Give a day will COST US MONEY!!!!

[jodilinton]

We spent 4 hours painting fences and mucking stalls at an Equine Rescue Farm and had a blast. The farm owners even provided us with lunch which was a surprise. We will be going back because it was such a wonderful experience.

I think this is great. I have horses and my kids would have loved this one!

 

[disneyjunkie]

I guess all us poor people can stop volunteering b/c we have no money....??? Some people on the board are out of line. They should have told her about the money upfront. And the GAD commercials, advertising, talk about TIME, not money.

I bet everyone who used their own money will claim it on their taxes next year too, but criticize her for wanting something in return for donating money for the bear.

Donation= money,materials etc
volunteer= time

(In most cases.)

It shameful poster is getting blasted b/c she can't afford to donate money! Seriously. How stuck up does everyone sound now. To be honest probably 80% of people signed up for GAD b/c of tickets or the hype surrounding promo. It's Wrong, but lets be realistic. I bet the agencies not working with GAD, get few volunteers.


It does not matter the reasons people volunteer, people all over are getting help and that is what matters.

You really think a family that can't afford $12.99 per person, can afford a trip to WDW?

So he doesn't deserve a ticket because he made it possible for us to buy the materials needed? I suppose we could play a game of semantics here...he volunteered his money, we donated our time.

No he doesn't, because he didn't take part in the activity.

Let's say 5 people signed up for a GAD project. The project is free but, it's a few miles away from where the 5 people live. 4 of the 5 do the work to complete the project, but the 6th person just drives them to and from the project.

Does the 5th person deserve a ticket? I say no, because he/she didn't do any of the work involved in completing the project.

 

[Namsupak]

Didn't read every single post...but read the first page. OP is there any way you could go around and get people to donate the money for several bears for each of your family members and then you and your family could volunteer their time to stuff all the bears? If it was a business that donated the money perhaps they could write it off their taxes as a donation. Just a thought.

 

[Took]

Didn't read every single post...but read the first page. OP is there any way you could go around and get people to donate the money for several bears for each of your family members and then you and your family could volunteer their time to stuff all the bears? If it was a business that donated the money perhaps they could write it off their taxes as a donation. Just a thought.

This idea crossed my mind, too. Present this to others as an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. You will do the work if they provide the materials. I would be willing to give a small donation to someone whom I knew asked for something like this. Just make sure the folks know the money is going to the charity and what's it's for.

 

[CarolAnnB]

To those who mentioned claiming a tax deduction for costs of supplies: Unless the tax law has changed, you cannot claim a deduction for a donation for the supplies, etc. unless it is more than the $79 you are getting for the Disney ticket. If you spent $179 on fleece and got a $79 ticket, you can deduct $100. If you only spend $10, you can't deduct it because you are getting more value than you are giving. I am not now a tax expert, but that is how it used to be.

 

[jessica29]

I'll take that bet and you lose!!! I do NOT file taxes as I do not have any earned income (VA disability comp is non taxable therefore no taxes filed) and even if I did I would not be claiming it either. I did it because it was what my family chose to do on top of our regular volunteer work and service projects. Like I said, I have spent money in all volunteer things I have done from buying supplies to help the teachers I volunteered with to buying trophies for my soccer kids that I coached or was team parent for. I did it because it felt right to me.

Maybe I choose my words poorly. I was generalizing of course.

All I am saying that we don't need to bash the OP becase she cannot afford it! Alot of people do claim it on taxes ( I work for a non profit, Many donate to bring down taxes, otherwise we would have a lot less donations, it is unfortunate but reality).

Don't look down on her for wanting a free ticket. Most of us responding do volunteer or donate that is clear, and it is sometimes nice to be recognized ( GAD being one way). SOmetimes I donate time or money ( when I can, but not always and I don't feel like a cheap insensitive person, I do what I can). I just think people are missing the point of the program to increase volunteerism in ways one person can.

 

[jessica29]

You really think a family that can't afford $12.99 per person, can afford a trip to WDW?

I did not even mention that in my post so I don't know where that is coming from but...

Actually, I do after reading the boards. Some people are on very tight budgets and I have seen time and time again that 200.00 can break a trip on these boards. I have even see people try to feed a family of four for 50.oo a day at disney or that can't go. I am not judging people do what they can.

Not everyone spends thousand when they go which is what I feel like you are assuming. Some people stay off site and go to one park only not make a "trip of it". Some people in FL may just want to go for a day who otherwise cannot take their chilren b/c of economic circumstances.

What I did say is this: "guess all us poor people can stop volunteering b/c we have no money....??? Some people on the board are out of line. "

I feel like everyone is saying why bother volunteering if you can't contribute money, and I think it is mean. I am a social worker and their are so many ways to volunteer in the community that don't require money. I never look down on families that can't donate to my daughters school when we do foods drives for example, you can never know other peoples circumstances untill your in their shoes.

I am not trying to debate, the program is what it is and their are ticket being given for no cost volunteering. Volunteer did not make up the rules.

 

[Anjelica]

To those who mentioned claiming a tax deduction for costs of supplies: Unless the tax law has changed, you cannot claim a deduction for a donation for the supplies, etc. unless it is more than the $79 you are getting for the Disney ticket. If you spent $179 on fleece and got a $79 ticket, you can deduct $100. If you only spend $10, you can't deduct it because you are getting more value than you are giving. I am not now a tax expert, but that is how it used to be.

You are correct - if you get something of "value" for the "donation" that exceeds the cost of the supplies/donation, etc. then you cannot claim it. You can claim the the excess over the value of the donation (i.e. ticket) in supplies you purchased.

An example I have is I purchase memberships to the local Zoo and Science Center. The local Zoo is free to the general public except like parking, etc. With your membership you get a Calendar. You can claim the membership of the zoo on your taxes minus the "value" of the Calendar - which they say is $12.99.

 

[cel_disney]

This idea crossed my mind, too. Present this to others as an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. You will do the work if they provide the materials. I would be willing to give a small donation to someone whom I knew asked for something like this. Just make sure the folks know the money is going to the charity and what's it's for.

I suggested this same thing very early in this thread...the volunteer in your should have no issue trying to raise these funds...

 

[iheartdisney]

And you don't think Disney is doing exactly the same thing? How many people are only going to Disney on their one "free" day and spending no other cash? Disney stands to make money off the promotion as well, since many people will not only upgrade their 'free' day but will spend a lot more money on Disney property.

Apparently, you are unfamiliar with the assumed mindset of the "typical" SoCal local. The big problem Disneyland faces right now if the parks being flooded by folks who only stay a few hours and spend next to no money.

Back to the topic at hand, if you don't want to, don't do it.
OP states that they didn't even know if they were going to go to WDW this year, so really, no loss. Find another opportunity to volunteer. While it may be outside the promtion, there is always a need for volunteers1

 

[MickeyDisneyFan]

My bf and I spent 3 hours digging and ripping up a courtyard for a middle school Science lab...we did it to help the community. Now because of us a NC middle school has a new outdoor science lab We go to WDW every 6 months...and we love it...I NEVER do any kind of manual labor but I did it cause it made me feel I was doing some good.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

My bf and I spent 3 hours digging and ripping up a courtyard for a middle school Science lab...we did it to help the community. Now because of us a NC middle school has a new outdoor science lab We go to WDW every 6 months...and we love it...I NEVER do any kind of manual labor but I did it cause it made me feel I was doing some good.

As a (soon-to-be) NC school teacher, thank you!

 

[SandrA9810]

I signed up for a project that costed me money, but i knew that ahead of time.

Volunteering works both ways, some give money, some give time. But you need both in order for it to work.

Places will always need supplies, and then some one to hand out those supplies.
But it's like asking a community to come paint something. Then when they show up, say and it'll be five dollars for your can of paint and a brush. The group organizing the paint project should've sought out donations of paint and supplies before seeking out painters.

I would be upset at this project too. Not only that, if they're participating at some place like a build a bear, the store should be at least selling the bears at cost... Not for a profit. And allowing a choice of monetary or time donation.

 

[MKCP5]

You really think a family that can't afford $12.99 per person, can afford a trip to WDW?

SO none of your business. It's not really about affording it. I chose my words poorly. I simply do not WANT to pay that money out if we may not even go this year. We wanted to donate the tickets if we were not going to use them. We donate a ton of our time every single week to things that are not "disney approved opportunities" that we do not spend our hard earned money on. We work a tight budget. We do our best. $52.00 is still a good piece of money to me.

Maybe I choose my words poorly. I was generalizing of course.

All I am saying that we don't need to bash the OP becase she cannot afford it! Alot of people do claim it on taxes ( I work for a non profit, Many donate to bring down taxes, otherwise we would have a lot less donations, it is unfortunate but reality).

Thank you! We volunteer alot now and do not claim that time on any sort of form. We do it because we want to help!

Don't look down on her for wanting a free ticket. Most of us responding do volunteer or donate that is clear, and it is sometimes nice to be recognized ( GAD being one way). SOmetimes I donate time or money ( when I can, but not always and I don't feel like a cheap insensitive person, I do what I can). I just think people are missing the point of the program to increase volunteerism in ways one person can.

Please don't tell me that all 1 million people did this because they are such fine human beings and they really were just there to help out. Now I know that is the case for many, but please...........there is an opportunity that was given and it had a great bonus attached to it---a free ticket. How many people do you think would still show if they were told there would be no free ticket after all?

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Please don't tell me that all 1 million people did this because they are such fine human beings and they really were just there to help out. Now I know that is the case for many, but please...........there is an opportunity that was given and it had a great bonus attached to it---a free ticket. How many people do you think would still show if they were told there would be no free ticket after all?

At least 4, and I am sure the numbers will rise throughout this thread. I know you are upset, but seriously there are people out there who would willingly pay the 12.99 and more just for the experience. You are upset because posters are labeling you and you are doing exactly the same thing. You came here to tell us your problem. Some people agreed, some did not, and some even offered to help you. I think it is time for you to make a decision whether or not the $12.99 is worth it for you to get your ticket. Since this is the budget boards you would pay $12.99 for a $78.00 adult ticket. I really hope that the choice you make gives you peace. Good Luck.

 

[cultureart]

Maybe you should think positively for this kind of thing. It is not a big deal. At least you also have 79$ per day.

 

[cultureart]

Just cheer up. Life will be better and better. The importance is that we live happily everyday.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Please don't tell me that all 1 million people did this because they are such fine human beings and they really were just there to help out. Now I know that is the case for many, but please...........there is an opportunity that was given and it had a great bonus attached to it---a free ticket. How many people do you think would still show if they were told there would be no free ticket after all?

Why are you so concerned about the number who might have done it for the ticket? I never donated to Project Linus before, because the closest is 2 hours away. We volunteer at several local places, and I serve on the board of 2 non profits. Most people who volunteer, even if it is mandatory (for school, the courts, etc.) get something positive out of the experience, and in my experience, many come back to serve again. Look at this Half full sometime. It is a much better life.

 

[mousebymarriage]

To the OP I just want to say that I think it is wonderful that you want to volunteer (and are teaching your children the importance of volunteering) and I understand your frustration with the "Bear Store" for not posting the cost up front. I feel that the "Bear Store" was very deceptive and that it was clearly a ploy to get people into the store to spend money. Did this "Bear Store" do anything for the organization like lets say match the amount of bears donated? If not then I think it's pretty crappy of the store to have made money off of someone elses attempt to help others. OP just wanted to send a your way and just ignore the negative responses.

 

[smkiya]

Sounds more like making a donation than the act of volunteering.

It results in the same impact to a foster child as giving them one teddy bear from your own collection. A nice gesture... but not much impact.
Now, giving a foster child (who likely has little to no fun/frivolous time) an opportunity to go to a Build-A-Bear type place... experience all the fun of building that bear... THAT would be cool!

I agree 100%!

I love the Build A Bear idea. Not only would I donate the cost for a bear, but I would volunteer to chaperone.