12/07/2005
It's Christmas time which means long lines at department stores, crowded malls, busy streets, and the sound of bells ringing. I'm not talking about the type of bells that ring when an angel gets her wings. I'm speaking of the person standing outside your favorite store ringing a bell with a red bucket near by, taking donations. You know the ones I'm speaking of. They're the reason you walk a bit out of your way to get to the door that's not directly in their line of sight. I'm guilty too, I've gone out of my way to avoid that "ring, ring, ring." I'm not sure why I avoid them other than the obvious fact, I'm selfish. I don't like to admit that, heck, most days I'd deny that. But what other reason could there be for not dropping a few coins in the Salvation Army bucket? Am I poor, not most days. Do I hate helping those less fortunate? Not really, I think SA is a good organization. Am I afraid they'll judge me for not giving enough? No, I doubt they'd judge anyone. Then why can't I walk right up to that bucket and drop a few coins in? Why can't I use the money that I spend every morning on that cup of coffee from Caribou and force myself to drink the free coffee at work? I could drink water instead of pop, $.75, I could eat a bagel from home instead of buying one, $1.75, I could read the newspaper online instead of spending $.75 for a paper that lays on my desk untouched then magically makes it to the recycle bin nicely folded as if it's never been read. How about I make a sandwich at home, just for a day, and save $8. If I just stopped being so selfish I could donate at least $11 every day. Wow, I spend a lot of money on myself. I'm not saying I'm not worth it, I am. But this is Christmas, the time of giving, can I put my needs aside for one month? I'm going to try...after all it's just a drop in the bucket. A little generosity goes a long long way. How about you, do you hear any angels getting their wings?
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Good idea, NWC... and the truth is we could all do more, but it seems to need to be in our faces before we realise. That's what's wrong, IMO.
You've inspired me, and next time I pass a bell-ringer, I'll put something in. Thank you!
I know alot of people only help out around this time of year but if we all do it year round imagine the difference we'd all make.
Boy that sounded preachy.
I have always donated and I always will, I'm also a volunteer -but I prefer to do it on my terms. I donate food, services, cash, clothing, furniture for shelters, etc -granted I take my tax deductions for it too.
These days though, I would rather give 5 bucks to the homeless guy, on the street then drop it in the bucket of the salvation army. Or I would rather buy the guy lunch, get him some new clothes, etc. At least you know the homeless guy is getting the money and will use 100%it. I bet the salvation army can't say 80% actually goes where intended. Most charities can't say that. Save the children, guilty. The Red Cross, quilty. Unicef, guilty...guilty! The bigger, the more corrupt.
Non-profit organizations have become big business. We can't blame the government or the President -we can only blame the people/workers in the organizations. The lower on the totem pole the person is, the less blame to be given. Greed is even in non-profit organizations, imagine that. Believe me as an accountant I understand overhead to run even a non-profit business but a lot of charitable expenditures border on illegality for personal gain.
I like that idea networkchic...
happy holidays
We're selfish ....
I'll completely take inventory and start cutting back and giving more. Thanks NWC for making me think.....