Charity

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

If you look at their website, they have links to surf reports and things like that. So my impression was that it seems to be a surfer's charity and the person I made the promise to is a big surfer. Also, if you look at their mission statement, it suggests as much. But, like I said, as long as the beaches get protected that's the important thing.

I am confused - are you saying surfing is wrong or somehow detrimental to the ocean? Or are you saying the ulterior motive makes the cause not genuine?

[littlecricket2]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

I don't make much money either, which is exactly why I save all my receipts. Every little bit helps.

But don't you have to have a certain amount in deductions, like $6000, in order to be able to itemize? I thought it was something like that. In any case, I don't think my deductions would amount to anywhere near that, so I don't bother. I just do my taxes online for free using the simplest form there is.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by littlecricket2

But don't you have to have a certain amount in deductions, like $6000, in order to be able to itemize? I thought it was something like that. In any case, I don't think my deductions would amount to anywhere near that, so I don't bother. I just do my taxes online for free using the simplest form there is.

Same here, my deductions would never exceed the standard deduction. I tried to itemize once and I had a lot of deductions that year due to being unemployed and they still did not exceed the standard deduction.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by sara1998

There's always a drive contributing to the children's charities where I work. I also do Clothe-a-Child activities at work. We raise money year round , and in the winter time, around Thanksgiving, we have a huge outing and take underprivledged children from our community to Great Times (kinda like Chuck E. Cheese; most of these children don't have the opportunity to ever go there) then we take them to Shoe Carnival and get them 2 or 3 pair of shoes, then we take them shopping for winter clothes. And I do mean a full wardrobe. It's awesome to see their little faces light up when you tell them, "yes, you CAN get that sweater if you want..." Prior to our outing, we're given a sheet with details of the child we sponser, and their dream toy they want for Christmas. So we go and buy that prior to the outing, and Santa gives it to them after our shopping trip. It really is an emotional and eye opening experience for me, and others as well. I cry every time I leave my "child."

Wow, what a wonderful program!

[Miss Vicky]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I am confused - are you saying surfing is wrong or somehow detrimental to the ocean? Or are you saying the ulterior motive makes the cause not genuine?

I'm not saying either one. I have nothing against surfing or the people who participate in it. Obviously, if I thought there was anything really wrong with the charity's motives/goals I wouldn't have made the donation nor would I post the link here or on my own website (actually, there are three links to Surfrider on my website), promise or no promise.

All I said was that, at first, I was a little hesitant to donate because they aren't trying to save the ocean/beaches just for the sake of the environment and the wildlife that inhabit it. However, after giving it some thought, I decided that as long as they are working to protect the beaches and the ocean and promote low-impact ways of enjoying them, that's all that mattered.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

I'm not saying either one. I have nothing against surfing or the people who participate in it. Obviously, if I thought there was anything really wrong with the charity's motives/goals I wouldn't have made the donation nor would I post the link here or on my own website (actually, there are three links to Surfrider on my website), promise or no promise.

All I said was that, at first, I was a little hesitant to donate because they aren't trying to save the ocean/beaches just for the sake of the environment and the wildlife that inhabit it. However, after giving it some thought, I decided that as long as they are working to protect the beaches and the ocean and promote low-impact ways of enjoying them, that's all that mattered.

Gotcha

[eclipse]

I wish I had more cash....but I don't
Along with Sparky...I also contribute to Locals COPS-(You get a cool sticker to put on your car...that hopefully when they stop you and see the sticker... they won't give you a ticket?)...and I have a very close friend who is a COP and they need all the help they can get- Terrible job-Anyway...
Also
Animal Rescue League
Planned Parenthood- (not really a charity..as such)
World Wildlife Fund
Susan Korman Breast Cancer Foundation
Wheelchair Vetereans

and I am a sucker for any kid selling ANYTHING- for band clothes-school trip-new football equipment..whatever and However I WILL NOT BUY things from Parents (for their kids function, school, whatever), If the child asks me...ring it up!
Also give away a shameful amount of clothes/towels/bedding etc. To a local program for Families needing assistance- (like a Salvation Army, but local)

And I try to put something in the container at the grocery store each week when I shop. They collect all the food and assorted products and distribute it to the local chuches, for families that the church knows need help. Plus I throw in dog food at the ASPCA container that goes to our local "pound".
whatever helps right someone else right?
dreams``
``eclipse

[~nightbird~]

My fav organization to contribute to is htpp://www.heifer.org

I also support our local food pantry and our local "Angel Trees" during the holiday season.

Originally Posted by eclipse

and I am a sucker for any kid selling ANYTHING- for band clothes-school trip-new football equipment..whatever and However I WILL NOT BUY things from Parents (for their kids function, school, whatever), If the child asks me...ring it up!

Me too!!!

[SuzeQuze]

Well, I want to give to more but for now I give $20 per month to Masspirg. I also give to the Red Cross and the International Rescue Committee on occasion. Now I get all kinds of solicitations for donations. I wish I had the money to help them all. But I am just one woman! Oh yeah, and I try to buy the breast cancer stamps and I did a walk for the American Cancer Society earlier this year and raised almost $300.

[littlecricket2]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

... and I did a walk for the American Cancer Society earlier this year and raised almost $300.

Wow, that's awesome!