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Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Asenion wrote:


I heard a story about a man who punched a woman in the face for saying "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. I myself love Christmas and am bothered by how it's put down but attacking people or getting angry over it isn't the answer. Early Christians had to survive in a Pagan Dominated world and didn't have the luxury to get violent yet still managed to spread the Gospel. They did this by acting with Goodwill and Kindness even in the face of Avarice.

Punching someone in the face is not Goodwill Towards Men.


I hear lots of stories like that and they are almost always fake. It's a function of our demand for outrage exceeding the supply.

Not long ago there was a big thing where waitstaff would photograph a receipt with something insulting (usually bigoted/racist) and no tip, and outrage would ensue along with a big GoFundMe and it was always a hoax.

I mean, Happy Holidays is at this point a ubiquitous greeting. A far more likely scenario is the person simply said "Merry Christmas" in reply.

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MN (Currently in WY)

Oddly enough, Pablo Eisenberg recently passed away.

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/28/1138986150/pablo-eisenberg-a-fierce-critic-of-nonprofits-and-philanthropy-died-at-age-90


A nonprofit leader, professor and social justice advocate, he was a loud and influential watchdog of the philanthropic sector, which he routinely castigated for promoting inequality and neglecting the most pressing concerns of society.

Eisenberg, who died Oct. 18 at age 90, argued that charitable giving often benefits the wealthy more than the needy. He chastised prosperous donors for giving disproportionately to Ivy League schools, rich hospitals and well-endowed museums, all while getting tax breaks for their donations. Why not share more of that wealth, he asked, with community colleges, low-income health centers, small arts groups and other struggling organizations?

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 Easy E wrote:
Oddly enough, Pablo Eisenberg recently passed away.


Many American universities - particularly the elite ones like the Ivy League - are effectively hedge funds that also offer classes as a side business.

I cut off donations to my alma mater when they continued to hike tuition while having hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/12/02 01:55:42


Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

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Preparing the Invasion of Terra






I feel like the Yanks have maybe gone a different way with this. It's gone from MDG suggesting people give to foodbanks, homeless shelters, or Xmas gift groups, to the American (or at least people with the flag on their account) decrying most charities as schemes or hacks and then listing a bunch of stuff that isn't even close to what MDG suggested.
   
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 Gert wrote:
I feel like the Yanks have maybe gone a different way with this. It's gone from MDG suggesting people give to foodbanks, homeless shelters, or Xmas gift groups, to the American (or at least people with the flag on their account) decrying most charities as schemes or hacks and then listing a bunch of stuff that isn't even close to what MDG suggested.


That may be a function of how charities are administered. The Brits have these "registered charities" and they seem to have strict standards where in the US, charities can (and do) use 90 percent of their contributions for overhead. I have first-hand knowledge of this and sad to say, it seems the rule rather than the exception these days.

Thus, a key lesson over on this side of the pond is to make sure you are donating it where it will do the most good.




Automatically Appended Next Post:
I saw upthread where the UK has a problem with people showing up and wanting to volunteer and then disappear.

The US example is people who write a check to a charity that sounds nice, but doesn't actually make much of a difference. We have a number of "zombie" causes who achieved their original goal and now just there "raise awareness" while providing salaries for their administrators.

That is why I urge people to donate local to organizations where they can see their money making a difference and to do it on an annual or ongoing basis.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/12/02 21:30:29


Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






This is why I tend to prefer giving physical items.

My local Sainsburys (a U.K. Supermarket) has a collection box for a Cat Sanctuary. Now and again I’ll buy a box of cat food and drop it in on my way out. Toy appeals (the inspiration for this thread) are also my preferred way of giving, because it’s something tangible.

You can also donate hygiene products to food banks, including Lady’s Things. Yes I have asked the ladies I know on that part as beyond the biological whys, I’ve never had cause to know about such things. Soap, Shower Gel, Deodorant, Tootpaste, Toothbrushes. All make good donations. And if you shop around a bit, even £20 can go surprisingly far.

If you’ve kids of your own, you’ll likely have clothes they’ve outgrown. Provided they’re clean and in good condition, donate those. Costs you nowt other than perhaps a wash load and an hour or so of sorting and bagging, makes a huge difference. And hey, to touch on another social issue, helps somewhat offset the ills of Fast Fashion. Even as an adult, if you donate a smart shirt? That could genuinely be the difference in the recipient succeeding in a job interview. If you’ve old suits you no longer wear, so much the better. As ever, if, and only if, you can genuinely spare such things. I’m here to encourage, not guilt or shame.

In short, there are other ways to make a difference beyond just donating cash.

   
Made in gb
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Nottingham

I teach English at secondary school, including A Christmas Carol which I get to read 2-3 -times a year depending on the groups that I have. Giving to charity isn't really the point of the story, as this, whilst temporarily helping those in need, doesn't address the poverty that causes those needs. The main point is to not exploit those in need, and not to take from the world more than you need (not want) yourself. Every year I try my very best to impart on my students that to be rich, a lot of other people have to be poor. I support charities in a variety of ways, but for me, the best way to tackle poverty is exactly as Dickens suggested- only take what you need, and give back what you don't. The societal shift to billionaire worship unfortunately means that I am fighting a losing battle.

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Underwear and socks are also great physical donations where applicable.

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100%. They’re also not terribly expensive to buy in, as I’m not sure anyone would appreciate second hand undercrackers!

At the risk of sounding “cHeCk YoUr PrIvIlEgE”? Just…one morning. Stop and think about your routine.

Mine? Tip out of bed. Shower and do me teeth. Clean clothes, ready for the day, sometimes I’ll have a shave.

Now imagine you can’t do one of those steps. Maybe you’ve run into the Great Wall Of Laundry. Maybe the toothpaste is out, or your toothbrush just isn’t doing the job anymore.

For me, and hopefully you, that’s soon rectified with a strategic run to the shops or load of laundry.

What if that’s not an option? They’re kind of basic necessities, not creature comforts. Again having been in that position once upon a time, you feel proper rubbish about yourself as a result.

Now, for a few quid here and there? I can help others not face that unpleasant reality.

   
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Just a cheeky heads up, Mcdonald's is doing a winter food donation thing in the UK. If you are of the vice of fast food (like myself), there is an option to donate on JustEat.
   
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Oh nice! Not normally a big fan of McDonalds, but I’m not exactly against them. Something to keep in mind

   
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The Ronald McDonald House Charity is also an exceptional force of good. They support families who have children in hospitals by supplying live-in facilities nearby hospitals. Some family friends had their baby in the hospital for months and the RMHC supported them the whole time.
   
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 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:


In short, there are other ways to make a difference beyond just donating cash.


True, and there's always volunteering or donating blood as ways to help. Cash is necessary for perishable foods, though, either through food banks or soup kitchens.

My point earlier was simply to know the charity you support. The more abstract and broad-based the operation, the less practical good your money will do.

Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
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Yeah I agree. As noted above, in the U.K. Charities are fairly well regulated, and that includes checking donations are going on what is claimed, and not just disappearing into a blackhole of “overheads”.

I tend to focus on local charities, as I just feel they have a more tangible impact on my immediate community. Though when it’s stuff like Cancer Research, I’ll donate to the bigger ones, as science is flipping expensive!

   
Made in us
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Christmas is over, and now is a great time to think about donating as the holiday surge fades. Late January is widely regarded as the most bleak time of year in northern climates, so a small act of kindness can often have a huge impact.

Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
 
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