Talk Host, I am in complete agreement with you. It's difficult to bring something like this up, as there will be people who will strongly disagree, but it's a topic that should be discussed. I have no idea who came up with this kind of tactic to raise money, but I find it uncomfortable and don't like it one bit. Just this week I was asked to donate at K-Mart, at a national chain drug store and at a national chain grocery store. Even my gym asked for donations at the end of the year. Enough is enough. I am a little bit embarrassed to say "no", but I generally do. I am a leadership donor to my hometown United Way and give to my employer's charity fund as well. I regularly send checks to my alma mater's scholarship fund, the SPCA, the local food bank and the Boy Scouts. I shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable about giving to charity when I'm shopping. This isn't just occasionally - it is all over the place where I live. Maybe it's time to start complaining to the store managers. Boomer, everything you say about the need to give is true - it's just that this method puts people on the spot and IMHO, is inappropriate at the checkout counter of a store.
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