BandB, please be real real careful and selective. Any organization you donate to might take an administrative fee from 0 to 95%. I've seen it happen over and over again.
Some time, some people really suck!!
Religious organizations too.
Remember the time the Red Cross did not disperse all the funds sent in for a particular disaster? Their rational was to save some for the next disaster. Chit really hit the fan over that one. That and the Red Cross has a very high administrative fee. Knowing what I do about the Red Cross, I will not donate to it.
I donate bikes to the Salvation Army every Christmas, whatever I can afford and never less 15, in various sizes. Starter bikes primarily.
Back in Atlanta, I donate money designated to help members within the congregation provided, they sign a promissory note to pay it back.
Prior to leaving the pastor's office, the pastor gives a brief sermon on forgiveness and rips up the note. I donate 15-20 hams and turkeys potatoes and rolls (I go buy them) and the rest of the fixins' for holiday meals except veggies. I dont eat veggies so why should they? LOL Okay, I do buy yams and baked beans. I do this for Thanksgiving and Easter.
The money usually goes for rent and sometimes major medical expenses.
The congregation is not rich, I have been told, the congregation is made up of primarily Spanish speaking people.
I never attend their church but the secretary and pastor are always happy to see me. (I wonder why) To those I help, I AM THE MYSTERY DONOR.
I do not want to be recognized as The Mystery Donor. LOL I hide in the shadows. LURK LURK
I never ask for an accounting, the pastor spends it within the congregation as he sees fit.
Last year, I had to remind the pastor (new pastor) about the promissory note and brief sermon. I told him, if he cannot do this, I can find another congregation. I hope he knows, I am not joking. To me, that is the important part.
The secretary always tries to tell me how they have helped people but, I stop her.
My point is, it is better to donate stuff than money. Money can disappear before it reaches those in need.
Shhhh, dont tell anyone, it's a secret.
Signed,
The Mystery Donor.