Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Help me, Rhonda...

Got a phone call today looking for "Rhonda." Let the guy know he had a the wrong number, and I could tell by the inane chatter in the background it was a telemarketer...

"Maybe you can help... I'm calling on behalf of the Police Chief... Blah blah blah... If we send you a contribution packet... Blah blah blah... Can we count on your support?"

If you can tell me what percent of my donation goes to the "cause."

"Well, I don't know about you, but after I get paid and I pay my bills, I only have about 5% left."

Ok. So what percent is left after 'the bills are paid?'

"Eighteen."

Eighteen? So you're telling me if I contribute $100, the "cause" gets $18? The Red Cross gives 90%.

This guy went off on me. Wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise. I now know he earns $8 an hour. I know that can't be an easy gig, but a simple, "I understand" and we both could have gotten off the phone. All he wanted to do was discuss the 'bills' of the organization. And he was loud. L.O.U.D.

Whatever. You're asking me for money. That makes me a consumer. I have a right to know where my money goes. I finally told him I didn't appreciate his attitude and 'have a nice day.' Click.

It's that time of year. Like the multiple catalogs in the mailbox, it's time for the charitible telemarketers.

Do me a favor, next time they call, as what percent goes to administrative fees.

Then decide.

My answer is, "I don't give to any charity where more than 25% goes to administrative costs."

It's easy to Google, "Good Charities." There are a lot out there.

I polled some of my friends, and here are their favorites:

Therapetics - a non-profit organization that trains service animals.

ALS Association - helps those living with "Lou Gehrig's Disease"

Muscular Dystrophy Association - helping those with one of over 40 neuromuscular diseases.

Local Food Banks - she and her family give food locally.

Jimmy Fund - supporting cancer research.

Care.org - fighting global poverty.

Bead For Life - turning beads into income, food, medicine, school fees.

Kiva.org - billed as Loans That Change Lives.

Red Cross - helping everyone, everywhere.

All of these causes give more than 75%.

So dude, I know you can do better than 18%.




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6 comments:

Mitzi Green said...

let's not forget "the human fund." you can send your checks c/o mitzi green... ;)

Tree said...

LMAO - the Human Fund.

We have Seinfeld references all over work.

I like the list, G.

Mrs. Wheezer said...

Nice list, G. There are a couple on there I hadn't heard of before today. I think I'll give them a look.

g-man said...

I would hope 100% of my Red Cross donation goes to the cause, otherwise the the admin are just ghouls. (I donate in blood. :)

Good points for dealing with these people, thanks.

Rachelle Jones said...

darling,

With your fantastic sewing ability, I might steer you to Sew Much Comfort. an organization that modifies clothing for soldiers that have been injured.

http://www.sewmuchcomfort.org/

they do excellent work and could use your obvious talent!

There is also Soldier's angels

http://soldiersangels.org/blankets_of_hope.php

I think your skills are perfect for both of these organizations. I know the founders of both organizations, and they are amazing ladies.

joansy said...

Great list G. 18% is shameful.