DO NOT donate to The Salvation Army

[Are_grits_groceries]

There was a thread not long ago about this topic. The SA do help the needy and, the person leading the organization takes a minimal salary compared to other charities. That is all well and good.

However, they are and have been actively involved in assaulting LGBT rights. For a summary of their involvement, please read this article:
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/12/the-salvation-army-ringing-anti-gay-bells-this-holiday-season/

When giving to the SA, you are not just helping the needy. You are supporting a virulently bigoted organization, and your money is considered by them to be a act of approval of all their missions. They don't sit around and separate their funds that they use for those that need help and those that are used to fund hateful causes. When you put money into that red kettle, you are supporting both sides.

As a member of the LGBT community I find this disgraceful and dangerous. In this country, there is still a long way to go in passing gay rights. Every day there is another story about some kid being bullied about being gay or about some gay person being brutally beaten.

Any support given to the SA and other openly anti-LGBT groups only strengthens their resolve. This isn't a zero sum situation. Their good works do not cancel out their hate. If you support one side by giving money for the needy, you support the less admirable side.

There are many charitable organizations that aren't working against LGBT rights. The article that is linked to provides a list of these. Helping bearding hating is unacceptable.

You may think this is an extreme position. However, if you drop money into that kettle, think of those LGBT people who have been hurt in many ways. Think of those you know in the LGBT community. Think of the many other ways there are to help those that need it without hurting anybody else.

(I wrote this because I was so stunned by the number of people on DU who seemed to consider their anti-LGBT rights stance a minor issue compared to their work for the needy)

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

I don't

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Working for the needy is important.

But, should it come at the expense of others?

There are a number of organizations that do not actively discriminate against others; they are the better choice.

People might want to ask: did my dollar go to help the needy or subjucate and deny others to basic civil rights and dignity? And what about the LGBT needy? How many gay youth (and not so young) populate the streets or are in dire need?

We can't overcome homlessness and need at the expense of gays and lesbians any more than we can work for GLBT rights while tramppling on those in need.

[REP]

3. They're anti-abortion. That's enough for me to pass them by.

[FarPoint]

4. This information needs to be a priority.

I am so sick of misrepresentation ....I myself will tell all I know.

[ashling]

5. Here's an idea I thunk up in my insomnia

When you go Xmas shopping or when you shop for whatever you shop for at this time of the year, take along a "Salvation Army Checkbook": under the cover of a checkbook have either chek size blank paper or even old checks from before you took your money out of the you know where and put it in the Credit Union - unless you are using them for toilet paper - You should probably mark or cut out any sensetive info.

Then whe you see them, go over and pull out your checkbook and write them a check for "zero dollars and no/cents" or "You are full of shit and have no/sense" or a link to a gay website, or any other appro[priately worded slogan or phrase or message, etc. Make a big deal of "signing" your "check" , fold it at stick it in their bucket, You can then leave thenm with whatever holiday greeting you deem appropriate.


Sorry, I am about to fall asleep on my keyboard, but I am going to try to post this befotre Ido.

Happpppy Ho;ildsays@!@!!

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[pacalo]

6. I like this idea.

"I gave to an undiscriminating charity. Everyone deserves civil & human rights; your organization doesn't think so."

[obamanut2012]

21. I like what you wrote very much

That isn't a bad idea.

[pacalo]

24. What better time to give them crucial feedback than when they're asking for donations?

I feel as though it might get their attention.

[obamanut2012]

25. It certainly wouldn't hurt

And, what you wrote is polite but to the point.

[ashling]

27. Very good idea

When I wrote my post I was suffering from SEVERE sleep deprivation and was having a hard time articulating (LOL)

[pacalo]

42. I'm a night owl, too, ashling.

[SemperEadem]

63. fill their little red buckets with those folded up pieces of paper-

they're think you're giving big time... and you are. You are reminding them that true christians don't turn their backs on those that they don't agree with. If it means they don't meet their quota, then perhaps they'll spend the next 366 days working that little kink out of their stride.

[Delphinus]

82. Great idea.

I seem to run into the buckets two to three times a week (try to shop fresh veggies often) and always feel compelled to give. I will print these up and put them in the kettle.

[whistler162]

18. Nice childish idea!

[raccoon]

37. Good idea, but I'd write on that fake check why you don't like the organization. be more explicit

than a link. They'll probably throw it away and never check out the link.

[arikara]

75. I just write something like the following

"I won't donate to your organization because I love my gay aunt."

or

"I won't donate to an organization that fires older workers so they can pay lower wages" They did that at a nursing home they run here.

or

"I don't donate to an organization who sends people away barefoot if they can't afford to pay for your used shoes." Again, something they've done here, refused a man shoes because he couldn't pay for them.

[TBF]

7. We have Goodwill nearby and I like to take my household items/clothes over there ...

their workers are friendly and I love their values statement:

Our Values

Respect
We treat all people with dignity and respect.

Stewardship
We honor our heritage by being socially, financially and environmentally responsible.

Ethics
We strive to meet the highest ethical standards

Learning
We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.

Innovation
We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.

http://www.goodwill.org/about-us/our-mission/

[ashling]

29. Sounds Nice!

You can write anything

How do those words hold up to their practices?

[TBF]

33. I'm willing to listen to any feedback.

It is a non-profit "network" of stores ... so it may vary by location. In fact the one criticism wiki listed was about one particular store: "In 2005, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (GICW), Goodwill's Portland, Oregon branch, came under scrutiny due to executive compensation that the Oregon attorney general's office concluded was "unreasonable." President Michael Miller received $838,508 in pay and benefits for fiscal year 2004, which was reportedly out of line in comparison to other charity executives and placed him in the top one percent of American wage earners. After being confronted with the state's findings, Miller agreed to a 24% reduction in pay, and GICW formed a new committee and policy for handling matters of employee compensation." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodwill_Industries

[SunSeeker]

66. I love Goodwill.

I was raised by a single mom who relied on Goodwill to help her stretch her minimum wage paycheck. That's where she shopped for clothes for us when we were kids--and she never stopped shopping there for herself. She always preferred them over Salvation Army--no preaching, just help. When she passed away, I asked all my friends to donate a bag of clothes to Goodwill in her honor.

[TBF]

67. My mom did some shopping there herself when we were young -

that's how I knew about it Love your last line, that is inspiring.

[Luciferous]

8. K&R

[Graybeard]

9. I gave to SA for many years. No more.

The LGBT and other issues came to my attention a while back and completely changed my perception of the organization.

[madrchsod]

11. i used to shop there but now i won`t think of doing that again

i do most of my shopping at a local organization that isn`t political or has social restrictions. they just help those in need.

[Odin2005]

12. K&R

[Walk away]

13. Since salvation = god or else

I tend to stay away from organizations that trade food for the souls of the hungry. There are plenty of better places to give!

[LNM]

17. That's why I don't donate.

That stuff pisses me off.

[SaintPete]

58. I have had from SA on utilities AND food - I didn't have to pray for it

certainly doesn't change their discrimination, but I feel I have to acknowledge their no strings generosity to my family

[GoCubsGo]

14. That's a given.

I do not to donate to religious-based charities. The one exception being the St. Vincent DePaul Society, because it's my mother's favorite. Fortunately, they actually DO help poor people, and AFAIK, they do it all without questioning sexual orientation, faith, or anything else. Nor, to they require one to have to sit and listen to their proselytizing in order to receive aid.

[emcguffie]

15. You have my agreement and support.

I found that other thread quite shocking, as well. Sometimes the way someone sees something seems to be very limited by their point of view. Of course, if you say that, they turn it around and say you are the one who is looking through a narrow lens. But I don't think so.

Would the fake dollars fill up the pot and keep other people from contributing? Humph.

[ashling]

30. Would the fake dollars fill up the pot and keep other people from contributing?

That's what I was thinking - if enough people did it. Fold it so that it won't be visible to the SA person, but not too small. Folding in half takes up more room

[Lugnut]

16. I don't donate to SA.

I don't support their mission.

[lapislzi]

19. Thanks for the PSA. I did not know that.

They got a dollar on Saturday. They won't get another.

In the same vein, don't buy Bolthouse Farms products. They contributed buckets of cash to Prop. 9 in California.

It's getting harder and harder to shop ethically, but it can be done.

[tomm2thumbs]

78. quick question on Bolthouse

I found this on wiki and was wondering if there were other items that I should read. Want to make an informed decision:

William Bolthouse gave $100,000 to Proposition 8. Californians Against Hate began a boycott against Bolthouse Farms, the company that William Bolthouse founded. The boycott was called off when Bolthouse Farms changed its corporate policy on domestic partnership benefits, and the company made matching contributions to various gay organizations, and promised to attain a 100% on HRC Corporate Equality Index.

I figured you might know something more than I found and wanted to wait to buy an more of their products until I knew more. Many thanks.

[obamanut2012]

20. Oh, I agree

I donate to local groups that help the needy instead, such as food pantries, missions, animal rescue groups, and domestic violence shelters. Most areas also have groups who help people if there is a natural disaster.

[nadine_mn]

22. Sigh - this makes me sad

When working at a Domestic Violence shelter, the SA was the only charity that would give clothing vouchers for women and children, and they really needed coats and clothing, esp in winter.

What truly saddens me is when the good work an organization does is negated by the shit stances they take (towards women's rights, LGBT community). Catholic Charities has done wonderful work as well - providing rent assistance, furniture, clothing, food etc.


When there is so much need, like there is now - its hard to turn down help when you need it because of the policies of a charitable organization. People shouldn't have to be put in a position to choose to accept help from an organization that is actively working against them.

[saras]

23. I agree completely. The charities shouldn't work against people, or they shouldn't be charities

I'd have no problem with a "charity" that discriminates not being allowed tax-exempt status.

[uppityperson]

51. I agree. SA does good works which is negated by the shit stances they take.

[Goblinmonger]

71. Which is why when I have clothing to donate

I first contact the shelters directly before I go to Goodwill.

[hlthe2b]

26. The conflict between ideals and goals is very real...

What the OP may not fully appreciate is that in many smaller communities and rural areas, Salvation Army is often nearly the only major charitable presence for the needy. I do not take equality issues lightly--even as male lawmakers work to erode basic human equality and autonomy rights for women, which likewise to GLBT civil rights issues, rarely captures the focus and attention deserved..

That said, there has never been a time in my life when there has been so much overt poverty. LGBT rights and non-discrimination policies remain exceedingly important to me, but I can not ignore the former--either. Sometimes one has to take a different tactic or even a longer term strategy towards changing the policies and attitudes of a group or organization. I can not condemn anyone who chooses to either boycott SA for their stance re: GLBT issues and use of "religion" nor those who see the needs of the impoverished more imminent NOW and thus chose to offer financial support to SA. Both have ideals worth fighting for. Neither is wrong. But this is not a simplistic black and white issue IMO.

[Are_grits_groceries]

35. Oh, I fully appreciate it.

I grew up in an area that was in much need of any help. It was and is very homophobic.

When and how do you think inroads of hate and bigotry make such progress? If it isn't already there,it is carried in and spread by groups such as the SA. Franklin Graham's group 'Samaratin's Purse' does the same thing. They mangage to carry an anti-everything message around the world.

If there is an already homophobic atmosphere, the SA helps it flourish. When are people most vulnerable? It's usually when they are scared, sick,or in a bad state of some sort. This is why the SA is so insidious. They offer physical sustenance, and at the same time they ladle out hate for the soul with it.

 Bob Marley-
"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold... "
 
Which is a version of this:
Matthew 16:26
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Every bit of the hate and bigotry they absorb, eats away at the soul. These people who are given this help may recover their livelihoods and begin to move forward. Rarely do they leave behind what their hearts absorbed. Most will remain fearful and full of hate for those who are LGBT.

I know people can't eat or wear ideals. However, by not trying to counter the message of the SA, far more damage is done to both those who hate and those who are hated.

If they are holding tightly to their fear and hatred of someone that has been ingrained,how will they ever be able to reach out a hand to even meet someone much less pass along the help they received.

[hlthe2b]

36. I respect your position..

That said, I have, had experience working with (collaborating with) SA many years ago in some of the rural areas of the MidWest... As others have pointed out in their own responses on this thread, throughout my considerable opportunities to observe, the homophobic attitudes from "on high" were not realized in the field by those actually serving their community. I'm sure that varies from area to area, but that was my experience. In fact those I worked with would have been very offended by any attempts to tell them that they should treat GLBT or others differently than they treated everyone else. And yes, they did very good work for those truly desperate. I do believe that they still do. The organization needs to change in terms of their attitudes and principles. But, no, I don't think someone desperate for help is very frequently amenable to brain-washing. The impoverished and needy are not incapable of thinking for themselves--nor incapable of taking the help (while ignoring any "extras" through clenched teeth).

[Are_grits_groceries]

43. The poor and needy are very capable of thinking for themselves.

However, I have seen the anti-LGBT agenda at work. Most people don't even think much about LGBT issues unless they are brought up, and they are brought up frequently in places with the LGBT community as destroyers of all things good and holy.

If people have little known contact with people who are LGBT, then a lot of shite slides because they trust those who help them. Many do take help and are very wary of the Bible beaters. Others, not so much.

The children are especially susceptible unless there are strong counter measures and teachings.

It is ever thus. And this is why the hatred of the LGBT community will always exist along with other hateful beliefs. So while the SA manages to gain toeholds in places ( Maybe not your area), there are more people to fear because they hate me and they don't even know me.

I am so tired of trying to get people to see the invisible jails people live in because of tolerance of hateful ideas but not tolerance of people. My fear at times and the continual fight by many just to be treated as humans seems to be regarded as a small nuisance in the way of more important problems.

If we all aren't of worth are any of us?

[Silver Swan]

28. My only experience with the SA directly

Was in 1986, when as student nurse I did a community nursing clinical at a Salvation Army facility for eight weeks. This included duties in a medical clinic and an alcohol rehab center.

This facility served clients from many backgrounds, some clients were openly gay. I did not witness any discrimination against anyone by any of the workers.

This is just my experience. The SA hierarchy my have an anti-LGBT agenda, but the frontline workers, at least in this facility, treated everyone the same.

[Are_grits_groceries]

31. And the hierarchy sets the political agenda they have which

is to oppose the LGBT community every step of the way.

When they help people who are grateful to them, those people are more likely to support them and their prejudices especially if the SA is the first group to make them aware of the LGBT community and the supposed evils of it.

I don't doubt that there are good and decent people in the organization. However, people cannot ignore the fact that one of their overall tenants is oppressing LGBT people. These are dangerous days for LGBTs. While strides are being made in some areas, in other areas fear and bigotry are being ramped up to ever higher levels.

Their charity towards some goes hand in hand with malice towards others.

[xchrom]

32. du rec. nt

[penndragon69]

34. And they call themselves cHristians!

[AlBratt]

38. SA received a public notice of support from the AFA years ago.

After the AFA came out in national support of the Salvation Army's anti-gay stance I never placed another penny in their donation bucket. When I entered our local Wal-mart last week the SA's donation girl rang a little bell so I would notice the bucket, but I never paid any attention to it. Instead, I greeted her with "Happy Holidays" and kept walking. SA didn't like my greeting so the girl was silent as a mouse when I came back out.

[Generic Brad]

39. I did not know this until last week

That is an unfortunate stance because I would venture to guess that most of their volunteers are completely unaware of this. And it is appalling.

My wife and I have decided to send our charitable dollars elsewhere.

[Glorfindel]

40. Recommend

Thanks for letting us know. I honestly had no idea.

[alp227]

41. the word "salvation" should be enough to skeptical minds

[jberryhill]

49. Or "army" for that matter

This army didn't get the memo on DADT.

[crim son]

44. I discovered this years ago

and have had no difficulty finding other local organizations that feed the hungry and otherwise provide support for those in need. There is no reason to support the Salvation Army, IMO.

[Casandia]

45. I've made up small notes

folded up, with reasons why I will not donate to SA, and keep them in my purse. That way, every time I am confronted with a volunteer at the entrance of a store, I slip the note in the bucket. I get a "Thank you" and I just smile, and walk away. Only problem, people around think I am donating... oh well

[Still Blue in PDX]

46. When I pass by a bell ringer I tell them the reason I don't donate to them.

Most often the person with the kettle either is shocked or is a very good actor.

[stevenleser]

47. Thank you for reminding me. The following is now on my Facebook page:

Dear Salvation Army:

I love the work you do with the poor. However, I do not donate to groups that discriminate against the LGBT community or anyone else or who advocate that women not have control over their own bodies. There are plenty of groups that advocate for and work with the poor and homeless that do not discriminate. As soon as you change your policies, I will donate to you again.

Thank you and Happy Holidays

[irisblue]

61. your words

are true. i'm gonna borrow them for my folded up notes if i may.

[stevenleser]

90. Please feel free! And this FB post was pretty popular. Amazing how many folks

refuse to support them and the boy scouts (as some responders chimed in) because of positions like this. It makes me happy to see.

[Ian David]

48. Why don't we consider some alternatives to The Salvation Army?

doctors without borders
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/


habitat for humanity
http://www.habitat.org/


the Trevor project
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/


S.H.A.R.E., the Secular Humanist Aid and Relief Effort
http://www.centerforinquiry.net/news/share_opens_fund_for_haiti_quake_relief


responsible charity
http://responsiblecharity.org/


PFLAG
http://community.pflag.org


remote area medical
http://www.ramusa.org/


true colors foundation
http://www.truecolorsfund.org/


Girl Scouts of America
http://www.girlscouts.org/


scouting for all
http://www.scoutingforall.org/


make a wish
http://www.wish.org/


UNICEF
http://www.unicef.org/


The Southern Poverty Law Center
http://www.splcenter.org

[Jennicut]

55. Good idea.

The SA is always outside Stop and Shop and I have given to them in the past after I am done with my weekly shopping. Not anymore...I need better organizations to give my money to. Thank you.

[yardwork]

59. Plus, consider donating to your local Food Bank.

Yes, my regional Food Bank is run by religious groups. But they don't discriminate. They don't spend the money I donate to them assaulting some people's civil rights. They spend donations on food for anybody who needs it.

[styersc]

50. If the link in the post is the only "evidence" to support boycotting a charitable

organization, then this is pretty weak.

Examples conclude that the SA, "wanted this", "sought to" the other, no mention whatsoever of anything that they have successfully done, particularly nothing that has their fingerprints on it, but I know of dozens of real examples of people who need help who have gotten it.

If the poster can come up with alternatives please post as I would hope that the needy not suffer over a political agenda, particularkly one that is standing on such weak legs.

[Are_grits_groceries]

52. If you read the article,

they were actively involved in collecting signatures on some measures. They threatened to close their soup kitchens in NYC if they had to treat gay and straight employees equally. Their fingerprints are everywhere. Do they have to maim somebody to give my argument 'strong legs?'

Even if they didn't succeed in every case does that excuse their efforts to discriminate against gays and more? by that logic, if you try to kill somebody but don't succeed, it's no harm, no foul.

Here are 4 organizations that help:
Goodwill (disabled and unemployed)
The Red Cross (medical and emergency relief)
Doctors Without Borders (medical and emergency relief)
Habitat for Humanity (homelessness and housing)

More were listed in the article, and another post had several. I know of many small groups in my area that do good work.

Continue on with your rationalizations. Trying to tell people that allowing bigoted agendas and people to get any foothold is like planting kudzu. It's hopeless because they do good work. That trumps everything else apparently no matter how much they may harm other people in ways that aten't so obvious.

[eilen]

53. Is the Rescue Mission okay? nt

[DissedByBush]

54. They're also Christian

But that doesn't keep me from throwing a quarter in the pot now and then.

[GentryDixon]

56. I denied a request last year

for this very reason. I tried to tell the person ringing the bell, but he did not understand enough English to know what I was talking about. I felt bad denying him, and almost went back just to help him out. Sanity prevailed.

[DaveJ]

57. I wish another charity could take their place bell ringing

Do they have some kind of leverage over stores and towns that give them license to bell ring everywhere? I don't understand why they should have a monopoly. Their donation boxes are also everywhere.

I have had first hand negative experiences with them and what I saw was pretty corrupt. The people staying there seemed to be professional residents who took all the best items from the box before anyone else had a chance to receive the donations. Just remember, if you place anything good in those SA donation boxes, the weakest will not get any of the good stuff, the greedy a*holes will.

[hfojvt]

77. I think Homelessville is on some corners

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/justin-timberlake/videos/14157/title/snl-sketch-homelessville

[lynne]

60. Decades ago my cousin married a woman -

- who worked for the SA. Her entire family was involved, her father - a minister - was some sort of big-wig with them. My cousin was shocked at how the money was spent. He was of the impression that there was minimal oversight in the money getting from the kettle to the charities and he couldn't understand how the employees all had brand new cars.

That was decades ago - maybe things have changed. But I've done my giving elsewhere since then.

[DRoseDARs]

62. This is not a new thing; I've known about this bullshit for years, but it certainly bares repeating.

k&r

[Mabus]

64. I've been participating in PFLAG's "Kettle Protest" for years

Years ago a friend of mine told me of the Salvation Army's anti-gay policies. He then told me about PFLAG's "Kettle Protest." I lost the original coupon he gave me I still print out notes that read, "I would have donated five dollars but I can't because of the Salvation Army's discriminatory policies. But don't give up. I will donate in the future if and when discriminatory polices in the Salvation Army's hiring practices are stopped and the Salvation Army begins providing domestic partnership benefits to its employees." I put the notes in envelopes and drop them in the kettles.

[Vanje]

68. Like it!

Thanks

[Mabus]

80. I found an old link to the "Kettle Protest" (from 12/1/2001)

http://www.soulforce.org/article/582

Unfortunately the links to the old PFLAG coupons doesn't work.

[LAGC]

76. That's a good idea.

I think I'll do the same with my local kettles.

[Mabus]

81. Link to the 2001 "Kettle Protest"

http://www.soulforce.org/article/582 The link is from 12/11/2001. Unfortunately the link to the old PFLAG coupons is no longer active.

[grasswire]

65. the bell ringers don't work for SA

They are just contracted out. They have no connection with SA.

Harassing them will do nothing for any cause.

[Mira]

69. I have walked up to the bell ringers and told them

why I am not contributing, that I do so where there is no discrimination to the LGBT folks, and have found them ignorant of this bias.
I told them to tell the folks who put them there that I said so.
That's all I knew to do.

[Boston_Chemist]

70. They are a bigoted holdover from a bygone era.

They need to go into their twilight of planned obsolescence ...

[HillWilliam]

72. I've refused to support them for years

Why should I pay somebody to work against my rights and full citizenship? Yannow?

I'll either pass by quickly, nod if they speak. The bellringers used to pursue people with their greetings. In those cases I'd flat out tell them why I would not donate, politely but firmly.

Same with American Way. When I was young they refused to help a family I knew who really desperately needed them. When it came Combined Federal Campaign time in the military, my commander was pushing for 100%. I was called to the CO's office to explain why I hadn't donated. I told him the whole story and he said, "OK, I understand. I'll donate in your place." I thanked him, saluted, and left. Never looked back or regretted it.

If a charitable organization is going to be a charitable organization, they need to do their charity work without bigotry.

[emilyg]

73. I will continue to

donate to them. With all their warts - they do mostly good work.

[Are_grits_groceries]

79. The LGBT community would like to thank you for your support.

The mostly good work they don't do is aimed at us.

What you casually dismiss as warts are hate and bigotry. Those are real Christian and Christmas values.
Herod would be proud.



[img][/img]

[PADemD]

74. The Salvation Army is the only food bank in our small local community

I will continue to give to them.

[AlbertCat]

83. they are and have been actively involved in assaulting LGBT rights.

Not to mention the Catholic Church is the only organization (of this kind) with more money than the SA. They're loaded.

My aunt's mother once donated 20 thou to them and they bought and distributed 20 thou Bibles to poor children. My very atheist friend Michael said: "20,000 Bibles! Why not give them something they could USE! Like 20,000 tooth brushes!"

A-men!

[ejpoeta]

84. had a nice conversation with my sister at thanksgiving

about donating. She doesn't donate to the Salvation army because of how they treat the poor. Making them feel like crap. Having strings attached to their help. I had never actually thought about it. Also she feels the place you donate should be helping the community. There is another place that opened up locally called Volunteers for America. Apparently they take all the money they get and send it to the city. Here's the thing... when you donate your goods or your money, do you think about these things? I hadn't thought about it. Nor the LGBT thing. You just want to help others. I have dropped clothes off at SA. VFA will pick it up so I started setting up pick ups for things. Our local Community action has asked for clothing (which I didn't know they collect) so I think I am going to drop off the bags I have to go.

Whatever you think of an organization, I think my sister had some pretty valid points about checking these places out before you donate. Because they are charities somehow they seem to get a pass. I am hesitant about the ones on tv asking for money, yet don't think twice about the ones here. I have always had my kids throw money into the kettle so they can see that giving is a good thing. I think we will go to local places and see if that will sink in more than throwing money in a pot by the door.

[DesertFlower]

85. i never donate to them.

there are many other charities who do great work, i.e., feeding america, meals on wheels, local food banks.

[AldebTX]

86. I Always Slip A Check Sized Note In Their Kettle

Letting them know I have donated to a local Gay Homeless Charity, signed God Loves Everyone.

[jwirr]

87. I hear what you are saying but the line this morning is 3 blocks long of people who did not get

adopted. And SA is the only alternative they have as no other organization does this. The ones who were lucky enough to be adopted got NEW toys for their children and gift certificates for food from two grocery stores in town for over $60. The ones who are in line today will get what is left over and maybe a certificate. And no one is forcing them to pray as the workers have no time.

We are in a very bad time for the poor, especially poor families. To take another source of help from them seems counter productive. I realize some of the SA are anti-gay but I do not think the one in our area does much about it if they are. At least they do not do a lot of preaching on anything. They are just a bunch of old ladies who remember their own hard times.

[fredamae]

88. Not only that but a number of years ago

they turned Away a Million Dollar Donation from a person who had Won the Lottery.
They said it was because it was obtained from "gambling" sorta thing.

I cannot in good conscience donate after learning that.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/813295/posts

[Major Nikon]

89. I don't donate to any religious charities

If a charity isn't secular, they don't get my money, period. There's plenty of good secular charities to pick from, so I just don't see the need to sort out the bigots from the non-bigots when it comes to religious charities.

[xxqqqzme]

91. Local, local, local

donate and/or volunteer local. Your community will thank you.