A Dollar Here and A Dollar There

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."

It’s definitely Christmas time.  All the decorations are up in the stores, lights decorate homes and shopping mall parking lots are filling up.  Even RV parks are starting to overflow from all the northern travelers looking for a place to spend the holidays.  One thing everyone will agree on is that at Christmas folks seem to be more in a giving mood than at other times of the year.  Thus, groups seem to come out of the woodwork to take what others are willing to give.

The little bell ringers from the Salvation Army are busy collecting funds for the extra Christmas food items and gifts they hand out each year to the thousands of people they help.  We’ve always felt this was a good thing and make a practice to add a little to their buckets.  The Salvation Army helps so many we feel. This is also a time other organizations get into the act of collecting food cans and toys.  Some organizations collect all year long and other organizations are only visible with their collections at this time of year.  Everyone has favorite charities and places they would like to help.  We’re no exception.

There are a few things I don’t understand and I really get a little annoyed at.  More and more stores have started getting in the act of asking you to donate a dollar to this or donate a dollar to that while checking out your purchases.  Some will ask you just to round up your change or purchase one of their items for a gift.  When did the stores get in the charity business?  Sometimes we say “yes” and sometimes we say “no”. 

There are many groups and organizations that advertise on TV for those charity dollars all year round.  A couple that come to mind are the ones from the humane societies and the ones for the veterans.  Are these put on by the organizations themselves or other companies that contribute enough just to make them fall within the guidelines of a charity?  The pictures they use tug at your heart. 

What I do not understand is why they offer to send free gifts when the idea is to help?  The gifts aren't free.  They are buying them from some organization and it's your donation money that's paying for them.  What about the cost of advertising? How much really goes out to the animals or folks in need and not to the folks who have come up with the idea of advertising on television or selling free gifts?  Why not just donate to The Humane Society directly or a no-kill center?  Why not just send money to a local organization that helps veterans?   At least you know your dollars would be actually going where you want them to go.

At Christmas there are always many other organizations collecting names for work groups and individuals.  The problem we have discovered in the past is many of these names are on numerous lists.  Some rake in quite a haul.  We’ve delivered gifts in the past to needy families who had more coming in at Christmas than we had. 

What’s the answer?  I’m not really sure.  I do feel donating to local shelters, to churches or local Meals on Wheels might make sure your dollars go where you intend them to go.  I don’t want to send dollars someplace and be mailed a blanket or a book.  I don’t want to contribute to some director of an organization’s wallet.  I also get a little tired of being asked at every purchase by every store to donate another dollar.  It's another dollar here and another dollar there.  What about you?

Here’s another one to consider.  The Escapees operate a non-profit care center for seniors who can no longer travel in their RVs.  This care center is offered at very affordable rates …. unlike the high costs of other care centers.  Folks continue to live in their RVs so no additional housing is needed.  The directors are all volunteers and no salaries are paid to them or to the staff providing the services.   Check it out on their website.  Thousands of meals are served each year.  There aren’t many places where staff isn’t paid.  If you’re looking for a way to help, check this out.

‘Tis life on the road.