I got hassled...

[HottyToddyChick]

at Wal-Mart today! Could not believe it!

They have these cards you can give to the cashier to add money to your total as a donation to La Bonheur. That's fine by me. But I was scanning my card, and this lady in a Wal-Mart vest walked up to me with a jar and asked if I would give any money. I don't carry cash, so I told her that, but I just could not believe it.

What do y'all think? Is it okay for them to do that, or would you feel harassed and/or guilted into giving?

 

[robdawg1]

I went to a walmart where they were having a donation competition and they were trying to win like a paid day off or something like that so we got approached a couple times...
I think that the ends justify the means in that one as it is all money to a good cause...

 

[Thornless]

at Wal-Mart today! Could not believe it!

They have these cards you can give to the cashier to add money to your total as a donation to La Bonheur. That's fine by me. But I was scanning my card, and this lady in a Wal-Mart vest walked up to me with a jar and asked if I would give any money. I don't carry cash, so I told her that, but I just could not believe it.

What do y'all think? Is it okay for them to do that, or would you feel harassed and/or guilted into giving?

Scanning those cards does give them money doens't it? Or am I missing something?

 

[pjbleek]

but to what extent...everyone is looking for a donation and a hand out...just politely tell them you had done your good deed for the day....and just walk away

 

[HottyToddyChick]

Yes. You can scan for 2, 5, and ten dollars, I think. I just couldn't believe she came up to me while I was at the register- it wasn't my cashier- just some random lady.

The jar was full, pretty much, so it must work, and you are right- it goes to a good cause, but I was just floored. I hope I recovered quickly enough to not be rude.

Oh! And when I told her I had no cash- she asked the person behind me, and then got my attention again to let me know I could donate using the cards. That was what put me off the most.

 

[Veronica]

I would fill harrassed. Some people need to back off about that stuff. However, If it was to a good cause, then I understand,

 

[robdawg1]

says the meany boss....lol

 

[HottyToddyChick]

I seriously thought about it.

If they want to set up a station by the door, that's fine, but to approach me and make me feel guilty? That's not cool.

 

[Dana]

i usually say no thank you. I always carry cash. I like the feeling of cash in my hand LOL

 

[canidae]

The only problem I have with that kind of thing is when they get really pushy and try and guilt you into giving, going on the 'it's for a good causep - so anything goes' attitude.

One 'no' should be sufficient. I don't respond well to being pushed into things.

 

[Brujahpriest]

I think that the ends justify the means in that one as it is all money to a good cause...

I would say that but, most "donate" to a cause places are so inefficient that most of your donation (if not all) goes to overhead rather than helping the item they intended. Money gets spent to fund the incentive programs and adverts, etc. When I am able to donate something to a cause I tend to do a little research on organizations so that I at least donate to places who are efficient with their money and who support causes I am feel like supporting.

Those that stand at the entrances and exists to shopping places and try to get your attention as you walk in or out really piss me off, and I have been known to stop shopping at stores that allow an over abundance of these at their location.

 

[robdawg1]

i usually ignore them or dont make eyecontact..

the 2 big ones i always grab extra money for are the fire fighters with their boots and the shriners(big deal for me as many kids as get medical attention because of them)

 

[Veronica]

I ALWAYS donate to them! My kids love talking to them about their boots

 

[HottyToddyChick]

I'm a sucker for Toys for Tots.

It frustrates John how much money I give them. That's the only one I'm really big on, though.

 

[AUFred]

I give to a lot of things but with the present economy my disposeable income is down and you get bombarded for donations everywhere you go.

 

[Thornless]

I would say that but, most "donate" to a cause places are so inefficient that most of your donation (if not all) goes to overhead rather than helping the item they intended. Money gets spent to fund the incentive programs and adverts, etc. When I am able to donate something to a cause I tend to do a little research on organizations so that I at least donate to places who are efficient with their money and who support causes I am feel like supporting.

Those that stand at the entrances and exists to shopping places and try to get your attention as you walk in or out really piss me off, and I have been known to stop shopping at stores that allow an over abundance of these at their location.

:homo:

What he said

 

[Alien Allen]

I would be pissed off if somebody came up to me like that. I don't agree with that kind of stuff. If they want to walk near me and give a hint that way fine. Otherwise I like my space.

I once did some volunteer work for a lady that was running for the senate. I did some of the usual stuff and then they wanted to put me on the phone to solicit donations. They had a list of people who already donated and wanted me to call them back asking for more. Geeze I took a look and some of the people had donated as recently as a couple weeks earlier. It is a different cause obviously but I found it offensive. Same goes with United Way. My dad used to be a generous donor and he would keep getting calls. he eventually had to tell them to fuck off in so many words.

 

[canidae]

I would be pissed off if somebody came up to me like that. I don't agree with that kind of stuff. If they want to walk near me and give a hint that way fine. Otherwise I like my space.

I once did some volunteer work for a lady that was running for the senate. I did some of the usual stuff and then they wanted to put me on the phone to solicit donations. They had a list of people who already donated and wanted me to call them back asking for more. Geeze I took a look and some of the people had donated as recently as a couple weeks earlier. It is a different cause obviously but I found it offensive. Same goes with United Way. My dad used to be a generous donor and he would keep getting calls. he eventually had to tell them to fuck off in so many words.

Once you donate, it's like kitting a hornet's nest with a stick :willy_nilly:

I get loads of mail asking for donations, and a mess of emails. Frankly, it keeps me from donating more, because it's so over the top.

 

[RedRyder]

I've never had anyone come up to me while in the store asking for donations. That would be annoying and embarrassing.

I've seen people outside the stores looking for donations. Some just tell you to have a nice day. I usually avoid eye contact unless it's for a charity I'm familiar with.

 

[DawgsWife]

I DO NOT give to the firemen with the boots... reason being is that Jerry Lewis gets so much of that money. However, Ga Fire Fighters Burn Foundation gets money from me because I know where that money goes. My son is a burn survivor and they sponsor his summer camp and we don't pay a dime for him to go... but I do send them money. BYW- my son was one of few elected to go to Canada as an exchange camper for a burn survivors camp in August, yay!!!

I do not give money to the Red Cross, again, the majority of that money goes to overhead. However, I will donate my blood.

I understand that these organizations, though non profit, still have to pay for their full-time employees. I respect that and those who unselfishly work for the agency, however, I will gladly give in-kind donations or even volunteer my services.. not always money.

The Salvation Army and the kettles is another story... I have worked for them in the past and I personally went with the Majors in charge of our city's branch and purchased the toys bought with the prior years donations. (The money you give this year buys the presants for next year)

Lastly, no one should "make you feel quilty." Guilt comes from inside when a person knows they are doing or have done something wrong personally. If you are not comfortable with giving to a certain organization, you should not feel "guilty" about it.

I am a professional social worker.... it is ok not to donate to every person with a bucket or boot out there!!!! Remember the United Way and organizations such as this help so many organizations with grant fundings!!!