and might have go with Walmart. I too used to work at a supermarket and we had people pay with food stamps who would than go out to their Cadillac or as one woman did pay while dressed in furs and plenty of jewelry. If things are that bad , sell the fur and some non sentimental jewelry. You have to make sacrifices. In the above situations I would have been embarrassed to show my face. Please don’t say that they might be living in the car. You can easily trade in a late model Audi or other model for something more affordable. Also with no payments required. I currently live in a house and I know when I sell it I will not be able to buy another and quite possibly might even have to settle with a one bedroom for my daughter and the couch for me. But I have my health and I know people have it worse so I don’t complain. I would never expect to buy a house or a newish car and then go to a food bank and expect a free meal. I just think people feel entitled and there are plenty of people in need who don’t ask for anything. I think some of them are taking advantage of a free meal or in this case a free meal for an entire family.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,560
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Wary of donating to charities.


@Allthingsgirly67 wrote:
I think you are all missing my point. I don’t understand why they just don’t sell their cars to have less expensive cars or a used car with no payments. If I were used to shopping at Bloomingdale’s and my situation was dire than you obviously can’t shop there and might have go with Walmart. I too used to work at a supermarket and we had people pay with food stamps who would than go out to their Cadillac or as one woman did pay while dressed in furs and plenty of jewelry. If things are that bad , sell the fur and some non sentimental jewelry. You have to make sacrifices. In the above situations I would have been embarrassed to show my face. Please don’t say that they might be living in the car. You can easily trade in a late model Audi or other model for something more affordable. Also with no payments required. I currently live in a house and I know when I sell it I will not be able to buy another and quite possibly might even have to settle with a one bedroom for my daughter and the couch for me. But I have my health and I know people have it worse so I don’t complain. I would never expect to buy a house or a newish car and then go to a food bank and expect a free meal. I just think people feel entitled and there are plenty of people in need who don’t ask for anything. I think some of them are taking advantage of a free meal or in this case a free meal for an entire family.


@Allthingsgirly67 - some might be taking advantage or they may not be. You'll never know.


Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?