At the risk of getting tarred and feathered - -
08-16-2011, 04:41 PM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: blink and you've missed it
Posts: 2,562
When asked to donate I always ask where the money ends up-
when the tsunami hit in '05 and then the hurricane in Haiti- I was asked to give. I said- I know we have children in the US that go to bed hungry and don't have shoes. I need to help them first. There will be a lot of help for the natural disasters, but we need to help our children.
I volunteer with AFSP- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It's a difficult subject to talk about but its serves a need- just like awareness groups for diabetes, cancers, etc. I researched it before getting on board- I want to be sure what they provide is good info. I feel comfortable giving money to them as I've seen the benefit of the programs they provide.
Just remember when you're giving money to be sure the charity is legitimate and the money will get to its intended end use.
Barb
when the tsunami hit in '05 and then the hurricane in Haiti- I was asked to give. I said- I know we have children in the US that go to bed hungry and don't have shoes. I need to help them first. There will be a lot of help for the natural disasters, but we need to help our children.
I volunteer with AFSP- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It's a difficult subject to talk about but its serves a need- just like awareness groups for diabetes, cancers, etc. I researched it before getting on board- I want to be sure what they provide is good info. I feel comfortable giving money to them as I've seen the benefit of the programs they provide.
Just remember when you're giving money to be sure the charity is legitimate and the money will get to its intended end use.
Barb
08-16-2011, 05:00 PM
#25
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Originally Posted by bearisgray
For many of us, the very first response to almost any emergency is "He/She/They need hand-made quilts"
Interestingly enough, some of us are willing to spend $20+ and hours of time on a quilt and donating it - but not so willing to send $20 in cash for mundane things like water and food. (Assuming that the cash would go for what it was intended)
Wonder why?
Interestingly enough, some of us are willing to spend $20+ and hours of time on a quilt and donating it - but not so willing to send $20 in cash for mundane things like water and food. (Assuming that the cash would go for what it was intended)
Wonder why?
The $$ however if given to the right hands can provide, gas for a person to get to work, shoes, clothing, tampons....just ask anyone who has actually survived a natural disaster and they will tell you...give the money to a local church that might be doing a mission run to that area..or the Lions club...there is always an organization heading into the area to help where needed..give them $20 for gas money to get there!
08-16-2011, 06:51 PM
#28
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: western NC
Posts: 175
I contribute generously to the Salvation Army for disaster relief. I wasn't aware if they were involved in Japan but I did contibute to New Zealand, Haiti, New Orleans all at the time of their disasters in the past 8 or 10 years. They have a very limited overhead, experience in dealing with that type problem and the people involved are dedicated to a life time of service for very little salary. I've worked with them directly as criminal defense lawyer. They got all my drunks who were placed on probation and I knew they would never make it. I sent them so much work I was invited to have lunch at the shelter every year and I know their dedication and sacrifice.
08-17-2011, 03:13 AM
#29
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 56
I think a gift of a quilt is a gift of love. We want to comfort and console and reach out. We can feel that when we gift a quilt. 20$ doesn't feel like it can do much and there's always the concern of how much will reach those in need.
08-17-2011, 03:34 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 6,980
I think this thread really gets to the heart of the whole charity/gift giving thing - is it about the giver or the recipient? I remember after Katrina, people wanted to send food, blankets, clothes, whatever, and the agencies involved just needed cash.
Someone else said in another thread, it takes a lot of work and manhours to sort non-cash donations and get them to the right people. In a giant disaster that is impractical.
Now on a smaller scale, if someone local lost their home, or whatever, a handmade quilt would be a nice donation, once they are set up in a new place.
I think some times the giver wants to give for their own reasons and does not think of the recipient. Like when the Marines or Sal. Army collects toys at Christmas, they ask for new toys. You always hear some (Grinch) asking, Well why can't I donate my kids' used toys?
edited to add - I get what people are saying about sending money and you don't know where it goes. CharityNavigator website is very good for finding out this info. And NEVER give to anyone who calls you on the phone. Only give to charities you are very familiar with.
Someone else said in another thread, it takes a lot of work and manhours to sort non-cash donations and get them to the right people. In a giant disaster that is impractical.
Now on a smaller scale, if someone local lost their home, or whatever, a handmade quilt would be a nice donation, once they are set up in a new place.
I think some times the giver wants to give for their own reasons and does not think of the recipient. Like when the Marines or Sal. Army collects toys at Christmas, they ask for new toys. You always hear some (Grinch) asking, Well why can't I donate my kids' used toys?
edited to add - I get what people are saying about sending money and you don't know where it goes. CharityNavigator website is very good for finding out this info. And NEVER give to anyone who calls you on the phone. Only give to charities you are very familiar with.
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