SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS:

[Cooperhawk]

A timely reminder before our generous spirits open up our wallets…
How many ways can you spell G R E E D?
THINK BEFORE YOU DONATE!
As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself
feel good, please keep the following facts in mind:


The American Red Cross
President and CEO Marsha J. Evans' salary for
the year was $651,957 plus expenses

MARCH OF DIMES
It is called the March of Dimes because
only a dime for every 1 dollar is given to the
needy.

The United Way
President Brian Gallagher receives a $375,000 base salary
along with numerous expense benefits.

UNICEF CEO Caryl M. Stern receives
$1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS
ROYCE.
Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause.

GOODWILL CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year.
Goodwill is a very catchy name for his business. You donate to his business
and then he sells the items for PROFIT.
He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage!
Nice Guy.
$0.00 goes to
help anyone!
Stop giving to this
man.

Instead, give it to ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
GO "GREEN" AND PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT WILL DO SOME GOOD:

The Salvation Army Commissioner, Todd Bassett
receives a small salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for
managing this $2 billion dollar organization. 96 percent of donated
dollars go to the cause.

The American Legion National Commander receives
a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander receives
a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help
Veterans and their families and youth!

The Disabled American Veterans National Commander receives
a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Military Order of Purple Hearts National Commander receives a
$0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Vietnam Veterans Association National Commander receives
a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

Make a Wish: For children's last wishes.
100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child.

St. Jude Research Hospital
100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer
who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay.

Ronald McDonald Houses
All monies go to running
the houses for parents who have critically ill Children in the hospital.
100% goes to housing, and feeding the families.

Lions Club International
100% OF DONATIONS GO TO HELP THE BLIND, BUY
HEARING AIDES, SUPPORT MEDICAL MISSIONS AROUND
THE WORLD. THEIR LATEST UNDERTAKING IS MEASLES VACCINATIONS
(ONLY $1.00 PER SHOT).

Please share
this with everyone you can.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

+1

 

[Merle1948]

Thanks! I have also heard bad things about the Wounded Warrior Project, but don't know what to believe. :cry:

 

[Cooperhawk]

Thanks! I have also heard bad things about the Wounded Warrior Project, but don't know what to believe. :cry:

Some on the WW Project have stated anti gun views. What their concern is the growing suicide rate among veterans. We still donate to them because they do a lot of good.

 

[Merle1948]

Thanks! I have also heard bad things about the Wounded Warrior Project, but don't know what to believe. :cry:

Some on the WW Project have stated anti gun views. What their concern is the growing suicide rate among veterans. We still donate to them because they do a lot of good.

I hadn't heard that; what I heard was that not a lot of donations actually went to vets.

 

[Cooperhawk]

I don't know the answer to that.

 

[6gun]

I remember the day years ago when the company I was working for at the time wanted us to donate to the United Way, they had a big lunching for us, some clown driving a big long Mercedes wearing a $1000 suit shows up to give us a big speech trying to tell all us poor hourly wage construction workers why we should donate :roll: found out only 10 cents on the dollar went to the charity and the rest to clowns like the one speaking's large salaries, needless to say they didn't get a penny out of me.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The OP is not a very well balanced article and looks only at certain things. I wonder who the author is?

Just one small example: I know for a fact the American Red Cross and local chapters do a lot of good especially after major disasters and local emergencies. A family that gets put out of a house because of a fire can count on help from the local Red Cross.

 

[SAJohn]

The internet says Wounded Warriors spends 58 cents of each dollar on vets.

I am highly suspect of any charity that has lots of TV ads.

That "Something to Think About" letter has been around for about 10 years. It was extremely inaccurate then and even more so now.

 

[stevemb]

Call my sister. She works for TAPS. Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors. They help families that have lost servicemen and women. www.taps.org The money going to the right places is beyond those listed above. Tell,em Susan's weird brother steve sent ya. They'll fall down laughing, as I've sent a friend lately by that label.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I remember the day years ago when the company I was working for at the time wanted us to donate to the United Way, they had a big lunching for us, some clown driving a big long Mercedes wearing a $1000 suit shows up to give us a big speech trying to tell all us poor hourly wage construction workers why we should donate :roll: found out only 10 cents on the dollar went to the charity and the rest to clowns like the one speaking's large salaries, needless to say they didn't get a penny out of me.

Had essentially the same experience. The company was pushing hard to be a 100% contributor, and put quite a bit of pressure on all the employees to sign up for a "check-off" arrangement.

I looked over the list of outfits which the UW was supporting, and saw several that I did not wish to receive any of my money. The in-house lady running the program told me I could fill out a form and "direct" my contribution to any on the list, so I selected the BSA. Later found out that the "directed" plan only worked if all the rest of the recipients were "adequately funded" and if they weren't the UW would allocate funds wherever they wished in spite of "direction" instructions.

I dropped out of the plan, incurring considerable bad relations with the "plan administrators". Told several others about my situation, and many of them dropped out as well, preferring to donate privately. More bad relations, etc.

Ever since, I have made annual contributions to the local BSA council.

 

[Rick Courtright]

I know for a fact the American Red Cross and local chapters do a lot of good especially after major disasters and local emergencies. A family that gets put out of a house because of a fire can count on help from the local Red Cross.

Hi,

And, from first hand stories I've heard involving experiences with the Red Cross "helping", that family may well get a bill in the mail before the water from the firefighters' hoses is dried out. These stories are especially distressing when military personnel are involved: they go back as far as WWII and apparently still happen. A mention of "free donuts" might get you a story from a Viet Nam vet...

My favorite recipient for cash donations is Salvation Army. They don't send a bill for their services, and I understand it's not unusual to find them on scene before Red Cross to help serve the "first responder" community, too.

Rick C

 

[GunnyGene]

Regardless of the numbers given, it is always a good idea to do your homework on any organization asking for your money, and how it may impact your own finances (tax deductions).

 

[powder smoke]

Good info I appreciate it. ps

 

[737tdi]

Although maybe selfish, I give to my company's catastrophic fund. I know for a fact that every penny goes to employees who have major financial difficulties. I also give to my favorite charities called the NRA, NGRA, and TSRA again a little selfish but still does good. I don't ever throw clothes away, I wash them and give them to the local Goodwill (if a person in need can get a nice pair of jeans for a couple of bucks I don't care who gets the profit). The end user is who I care about.


Folks will carry a $100/month phone in their pocket but won't feed a person in need. Sickening. JMO.

Karl

 

[Ale-8(1)]

A mention of "free donuts" might get you a story from a Viet Nam vet...Rick C

Same with WWII and Korea vets I have known.

:?

 

[Paul B]

"A family that gets put out of a house because of a fire can count on help from the local Red Cross."

And a hefty bell afterwards. My neighbor's house was totally destroyed by fire and the Red Cross put him up in a motel that had a restaraunt plus a change of clothes. Two weedks layer they hit him with a bill for what they "gave" him plus the bill for the motel. He gave me as a contact point and the S.O.B.s even tried to collect from me. :x I told them where to get off along with you'll never ever get another red cent from me. He only saved two things from the fire. His dog and his boat which was parked along side my house. I ended up moving it inside my yard which has locked gates and they even tried to get that as part payment. THis has been a few years back now and I guess someone tried to climb the fence, for whatever reason and I was keeping my youngest daughter's Rottwieller as the apartment complex she was living in didn't allow pets. That dog really could raise a ruckus. I do believe that intruder needed a new pair of shorts when Athena went after him. Guy may of made a record standing high jump over that 6 foot fence. :lol: Kind of wish we still had her around. :cry:
Paul B.

 

[Colonialgirl]

The OP is not a very well balanced article and looks only at certain things. I wonder who the author is?

Just one small example: I know for a fact the American Red Cross and local chapters do a lot of good especially after major disasters and local emergencies. A family that gets put out of a house because of a fire can count on help from the local Red Cross.

The Red Cross will NEVER get a cent from me; When I was growing up on the Navy Bases, the "Red Cross" workers were living good and driving NEW autos. WHen I was in the ARMY they never did a thing except collect money and when they provided "Emergency airfare" for someone to fly home to a funeral, they ALWAYS wanted to collect from the GI's Paycheck.
I also remember in High School when there was a flood; The SALVATION ARMY showed up IMMEDIATELY, set up a tent and was feeding people and providing blankets when the red cross FINALLY showed up and tried to take over the operation. People ran them off.
I donate to the Salvation Army and Shop in their thrift stores !!

 

[RKB]

My mother passed away while I was in Air Force Basic Training in 1970. The Red Cross gave me a plane ticket home - and a bill for the ticket to be taken out of my pay every month. Screw them.
Make-a-Wish was a good cause but I stopped contributing to them when the left wingers running it stopped giving wishes to children that involved firearms - such as a hunting trip. I now give to Hunt of a Lifetime, which fills that need exclusively.
Wounded Warrior has high expenses, true, but if you have ever talked to a servicemember that has been helped by them when the VA dropped the ball, you will have cause to think. They do things that none of the other veteran's groups do, such as provide educational assistance and job placement not available through other channels. I think they are worthwhile.

 

[ChiefMuzz]

Maybe I'm a little different. Almost all of my monthly donations go to my church. Throughout the organization there is not a single pastor that is paid one cent. The money all goes to supporting the capital budget and any missionary and humanitarian work the church takes on. I know my specific congregation gives thousands each year to good works and people in need. At the end of the day I don't worry one bit about allocating my money to them.

 

[737tdi]

Maybe I'm a little different. Almost all of my monthly donations go to my church. Throughout the organization there is not a single pastor that is paid one cent. The money all goes to supporting the capital budget and any missionary and humanitarian work the church takes on. I know my specific congregation gives thousands each year to good works and people in need. At the end of the day I don't worry one bit about allocating my money to them.

JMO but church is not a charity. It is a benefit. At least in my mind the money I give to my church is money that already belonged to it, I just had to earn it before the church could have it. I hope that doesn't sound strange. In my mind all of my money and material things belong to God, he just lets me have some of it to eat and live.

Karl

 

[ChiefMuzz]

Maybe I'm a little different. Almost all of my monthly donations go to my church. Throughout the organization there is not a single pastor that is paid one cent. The money all goes to supporting the capital budget and any missionary and humanitarian work the church takes on. I know my specific congregation gives thousands each year to good works and people in need. At the end of the day I don't worry one bit about allocating my money to them.

JMO but church is not a charity. It is a benefit. At least in my mind the money I give to my church is money that already belonged to it, I just had to earn it before the church could have it. I hope that doesn't sound strange. In my mind all of my money and material things belong to God, he just lets me have some of it to eat and live.

Karl

You and I think a lot alike...

 

[Tinman931]

Although I can't speak about many of the organizations, I know from personal experience that the Ronald McDonald House is a great organization when a family with a sick child is in need. Local food kitchens and shelters are also great places to give and make sure your money is going to help those in your community who are in need.

 

[737tdi]

Although I can't speak about many of the organizations, I know from personal experience that the Ronald McDonald House is a great organization when a family with a sick child is in need. Local food kitchens and shelters are also great places to give and make sure your money is going to help those in your community who are in need.

Another good one is Danny's place. St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Judy gives to them faithfully. They do great things for our little ones.



Karl

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

The internet says Wounded Warriors spends 58 cents of each dollar on vets.

I am highly suspect of any charity that has lots of TV ads.

That "Something to Think About" letter has been around for about 10 years. It was extremely inaccurate then and even more so now.

I don't know if it applies in this case but most tv and radio stations are required to do a certain number of PSA's.

 

[Cholo]

I have my charities I give to. I also have some I would never give to, many the most popular. Do your homework! My favorite charities are those where the highest % of my $ donated goes exactly where I want it to go!

Be careful where you waste, I mean donate, your hard earned $...

 

[sfhogman]

A friend of mine was a social worker in Alaska during the great earthquake of 1964 (look it up....). The first organization to arrive with help was the Salvation Army. Since that time, that's where his donations go.

I concur with Rick C. on this one.

Jeff

 

[wolfsong]

I prefer to help cook and serve holiday meals for the homeless. I prefer anonymously paying for a senior citizen's grocery tab or restaurant bill. I prefer buying lunch for the service men and women at our local recruiter's office. I prefer supporting our local 4H and FFA kids by donating ammo for their shooting courses, and bidding on and buying their livestock during the fair season. I prefer supporting local youth sports organizations.

There are many ways to help out financially in the community. A person in need locally is no different from a person in need on the other side of the country. Benevolence is benevolence, regardless of the reason or the need or the recipient. Simply do what you are inspired to do.

That being said, the Red Cross can kiss my feet. The bottoms of my feet. After a day humping the mountains in search of game. Wearing wool socks. After my experience with the Red Cross in the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake in Southern California a few years back, I wouldn't p*ss on them if they were on fire. I might call 911, though, after I got home.

 

[wizofwas]

It seems that most people can donate money to charities, but the hard thing to do is to donate time. Through the church that I go to, I do get downtown to help feed the homeless and feed Ronald (The Ronald McDonald House). And it seems that I'm always helping out when it comes to doing anything with the children at the church.

 

[contender]

An easy way to check out most charities is to go to; charitynavigator.com
They rate places based upon how much of the $$ goes to the ones in need.