Why I won't donate to Haiti Relief...

[VillageMama]

I totally understand why the OP chose the title she did. Many of you are misconstruing her intentions.

Right now there is enormous pressure out there from many avenues to "Donate to Haiti!". It's at the top of most websites I visit... even Pizza Hut's. An email went out that our church is taking up a special collection. Local stores are collecting donations.

All laudable actions, to be sure. But if one has chosen to allocate one's charitable dollars elsewhere, one can start to feel a little pressured and even a little defensive. One might be tempted to say outloud in some way, "Here is why I'm not accepting your offer to donate to this cause.". One might feel that the implication out there is that all decent people will donate heavily to Haiti... and one might want to explain how one is still a decent person, even though they are not donating to Haiti.

I recognize that Haiti needs outside help. And they are getting it mightily, which is an enormous blessing. But not every person on this planet needs to give to this cause. Unfortunately, right now if they don't they are being made to feel like cold-hearted misers.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Some comments about charitable giving in general and not Haiti specifically.

I worked for the American Red Cross National Headquarters Offices of Accounting and Auditing for 13 years prior to getting my CPA. When I left I was Chief Audtor for Chapters and Blood Services. I think that is good credentials for the following. I will try to keep it reasonably non-technical.

Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles a non-profit will have up to four distinct "Funds". These are General, Restricted, Plant & Equipment, and Endowment.

When a contribution is made to a Restricted Fund the donor is the one who places the restriction on it, and the money may only be used for the purpose stated by the donor. Any solicitation for a particular purpose, such as Haiti Earthquake Relief, may only be used for the stated purpose.

Any other use can lead to criminal charges of Breach of Fiduciary Responsibility against the Employees(s) or Volunteer(s) who made the decision to use the money outside the restriction.

I have seen situations where the money could not be used for the intended purpose. In such situations the organization must contact the donor requesting that the Restriction be changed or released or to return the donation to the donor. If the donor is deceased permission must come from the Estate Administrator or heirs or a Probate Court. And if the donor cannot be located it will require a Court ruling to release the funds. Otherwise it just sits in a bank account and grows.

And I know, from when I worked there, that expenses related to soliciting Restricted Funds were charged to the General Operating Budget and not to the Restricted Funds themselves.

 

[C.Ann]

I truly feel for these people - and I'm glad that so many are stepping up to the plate and giving huge donations - as well as the individuals that are donating $10, $20, or whatever..

However, when something like this happens - and I see such large amounts of money leaving this country for disaster relief - it also makes me kind of sad.. Why? Because as the OP pointed out, there are so many people right here in the United States that are in need, but they fall through the cracks.. There's no big "news" coverage - no big advertisements requesting donations - no one saying, "Remember your fellow citizens.. If you have a few dollars to spare, buy your struggling neighbor a bag of fruit or vegetables.. Donate a little extra at school supply time so that a less fortunate child can also have a binder; 3-ring notebooks; a backpack; whatever.." It seems that the only time these people are remembered (by everyone) - and there's really any sort of "push" to help out - is at Christmas time.. What about the other 11 months of the year?

If one can afford to do "both", that's great! But if it's a "choice" - between helping people right here in our own country - OR - helping those in a foreign country - I would feel more comfortable taking care of "our own" first.. I truly believe that there are many, many families right here that are doing the best they can, but could still benefit from a helping hand.. It's nice to see that many on this thread recognize that as well...

 

[sparklynails23]

I truly feel for these people - and I'm glad that so many are stepping up to the plate and giving huge donations - as well as the individuals that are donating $10, $20, or whatever..

However, when something like this happens - and I see such large amounts of money leaving this country for disaster relief - it also makes me kind of sad.. Why? Because as the OP pointed out, there are so many people right here in the United States that are in need, but they fall through the cracks.. There's no big "news" coverage - no big advertisements requesting donations - no one saying, "Remember your fellow citizens.. If you have a few dollars to spare, buy your struggling neighbor a bag of fruit or vegetables.. Donate a little extra at school supply time so that a less fortunate child can also have a binder; 3-ring notebooks; a backpack; whatever.." It seems that the only time these people are remembered (by everyone) - and there's really any sort of "push" to help out - is at Christmas time.. What about the other 11 months of the year?

If one can afford to do "both", that's great! But if it's a "choice" - between helping people right here in our own country - OR - helping those in a foreign country - I would feel more comfortable taking care of "our own" first.. I truly believe that there are many, many families right here that are doing the best they can, but could still benefit from a helping hand.. It's nice to see that many on this thread recognize that as well...

But, in the U.S. right now, we have food (in general) and water and we aren't stuck under buildings. Under normal circumstances, I'm all in favor of helping my own community first, but these aren't normal circumstances.

 

[FireDancer]

I think the title could be better but I understand the point. When people choose to give to charity they do so for their own reasons. There are charities I give to because their cause is something I am passionate about or what they are doing has helped or effected people I know. I know cancer survivors that donate to cancer research for example. We can't give to everything and choosing not to give to a particular charity or cause does not mean we don't care about that cause.

As I said on the other charity related boards it is no one's business what any of us give, how much we give, or what we give to. It is a choice to give anything to anyone and so it whom we give it too. There are a lot of local charities close to home and if someone wants to give to their community that is fine with me. I see the OPs point about giving to a local family or child as opposed to a country you will never go to. If that is where they choose to contribute I applaud them just as much as I would sending to any other cause.

 

[kydisneyfans]

The same discussion has been going on in our home. My wife wants to give to Haiti, I want to keep the money local and donate to the homeless shelter.

 

[VickiVM]

First I want to clearly say that any giving to any worthy cause, no matter the amount, is commendable.

The biggest difference (and why there is so much publicity) is that unlike the US, in Haiti there is not the same infrastructure of charity organizations that come together and can take on this kind of devastation in a meaningful way. We have a unique opportunity to make a huge difference to a country that simply cannot help themselves right now.

Choose your charities that you care about the most - give what you can. If Haiti is not your choice, then give your money/time elsewhere. You will still make a difference.

 

[N.Bailey]

But, in the U.S. right now, we have food (in general) and water and we aren't stuck under buildings. Under normal circumstances, I'm all in favor of helping my own community first, but these aren't normal circumstances.

I think we can all concur with this, but so much money is pouring into Haiti right now that I hope their needs can all be addressed. Like millions of others, I sent a donation, and if I hear pleas that there isn't enough, I will send more; as I'm sure many others will too.

At this point, I do believe choices can start to be made that will address other causes while the money that's already been donated is put to use in Haiti.

 

[Carly_Roach]

I think your post was fine OP. I think the Community Board, while can have a cross section of opinions, can definetly be one of the most brutual.

Absolutely. On the flip side, it lets those who want to go on and on about miniscule details such as another poster's grammatical errors feel better about themselves. And making someone else feel better about themselves is a GREAT charity!

That is what confuses me (besides the statement don't count for NOTHING which means it counts for something) Why post at all?

Because her post made me feel not so alone in my own feelings about the Haiti situation.

I share her feelings and personally believe that with all this publicity, 24-hour news coverage and multi-million dollar donations happening, the Haitians will be well-taken care of. My $10.00 donation will do more for the people in my community than it would the people of Haiti.

Yes, I guess there is no point to my thread, other than me expressing my opinion, but then what is the point to the Community Board? Is there a point to "What's for Dinner?" or "I ran a red light today!" No, there is no point to my thread, other than a venue for me expressing my opinion.

And mine as well.

If we can have these ungawdawful long clique threads about the color of pink buttons on a January 25th day in Albuquerque (or some other trivial thing), then we can have your posts about how you feel about donating to Haiti. It's called The Community Board for a reason, after all.

Your post made me feel as though I wasn't a totally selfish person for not wanting to get all caught up in the Haiti hooplah. And I bet I'm not alone in feeling that way. So thank you for that!

 

[WDWBarb]

I have no response regarding whether or not people should donate money closer to home, but I do want to stress that it's incredibly important that if you donate to disaster relief that you don't divert your usual donations in lieu of it.

So many charities were incredibly hard hit after 9/11 when people stopped donating to the charities that they usually supported and instead sent their donations to 9/11 relief.

I would hate to see such a thing happen again. When disasters happen, we have to dig deeper to help.

And I personally hope we all do.

 

[Planogirl]

If I hadn't heard about small children being buried under rubble and about orphans sleeping outside under threat of people robbing them of their few supplies then I could agree. Thankfully, no one in the US is dealing with something this horrible. The first responders and organizations such as Doctors Without Borders win my praise.

But people have to do what they feel is right. If you choose not to donate whether it's to support another cause or because you feel that the charities are bad for needing part of the money to keep running or even because you just simply don't care, that's your right.

 

[happygirl]

This is how I personally see things, God Bless those people in Haiti, They are going to need tons of prayers and lots of money to rebuild. I feel like they are going to get TONS of money from all over the world.

Where as the local food shelter and homeless center isn't going to get tons of donations. I feel like I need to help them more then Haiti.

 

[MissyDVC]

Your post made me feel as though I wasn't a totally selfish person for not wanting to get all caught up in the Haiti hooplah.

Boy, I was ok keeping my opinions on this subject to myself until you referred to this great tragedy and all the attention it needs to get as "hooplah". All I can say is Wow...

 

[mfd25wife]

But, in the U.S. right now, we have food (in general) and water and we aren't stuck under buildings. Under normal circumstances, I'm all in favor of helping my own community first, but these aren't normal circumstances.

I understand your point, but don't necessarily agree. There are plenty of people here in the US that ar living under bridges, overpasses, benches, etc. and really don't know where their next food or drink is coming from. We have elderly that have a home, but no funds to heat or cool it and freeze to death or die of heat stroke. We have women that are running with their kids from abusive homes and while we have some shelters for them, those shelters need help. I hate it for the people of Haiti, and have no problem with donating to them. But, I think in the US we tend to not realize how some of our fellow Americans are living because it isn't all over the news. I have no problem with those that choose to donate to one over the other.

 

[Planogirl]

Boy, I was ok keeping my opinions on this subject to myself until you referred to this great tragedy and all the attention it needs to get as "hooplah". All I can say is Wow...

Nice catch. This makes this tragedy sound like celebrity gossip or something.

 

[Planogirl]

I understand your point, but don't necessarily agree. There are plenty of people here in the US that ar living under bridges, overpasses, benches, etc. and really don't know where their next food or drink is coming from. We have elderly that have a home, but no funds to heat or cool it and freeze to death or die of heat stroke. We have women that are running with their kids from abusive homes and while we have some shelters for them, those shelters need help. I hate it for the people of Haiti, and have no problem with donating to them. But, I think in the US we tend to not realize how some of our fellow Americans are living because it isn't all over the news. I have no problem with those that choose to donate to one over the other.

All of those things matter a LOT but do any of them truly compare to the Haiti earthquake? The only recent US event that seems a little similar is Katrina and the other hurricanes that caused so much devastation.

I personally would love to give to everything but of course that's not going to happen.

 

[eliza61]

Absolutely. On the flip side, it lets those who want to go on and on about miniscule details such as another poster's grammatical errors feel better about themselves. And making someone else feel better about themselves is a GREAT charity! Because her post made me feel not so alone in my own feelings about the Haiti situation.

I share her feelings and personally believe that with all this publicity, 24-hour news coverage and multi-million dollar donations happening, the Haitians will be well-taken care of. My $10.00 donation will do more for the people in my community than it would the people of Haiti. And mine as well.



Your post made me feel as though I wasn't a totally selfish person for not wanting to get all caught up in the Haiti hooplah. And I bet I'm not alone in feeling that way. So thank you for that!

So why do you feel the need to defend yourself? I don't recall any thread calling anyone selfish for not donating to the "Hoopla" as you call it?

If you feel your money does good where it goes, how can anyone make you feel any thing?

 

[Nancyg56]

as the old saying goes "no single raindrop believes it's responsible for the flood"

every donation makes a difference, especially when you're talking about the basic necessities of life. If my $10 can buy a case or two of water (let's go with 2 cases for example), that's 48 bottles of water, which can go to keep 48 people alive for a few days.

as far as giving locally versus globally.... it's a personal choice. Do what you feel is right. It's nobody's business but your own where you decide to donate your time/money. Just do it and keep it to yourself.

I debated posting on this thread but your post stated what I was trying to say and way more tactfully.

I understand that there are so many needy people in our own coountry who would benefit from charitable donations. I also understand that there is just a finite amount of money that families can offer outside of their own homes and must determine how that money will be spent. What I do not understand is how anyone can compare the human trauma that the Haitian people are experiencing now with any that we have here in the USA. I realize that most people are not saying that they are not sympathetic to the Haitian people's plight but I must admit that the tone of this thread makes me sad.

As others have said, donations are personal and I hope that the local charities do not suffer but I must say that right now Haiti is in desparate need of help and I pary that the Wold continues to respond. My DH and I talked about how when people are in such need it is wonderful that the World comes together to help. I don't have the words to convey how that makes me feel, people more articulate than me would do better but all I know is that for a period of time politics and personal issues are set aside and we are all on the same "side".

 

[disykat]

to those who vow to 'keep their money at home'

I just hope you don't use this as an excuse to drop out all together. I grew up with the motto 'charity begins at home.' Imagine my horror when I realized that my parents had collected a fortune and given nothing. "At Home" literally meant to them that they were not contributing. My Dad was so tight that my mother had to ask for a contribution to the church for her birthday. I know they're not the only ones.

This has been my experience as well. Listening to someone talk about how they paid their brother's dental bill in 1987 so they're not going to give to an emergency kind of makes me . (disclaimer - I'm not in any way talking about the OP)

My dh and I try to split our giving between local, global, social, medical, etc. causes. We're not as likely as some to jump on immediately giving to an emergency cause because we're big on sticking to a plan and giving to one of the organizations we've already researched. Although we like to give extra in these sorts of emergencies, we usually wait and generally one of the organizations we already trust and support sends us a matching offer. We just got one for Haiti, so our donation to Haiti will go further than if we hadn't waited.

Although I still support the Red Cross, I was actually upset with them after 911. I specifically gave my donation to their general fund so that it would NOT be limited for use in the 911 fund, but got a thank you note from the 911 fund.

 

[mom2boys77]

I personally want to thank you and everyone that does that...on 11/20 we had a house fire and lost everything..Red Cross came out and gave us enough to buy some clothes and winter coats. When I am in a better position, I will definitely return the favor.

If I donate to the Red Cross, I make sure that my donation goes SPECIFICALLY to those who have suffered a house fire.