In this case the Virginia State Police have a special place in my heart since they responded to my children's accident. I will for as long as I live appreciate the twenty troopers who responded to the accident as well as their supervisors, their efforts will never be forgotten by our family.
OK, now I'm rambling back to the story. So the maybe a bit too nice man who during the course of 45 seconds went from calling me Mrs Forbes to Jennifer to Jen asked me for a donation. The donation was for Troopers to give teddy bears to kids after accidents and for other things, there was a list but the details escape me at this time. Anyhow, for obvious reasons explained above I asked him to hold so I could consult with my hubby as to if and how much we'd be willing to donate and then it dawned on me to ask something; a really important question.
How much of each dollar donated goes to the State Police and how much goes to the solicitor's organization or overhead? Wouldn't you know he then asked me to hold so he could put me on the line with his supervisor. Supervisor comes on the line. "this is Dan how can I help you?" So I asked him how much of each dollar donated goes directly to the State Police? What to take a guess?? As it turns out the State Police only get 10% so I declined to give a donation. 10% is a terribly small number don't you think?
So what do you think, paid solicitor or paid thief?
How do you get those pesky phone callers wanting money off the phone at dinner time? Do you have a special response?
My husband prefers to ask for their home number so he can call them back at dinner time ;0
Seriously do you check out your charities before donation?
Wow...very good point. Now you have me wondering...just how much of what I donate actually benefits the cause----I'll be asking the same question in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks ;o)
I was shocked at how little the division of funds was. I know not all goes to the organization and there is overhead but that was just appalling. I guess it's the difference between them doing their own fundraising and a paid solicitor doing it. Makes a big difference I would think!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Good for you to ask. Probably would get more satisfaction in sending the police a check yourself for teddy bears. Wow!!! That makes me mad.
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge heart you have. :)
My husband just hangs up on them. And to pull the teddy bear card, I should probably report them for being such thieves!
DeleteYou're nicer than me because I never even let them get into their shtick!
ReplyDeleteYou and Bill would get along famously!
DeleteI am with your husband. I am respectful but once I know it is a solicitor, I say, this is not a good time for me to talk, thank you, and hang up.
ReplyDeleteI NEVER give money to phone solicitors for the reason you indicated. I so make donations to causes in which I believe - all the time -- but I initiate the donation. Almost always (except for political support) I donate to local causes -- our town's schools, youth groups, police and fire departments, food bank - those kind of things. When I give to the local food bank, cop shop, or school, I know where the money goes b/c I know the people involved. I like that.
I went on the no call list to get away from this type of questionable persons/organizations. Now poof they come up with this paid solicitor nonsense!
DeleteYou're so right the best do the donating directly.
I'd tell them I'd prefer to donate to the police department directly. Then, I'd call the station to make sure they know this company was soliciting donations on their behalf. Usually, there are volunteers who make those type of phone calls, in my experience.
ReplyDeleteThe State Police do not take donations directly, I checked!!
DeleteBut their members do belong to a number of organizations and they are (with permission) allowed to use the State Police name in their fund raising.
I checked the web-site of the organization that called me. It doesn't give a financial disclosure of how the money is distributed, not even the most basic info! Shame.
Mr. Liverpool always asks the solicitor to mail him the information first.
ReplyDeleteThey never do.
you made the right choice, dear. Xxx
I bet! They're not gonna waste the cost of stamp when they're raking in the big $$$$; the thieves!!
DeleteWhen I was ill, I gave away huge amounts of money, believing it was what I was "supposed" to do, but ever sane time I give ;o, I check first. Sometimes I am quite surprised by what I find. ~Mary
ReplyDeleteWHAT!?! Good info Jen. I don't usually let "an organization" get very far but if they are at least I have a good question to ask in return.
ReplyDeleteI like your hubby's approach best. Call them back at dinnertime. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a policy not to donate over the phone. If they are legit, they don't mind giving me their website or mailing me more information so I can do my homework.
ReplyDeletePS-LOVE the new look! Very slick!
ReplyDeleteI am always polite and usually never donate over the phone. You are so right about asking how much makes its way back to the ones that need it. So the next time 'they' call guess what my first question will be? Thanks Jen.
ReplyDelete