At the risk of getting tarred and feathered - -
08-18-2011, 12:50 PM
#61
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Natchez, Ms
Posts: 1,482
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?
I buy a "to go" plate of food and take it back to them.
08-18-2011, 12:58 PM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 7,000
Originally Posted by OHSue
I'm with you, I am not a prolific enough quilter to keep up with giving quilts away.
When we make a donation in the even of a disaster we usually research who gives the most to the charity, the info is required and available online. For an international disaster I usually like to donate to Doctors Without Borders. I appreciate that the folks who truly deliver the care are volunteers.
When we make a donation in the even of a disaster we usually research who gives the most to the charity, the info is required and available online. For an international disaster I usually like to donate to Doctors Without Borders. I appreciate that the folks who truly deliver the care are volunteers.
08-18-2011, 01:01 PM
#63
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 7,000
Originally Posted by merchjag
I agree. When you find out that the money doesn't reach people but pays for "executive" costs- it really urks you. I have told the humane society-use the money I send but don't send me calenders/tshirts!!that is not what I donate the money for. Sometimes I think I should just order dog or cat food and send it instead. :|
08-18-2011, 02:02 PM
#64
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Trifid Nebula
Posts: 1,304
I give money to organizations I trust. I limit it to communities and countries that can be trusted. I give blankets and other crafty items to loved ones. Personal preference. Military folks are the exception. That's answering specific requests. Different situation.
But, yes, I have seen a number of negative commentaries over the years about people who give crafts in the wake of natural disasters. It's perceived as selfish, impractical and even delusional. Like the obsession can't be broken long enough to realize a starving kid thousands of miles away doesn't need an oven mit. People can be harsh but I don't think it should hinder anyone's donations (whatever they may be).
Please yourself. Opinions are just words.
But, yes, I have seen a number of negative commentaries over the years about people who give crafts in the wake of natural disasters. It's perceived as selfish, impractical and even delusional. Like the obsession can't be broken long enough to realize a starving kid thousands of miles away doesn't need an oven mit. People can be harsh but I don't think it should hinder anyone's donations (whatever they may be).
Please yourself. Opinions are just words.
08-18-2011, 02:03 PM
#65
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: my heart is in texas, philly and london
Posts: 4,756
i think we think quilt because it comes from our hearts and hands. i rarely have $20 in my pocket, but i have a stash of fabric and batting that i am willing to use. all my old towels, sheets and blankets go to the shelters. any food my animals won't eat but i've bought in bulk goes to them as well. anything i can do, i do.
08-18-2011, 02:10 PM
#66
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Pa
Posts: 174
Originally Posted by ptquilts
I will join you in getting tarred and feathered for this, bear, but why whenever there is a tragedy involving kids, people end up sticking stuffed animals on a chain link fence somewhere?
I always think, gee there are kids in foster care/hospitals who would like those stuffies...
I always think, gee there are kids in foster care/hospitals who would like those stuffies...
08-18-2011, 02:21 PM
#67
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: central NC
Posts: 1,095
I work in a homeless shelter and can see both sides so you aren't getting tarred and feathered. Many times we see money used for things WE wouldn't buy but I learned that when you give something, you relenquish control over it, otherwise it isn't actually a gift. Sorry to say I don't always do that but I feel better when I do give it from my heart.
08-18-2011, 07:26 PM
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Far Far West Texas
Posts: 1,401
I worked for a non profit for 19 years- and administrative cost was about 12% of our income. When a non profit ask for money - ask these questions:
What % of the income goes to administrative cost if they can't answer then keep your money. Some have as high as 48% administrative cost.
Is a copy of the annual report available
Do you have the proper solicitation permit for that community.
What % of the income goes to administrative cost if they can't answer then keep your money. Some have as high as 48% administrative cost.
Is a copy of the annual report available
Do you have the proper solicitation permit for that community.
08-18-2011, 08:17 PM
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: WI
Posts: 706
While the topic presents itself. The issue of money not going where it should. Samaratins purse actually gives a break out of where the funds go and records are public. They do what they say.
Can't say that for many organizations. Try even your boyscouts and girlscouts. they get a very very small percent of the cokies and popcorn sold. It goes to their headquaters. How do I know? We work with nonprofits and have done keetle korn as fund raisers for them. we offered 50/50 and they would shake their heads saying can't be what's the catch. That's when we began finding out how little your son's and daughters actually get on the fund raisers they peddle
Can't say that for many organizations. Try even your boyscouts and girlscouts. they get a very very small percent of the cokies and popcorn sold. It goes to their headquaters. How do I know? We work with nonprofits and have done keetle korn as fund raisers for them. we offered 50/50 and they would shake their heads saying can't be what's the catch. That's when we began finding out how little your son's and daughters actually get on the fund raisers they peddle
08-20-2011, 06:09 PM
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
http://www.afrtrust.org/Coast-Guarg-...Assistance.pdf
there are many legitimate relief trusts for returning military personnel who need cash for relearning a trade, supporting their families and paying their rent. while they were away taking care of you their lives were turned upside down. i don't feel that a quilt will help them. they need services that money pays for. the money doesn't come from the government. it has to come from you.
the pie chart above is an example of what you can find for any branch of the military, or any other charity that you like. just google funding pie chart.
if you want to make sure the help goes where it should, fill a sack with groceries and leave it on a doorstep. it doesn't take long to spend $20, $50 or more for basic pantry items and they really help a family free up money for other necessities.
it's very easy to do what you like to do anyway and call it charity whether it's what's most needed or not, imo
i go with Bear.
there are many legitimate relief trusts for returning military personnel who need cash for relearning a trade, supporting their families and paying their rent. while they were away taking care of you their lives were turned upside down. i don't feel that a quilt will help them. they need services that money pays for. the money doesn't come from the government. it has to come from you.
the pie chart above is an example of what you can find for any branch of the military, or any other charity that you like. just google funding pie chart.
if you want to make sure the help goes where it should, fill a sack with groceries and leave it on a doorstep. it doesn't take long to spend $20, $50 or more for basic pantry items and they really help a family free up money for other necessities.
it's very easy to do what you like to do anyway and call it charity whether it's what's most needed or not, imo
i go with Bear.
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