| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Lars Eighner" |
| Date: |
03 Dec 2005 12:48:08 AM |
| Object: |
Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
--
Lars Eighner http://www.larseighner.com/
"With a heavy dose of fear and violence, and a lot of money for projects,
I think we can convince these people that we are here to help them"
-- Lt. Col. Nathan Sassaman
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| User: "Second Amendment Loves You" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 01:13:21 AM |
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Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army? I
didn't think so.
Waa.
.
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| User: "Lars Eighner" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 01:32:31 AM |
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In our last episode,
<lAbkf.22037$Au1.3450@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
I didn't think so.
You didn't think.
--
Lars Eighner http://www.larseighner.com/
Being a pacifist between wars is as easy as being a vegetarian between meals.
- Ammon Hennacy
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| User: "Second Amendment Loves You" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 09:26:46 AM |
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Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<lAbkf.22037$Au1.3450@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Jamie Dodge was fired for lying. Are you saying liars should be
protected in their employment? I find no greater pleasure
than firing liars myself. I have done it before, and will
do it again.
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
Since you're busted, I won't even bother.
I didn't think so.
You didn't think.
.
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| User: "Lars Eighner" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 10:11:47 AM |
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In our last episode,
<WOikf.22101$Au1.9233@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<lAbkf.22037$Au1.3450@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Jamie Dodge was fired for lying.
You are the liar.
<http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/publications/religionbased_employment/dodge.html>
The Salvation Army did not assert that she lied. The court did
not find that she lied. The court did find that she was fired
for her religious beliefs at the time.
Are you saying liars should be
protected in their employment? I find no greater pleasure
than firing liars myself. I have done it before, and will
do it again.
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
Since you're busted, I won't even bother.
I didn't think so.
You didn't think.
--
Lars Eighner http://www.larseighner.com/
Violence in the voice is often only the death rattle of reason in the throat.
- John Boyes
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| User: "Second Amendment Loves You" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 10:32:20 AM |
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Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<WOikf.22101$Au1.9233@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<lAbkf.22037$Au1.3450@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Jamie Dodge was fired for lying.
You are the liar.
<http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/publications/religionbased_employment/dodge.html>
The Salvation Army did not assert that she lied. The court did
not find that she lied. The court did find that she was fired
for her religious beliefs at the time.
She misrepresented herself, and signed false documents. Without that
prevarication, she never would have been hired, therefore, everything
subsequent to that in her job, including firing, is a result of her lying.
Sounds like the Salvation Army needs better lawyers. But that does not
change the facts.
Are you saying liars should be
protected in their employment? I find no greater pleasure
than firing liars myself. I have done it before, and will
do it again.
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
Since you're busted, I won't even bother.
I didn't think so.
You didn't think.
.
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| User: "Lars Eighner" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 11:00:19 AM |
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In our last episode,
<oMjkf.28109$%i.1276@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.politics:
Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<WOikf.22101$Au1.9233@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<lAbkf.22037$Au1.3450@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Jamie Dodge was fired for lying.
You are the liar.
<http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/publications/religionbased_employment/dodge.html>
The Salvation Army did not assert that she lied. The court did
not find that she lied. The court did find that she was fired
for her religious beliefs at the time.
She misrepresented herself, and signed false documents. Without that
prevarication, she never would have been hired, therefore, everything
subsequent to that in her job, including firing, is a result of her lying.
That was never alleged. The court did not find it was so. What
is more, there is no indication that she ever misrepresented
anything. It is clear that her religious opinions have changed
several times. Nothing in evidence suggests that she made
statements about her religious opinions that were false at the
time she made them. The Salvation Army's program is pretty much
predicated on the thought that people's religious opinion can
change; in this case her religious opinions changed in a way
they did not like.
Sounds like the Salvation Army needs better lawyers. But that
does not change the facts.
The fact is you are grasping at straws. There is no allegation
or finding in this case that she lied at any time.
Are you saying liars should be
protected in their employment? I find no greater pleasure
than firing liars myself. I have done it before, and will
do it again.
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
Since you're busted, I won't even bother.
I didn't think so.
You didn't think.
--
Lars Eighner http://www.larseighner.com/
The best way to support the troops right now
is to take them out of hazard's way. -- U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William Odem (Ret.)
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| User: "Second Amendment Loves You" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 12:31:15 PM |
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Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<oMjkf.28109$%i.1276@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.politics:
Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<WOikf.22101$Au1.9233@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
In our last episode,
<lAbkf.22037$Au1.3450@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
the lovely and talented Second Amendment Loves You
broadcast on alt.atheism:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Jamie Dodge was fired for lying.
You are the liar.
<http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/publications/religionbased_employment/dodge.html>
The Salvation Army did not assert that she lied. The court did
not find that she lied. The court did find that she was fired
for her religious beliefs at the time.
She misrepresented herself, and signed false documents. Without that
prevarication, she never would have been hired, therefore, everything
subsequent to that in her job, including firing, is a result of her lying.
That was never alleged. The court did not find it was so. What
is more, there is no indication that she ever misrepresented
anything. It is clear that her religious opinions have changed
several times. Nothing in evidence suggests that she made
statements about her religious opinions that were false at the
time she made them. The Salvation Army's program is pretty much
predicated on the thought that people's religious opinion can
change; in this case her religious opinions changed in a way
they did not like.
Now you're making a claim not supported by a quick reading of
the case. If she did not change her beliefs while employed,
she lied on her employment documents.
Here's a tip: when you find someone has lied, it's usually
easier to fire them for other reasons than to get mired in
accusations of prevarication, which are almost always going
to be denied.
Another thing - if her position was funded substancially or
completely by the goverment, why did she just not work for the
goverment? Why go somewhere you're not wanted? I'm not going
to work at the Jewish men's center. They don't want me and I
don't want them. Simple enough?
In my life, I discriminate against those who don't bathe,
those who hear voices, those who use drugs, those who have
not completed their education, etc.
You boycott the SA, I'll boycott Target, K?
Sounds like the Salvation Army needs better lawyers. But that
does not change the facts.
The fact is you are grasping at straws. There is no allegation
or finding in this case that she lied at any time.
Are you saying liars should be
protected in their employment? I find no greater pleasure
than firing liars myself. I have done it before, and will
do it again.
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
Since you're busted, I won't even bother.
I didn't think so.
You didn't think.
.
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| User: "Douglas Berry" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 10:12:15 AM |
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What's so funny about peace, love and Second Amendment Loves You
<no@body.home> posting the following on Sat, 03 Dec 2005 15:26:46 GMT
iin alt.atheism?
Lars Eighner wrote:
Dodge v. Salvation Army, 1989 WL 53857 (S.D. Miss. 1989)
Jamie Dodge was fired for lying. Are you saying liars should be
protected in their employment? I find no greater pleasure
than firing liars myself. I have done it before, and will
do it again.
No, she was fired for being a pagan. Try reading the court decision.
Lown v. Salvation Army, 04 Civ. 1560 (S.D. NY)
Logan v. Salvation Army, 2005 NY Slip Op 25491
and plenty more where those came from.
Since you're busted, I won't even bother.
ROTFLMAO!!! So, Lars finds three cases right off the bat, and rather
than admit that he got you, you'll just ignore them? That's not a
retreat, that's a full-on rout!
Looking at the other two cases mentioned, I can see why you're afraid
to talk about them.
There's more!
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Mar04/Berkowitz0316.htm
--
Douglas E. Berry Do the OBVIOUS thing to send e-mail
Atheist #2147, Atheist Vet #5
"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as
when they do it from religious conviction."
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), Pense'es, #894.
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| User: "satyr" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
05 Dec 2005 12:37:30 AM |
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On Sat, 03 Dec 2005 07:13:21 GMT, Second Amendment Loves You
<no@body.home> wrote:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army? I
didn't think so.
Waa.
I know a woman, an atheist, who sought shelter at the Salvation Army
when her apartment was unsafe for occupation after an Earthquake in
California. They made it quite clear that she had to pray to get the
cot. She prayed because she had no where else to go. It was a
humiliating experience for her. The next day she got shelter through
the Red Cross.
--
satyr #1953
Chairman, EAC Church Taxation Subcommittee
Director, Gideon Bible Alternative Fuel Project
Supervisor, EAC Fossil Casting Lab
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| User: "Gregory Gadow" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
05 Dec 2005 08:46:49 AM |
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Second Amendment Loves You wrote:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
Could you please provide some examples of grievances of those
who have been discriminated against by the Salvation Army?
I have several stories.
The background: I used to be a deacon with the Metropolitan Community
Church of Tucson, from 1986 through 1988. MCC is an international
denomination of an evangelical type, founded in 1968 as a home for gay
and lesbian Christians. In MCC, the diaconate is a lay ministry with a
focus on charitable works, and one of my duties was to provide food and
social service references to people who were in need. With the church
building located in Tucson's downtown area, we frequently got homeless
people coming for assistance; with MCC's reputation as a safe haven,
many of those people were gay men.
There was a Salvation Army men's shelter about two blocks from our
church, and we frequently referred men there and had been for some
years. A bit after Thanksgiving in 1986, however, we got a formal letter
from the Arizona Commandery of the SA, telling us that none of the SA
shelters in Tucson would honor our referrals to their facilities. The
underlying reason is that we were a "gay church" whose referrals were
often "undesireables." In short, they were perfectly happy to exclude
gay men in need for the sole reason that they were gay, and they were
delighted to leave everyone referred by a "gay-church" out in the cold
(winter temperatures in Tucson often dip below freezing.)
In the years since, the Salvation Army was taken to court for
discrimination against gay employees, non-Christian employees and, most
recently in New York, for discrimination against non Salvation Army
employees. Despite the fact that the SA budget comes almost entirely out
of public, tax-payer funds, they insist that local, state and federal
anti-discrimination laws do not apply to them. Since at least 2000, SA
has *required,* in violation of federal laws, that all applicants to
social service jobs under their aegis fill out a form that details A)
their church affiliation and all churches attended over the last ten
years, B) an authorization form that would allow their pastor to reveal
private communications, such as counselling and confessions, to the SA,
and C) sign a pledge to adhere to the religious mission of the Salvation
Army which, according to the document to be signed, is to "preach the
Gospel of Jesus Christ." Mind you, this is required of all employees,
from the manager of a shelter to the people who sweep the floors and
change the bedpans. See:
http://www.nyclu.org/salvation_army_pr_022404.html
That is just for starters. A quick google for "Salvation Army" and
"discrimination" will show up lots, lots more.
--
Gregory Gadow
techbear@serv.net
http://www.serv.net/~techbear
"[W]e have never held that moral disapproval, without any other asserted
state interest, is a sufficient rationale under the Equal Protection
Clause to justify a law that discriminates among groups of persons."
- Sandra Day O`Conner, _Lawrence v Texas_
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=000&invol=02-102
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| User: "" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
03 Dec 2005 05:18:06 AM |
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Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
As I've suggested in years past, if anyone wants to donate toys
and food to a charity around the winter solstice without having
religions profiting from your money, here are some useful tips:
1. Buy gift certificates at supermarkets instead of food. Most
supermarkets will not redeem them for alcohol and cigarettes,
but they can be used to buy things food banks don't normally
stock, and they give the recipient some choice. Supermarkets
are also good because they are usually accessible to the poor
in the community.
Buy certificates in $5 or $10 amounts to ensure the money
will be distributed better. Tell the food bank to put the
certificates into the hampers, that they are not to be used
by the food bank. Also, get envelopes from the store! A
single mom will feel like it's a personal gift if you put an
anonymous well-wishing note inside.
2. Tell a store you're buying toys for charity and some may give
you a discount. (Don't pocket the money, buy another toy!)
Buy for both genders: some for girls, some for boys, some for
either (eg. Jenga, small books or colouring sets). And don't
forget to buy something for teenagers, most people don't give
anything to them. (Got a CD walkman or an old PC that works
but you're not using? Get it refurbished.)
3. Don't give to religious organizations. Many of them are known
for having a "No presence, no presents" policy, even where it
is illegal to demand religious attendance. There are plenty
of trustworthy and secular places to make donations for the
poor: women's shelters, ethnic groups, day care centres, Toys
For Tots, labour unions, et al. Ask your government welfare
office, they might have a list and you can call them to find
out who is non-religious.
The only person who would object to these suggestions is someone
who wants to blackmail the poor into accepting their religion.
The religious who are respectful of others won't be bothered by
them.
Bob Dog
Atheist #153 = 1^3 + 5^3 + 3^3
EAC's chief cook and brainwasher
-----
"Sooner or later the despairing Churches will try to get
a world-alliance with something like Fascist tyranny to
check the growth of Atheism. It is their one hope."
- Joseph McCabe
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| User: "Gregory Gadow" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
05 Dec 2005 09:00:45 AM |
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wrote:
Lars Eighner wrote:
Most people know the Salvation Army is a religious organization
which, although it often receives public funds, tries to
prosletize to the unfortunate people who fall into its clutches,
what not everyone knows is that the Salvation Army refuses to
agree to avoid employment discrimination, even when it hires for
positions fund from public moneys.
As I've suggested in years past, if anyone wants to donate toys
and food to a charity around the winter solstice without having
religions profiting from your money, here are some useful tips:
1. Buy gift certificates at supermarkets instead of food. Most
supermarkets will not redeem them for alcohol and cigarettes,
but they can be used to buy things food banks don't normally
stock,
Like a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap and fresh foods like
fruits, vegetables and dairy.
and they give the recipient some choice. Supermarkets
are also good because they are usually accessible to the poor
in the community.
Buy certificates in $5 or $10 amounts to ensure the money
will be distributed better. Tell the food bank to put the
certificates into the hampers, that they are not to be used
by the food bank. Also, get envelopes from the store! A
single mom will feel like it's a personal gift if you put an
anonymous well-wishing note inside.
Along similar lines: gift certificates from drug stores. In addition to
sundries mentioned above, many drug stores stock hats, gloves, socks,
towels, cookwear, plates, even toys.
2. Tell a store you're buying toys for charity and some may give
you a discount. (Don't pocket the money, buy another toy!)
Buy for both genders: some for girls, some for boys, some for
either (eg. Jenga, small books or colouring sets). And don't
forget to buy something for teenagers, most people don't give
anything to them. (Got a CD walkman or an old PC that works
but you're not using? Get it refurbished.)
3. Don't give to religious organizations. Many of them are known
for having a "No presence, no presents" policy, even where it
is illegal to demand religious attendance. There are plenty
of trustworthy and secular places to make donations for the
poor: women's shelters, ethnic groups, day care centres, Toys
For Tots, labour unions, et al. Ask your government welfare
office, they might have a list and you can call them to find
out who is non-religious.
All excellent suggestions, to which I would like to add one thing: Of
all the resources these organizations need, the one they generally need
most is TIME. Most would be delighted if you could volunteer even just
one or two hours a week, especially during the holiday season. Call up
their main office and ask what you can do to help, then FOLLOW THROUGH.
Speaking from experience, it is infinitely rewarding, both for yourself
and the people you help.
The only person who would object to these suggestions is someone
who wants to blackmail the poor into accepting their religion.
The religious who are respectful of others won't be bothered by
them.
--
Gregory Gadow
techbear@serv.net
http://www.serv.net/~techbear
"[W]e have never held that moral disapproval, without any other asserted
state interest, is a sufficient rationale under the Equal Protection
Clause to justify a law that discriminates among groups of persons."
- Sandra Day O`Conner, _Lawrence v Texas_
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=000&invol=02-102
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| User: "DH" |
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| Title: Re: Avoiding Hate-Based Giving - Salvation Army |
07 Dec 2005 12:24:21 PM |
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"Gregory Gadow" <techbear@serv.net> wrote in message
news:4394561D.10E7B3A5@serv.net...
bg12345@apexmail.com wrote:
Lars Eighner wrote:
[snip]
As I've suggested in years past, if anyone wants to donate toys
and food to a charity around the winter solstice without having
religions profiting from your money, here are some useful tips:
1. Buy gift certificates at supermarkets instead of food. Most
supermarkets will not redeem them for alcohol and cigarettes,
but they can be used to buy things food banks don't normally
stock,
Like a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap and fresh foods like
fruits, vegetables and dairy.
and they give the recipient some choice. Supermarkets
are also good because they are usually accessible to the poor
in the community.
Buy certificates in $5 or $10 amounts to ensure the money
will be distributed better. Tell the food bank to put the
certificates into the hampers, that they are not to be used
by the food bank. Also, get envelopes from the store! A
single mom will feel like it's a personal gift if you put an
anonymous well-wishing note inside.
Along similar lines: gift certificates from drug stores. In addition to
sundries mentioned above, many drug stores stock hats, gloves, socks,
towels, cookwear, plates, even toys.
2. Tell a store you're buying toys for charity and some may give
you a discount. (Don't pocket the money, buy another toy!)
Buy for both genders: some for girls, some for boys, some for
either (eg. Jenga, small books or colouring sets). And don't
forget to buy something for teenagers, most people don't give
anything to them. (Got a CD walkman or an old PC that works
but you're not using? Get it refurbished.)
Or give your local foodshelf cash. The food shelf that our daughters (Girl
Scouts) worked with said that cash was most useful to them, as they would
try to get needed non-food items, based on feedback from the clients and on
all items they had a better shot at working a deal and often did. A walk-in
at Target claiming to buy toys for charity isn't going to get the same
acceptance as the local food shelf director making the same pitch.
In our area, by the way, Target has been very, very generous. Especially to
schools.
3. Don't give to religious organizations. Many of them are known
for having a "No presence, no presents" policy, even where it
is illegal to demand religious attendance. There are plenty
of trustworthy and secular places to make donations for the
poor: women's shelters, ethnic groups, day care centres, Toys
For Tots, labour unions, et al. Ask your government welfare
office, they might have a list and you can call them to find
out who is non-religious.
Don't tar all religious groups with the same brush. Our Boy Scout Troop is
affiliated with an ELCA church that doesn't ask questions or make
judgements, they just give help.
All excellent suggestions, to which I would like to add one thing: Of
all the resources these organizations need, the one they generally need
most is TIME. Most would be delighted if you could volunteer even just
one or two hours a week, especially during the holiday season. Call up
their main office and ask what you can do to help, then FOLLOW THROUGH.
Speaking from experience, it is infinitely rewarding, both for yourself
and the people you help.
And, as a bonus, you get to know what that charity is REALLY about. It's not
easy to hide their agendas from the volunteers.
The only person who would object to these suggestions is someone
who wants to blackmail the poor into accepting their religion.
The religious who are respectful of others won't be bothered by
them.
I don't see how it is that "Christian" churches and organizations get
themselves worked up about the qualifications of those they're helping. One
of the plainest, simplest and most direct passages in the New Testament is
the story of the Good Samaritan. The message is: charity doesn't involve
asking questions or making judgements or conditions. Charity is about
giving. Period.
The Salvation Army isn't a charitable organization, it's a missionary
organization masquerading as a charity.
--
Gregory Gadow
techbear@serv.net
http://www.serv.net/~techbear
"[W]e have never held that moral disapproval, without any other asserted
state interest, is a sufficient rationale under the Equal Protection
Clause to justify a law that discriminates among groups of persons."
- Sandra Day O`Conner, _Lawrence v Texas_
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=000&invol=02-102
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