[Talk Host]

First, let me say that I think the March of Dimes is a wonderful organization. This has nothing to do with the March of Dimes. What is has to do with is Publix Supermarkets instructing its checkout clerks to say to each customer "would you like to donate a dollar to the March of Dimes."

If there is a "best" way to make my skin crawl, it is to put me on the spot like that in front of other people. It's bad enough if they do it when there is nobody around.

I know there are going to be lots of people who disagree with me and say that it's okay. I believe that it is "knowingly" putting people in an uncomfortable situation, with the full knowledge that most are "embarrassed" to say no. So, I believe it is a tactic to use embarrassment to raise money so that Publix will look good when they present a huge check to the March of Dimes.

How about this approach, "....with your permission, we will deduct one dollar from your total food purchase today, and Publix will donate that to the March of Dimes."