Why is the Red Cross being given so much air time for donations?

[linazelle]

There are thousands of charities that could help the victims in NO. When I see the mass media continually touting the Red Cross for donations, it makes me suspicious. What's the deal?

[Blue_In_AK]

1. I don't know,

but the more I hear, the more I wish we had spread our money around a little instead of just putting it there. It seems like there was a time when you could trust the Red Cross, but I'm not so sure anymore.

[EFerrari]

2. Because the American RC is in bed with the GOP AND

because when people see "Red Cross" they think the situation is handled.

Pretty neat trick, isn't it?

[Arugula Latte]

3. Really?

I was going to donate to the RC...Do you have more details?

[EFerrari]

7. I have no link for you at this time.

But, three things. One, I think Eloriel has a thread about this. Two, the Red Cross did not go into NO after the hurricane, and as of yesterday, was not there. Their excuse is that it isn't safe -- the implication being that it wasn't safe to go in there because of all those violent starving and dehydrated people.

:nuke:


And, do you see them advertising this during the televised fundraising?

Call their 800 number and ask them point blank what their status is. I haven't read DU for weeks and am trying to catch up. 1-800 HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669.)

Also, come to think of it, I tried to call to donate blood and found out they don't collect in San Francisco. I guess they're afraid all us gay and or lefty donors will pollute their stock.

On edit: Didn't someone mention that Elizabeth Dole headed up the Red Cross at one point?

[linazelle]

5. Yes it is a neat trick. And the RC has become really expert at raising

money.

Local stores everywhere have coupon books with barcodes so customers can buy donations with groceries.

[Not_Giving_Up]

4. Good question, considering that they aren't even being allowed into NO

Really...WHY?

[silverweb]

6. Recognizability.

First and foremost, the Red Cross is the oldest and largest relief organization, well known to everyone over the years. It has the mechanisms in place, ready and waiting, just for emergencies.

I've heard negative things about the Red Cross off and on over the years, although I don't know whether they were true or not. However, the Red Cross does have a favorable charity profile. The "BBB Wise Giving Alliance" is "a merger of the National Charities Information Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus' Foundation and its Philanthropic Advisory Service" and profiles dozens of charities. It has also issued a special caution about hurricane aid appeals.

Check it out here: http://www.give.org

On edit: Red Cross profile: http://charityreports.give.org/Public/Report.aspx?CharityID=679

[gennifer6]

8. I bet there's already scam charities popping up.

By donating to the Red Cross, you know exactly where your money's going and who will benefit. Its too easy these days to use acharity in an event like this to get people to willingly hand over money to people and organizations they have never heard of before as a cover to defraud people.

[silverweb]

9. Exactly.

Fly-by-night "charities" are rampant.

What other relief organization has instant recognition and trust all over the world? ONLY the Red Cross has that. Also, knowing that 91% of your donation to the Red Cross goes directly to it's programs is pretty good reassurance that your donation is well spent.