Charity drives are done by for-profit corporations and only a fraction of what you give actually goes to the charity itself*

*usually

kronicfeld: Sniff sniff, the mean register jockey asked me a simple question sob sob

the question imposes what most people feel is an important human obligation--giving to charity. and saying "no" makes you feel guilty. it's not nice for the store to do that to customers who just spent money there

From another perspective, it's also wrong for the store to require its employees to essentially work for another company and generate profit for it, without pay.

I've made it a point to never give like that. Fortunately I don't go shopping much (that's what the missus does) so I'm not confronted by it often.

Hmm... I wonder if she gives?

kronicfeld: I say "no" all the time, content in the knowledge that I already contribute a decent amount of money to charity

but you're a gentlemen of confident amiability. most people do not have your refinement

It's very easy to pass on one of those. I contribute to combat blindness foundation which I know for every 20 bucks I give, someone will see again.

ne2d
Charity drives are done by for-profit corporations and only a fraction of what you give actually goes to the charity itself*

*usually

Depends. I've heard that's often the case with phone pitches. With those store drives I really don't know. I wouldn't assume they're a bad deal for the charities. They may be something the corporate store arranges with a charity to make themselves look good that has minimal cost being paid out of donations. Some research from a charity watchdog would be useful.

albo
the question imposes what most people feel is an important human obligation--giving to charity. and saying "no" makes you feel guilty.

Maybe it makes you feel guilty. It doesn't bother me. If I'm thinking about giving to a charity, I look into it on my own and if it looks like something I'd like to support and they appear to use their funds wisely, I may support them. I usually ignore store pitches like that.

WTFDYW
Hey dickhead, it's not a simple question, it'a a farking shakedown.

Hey pussy, it's not the store's fault you have a guilty conscience. They asked you a simple question. Say no if you don't want to give. I say no to that stuff on a regular basis and don't feel bad at all.

/name calling is fun!

The best thing to say is "not today."

jonasborg
It's very easy to pass on one of those. I contribute to combat blindness foundation which I know for every 20 bucks I give, someone will see again.

$20 to cure blindness? How's that work?

ahem... this thread should now be about charities people think are truly worthwhile. I like Remote Area Medical (new window).

Stan Brock, formerly of Wild Kingdom, founded it in 1985 to get medical care to mostly inaccessible parts of the world. Now they do over half of their work at free health clinics in the United States. They do an incredible job making a little money go a long way, treating patients for literally a couple bucks per person. Volunteer doctors and nurses work the clinics providing general practitioner care, cancer screenings, dentistry, optometry, and more.

I turn the question around by asking them how many boxes of my daughter's girl scout cookies I can put them down for.

JacksBlack: The best thing to say is "not today."

That's what I say. "Not today, thanks." It implies that you have either donated already or you will next time. No guilt (not that you should feel guilty) and no money spent.

Plus, I do donate sometimes if I have a somewhat vested interest in the charity, e.g., "The Help Fat Bald Dudes Get Laid Fund."

Speaking as someone on the other side of the register, "not today" really is the best answer.

/really, it's not like the cashiers get a huge kick out of asking EVERY single customer.

Saw this conversation take place in the city two weeks ago:

Bum - "Excuse me, I'm starving and haven't eaten all day, could you spare some change so I can buy a hamburger"

Guy - "Sure I'll buy you a hamburger, what do you want on it?"

Bum - "Oh no that's ok, I can go buy it"

Guy - "It's no trouble at all, I'm hungry as well. I'll treat you to lunch, how's that?"

Bum - "Well I don't see anywhere to get a burger and I might have to walk far"

Guy - "Nahh, here look there's a McDonalds right across the street there."

Bum - "*blank stare*"

Guy - "Unless of course...you plan on drinking your meal"

Bum - *Look of surprise at being found out* "mumblegrumble MERRY F*CKING CHRISTMAS"

Had to laugh.

i have no problem laughing at the salesperson, while saying no.

DamnYankees: Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude: Bum - *Look of surprise at being found out* "mumblegrumble MERRY F*CKING CHRISTMAS"

Had to laugh.

Why not give the guy some money for a drink?

Don't ask me. I wasn't the one he was pestering.

Although if he wanted a drink, why not just ask for it. Not like you have any dignity to hold on to if you're begging people in the street for money anyway.

DamnYankees: Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude: Although if he wanted a drink, why not just ask for it. Not like you have any dignity to hold on to if you're begging people in the street for money anyway.

But they do have dignity. They are human beings, for crying out loud.

That kind of thinking is dangerous. Before you know it theCHAAAAAAAAAAAANGE. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY CHAAAAAAAAAAANGE?