[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."

[ricthemic]

That is a great idea although I doubt they would consider it. I feel bad for the minimum wage employees who are forced to ask. I typically respond," No thank you, I've already donated".

[Boomer]

I am a front-end of the Boom Boomer.

I remember my mom getting all worried if I told her my throat was sore.

I remember not being allowed to go swimming in the public pool.

I remember pictures of kids in the iron lung.

I remember kids in my class and a good friend's mom who had polio.

I remember Jonas Salk.

I remember lining up at the school playground to get that shot.

Dimes don't get it these days. But a dollar from a whole big bunch of people would. A whole big bunch of dollars to go toward whatever that organization (the one that was so important in the lives of so many of us) is working on now.

So TH, c'mon, smile and give 'em a buck for Boomer and I will pay you back if we ever meet.

Boomer (with the long memory)

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by Boomer

I am a front-end of the Boom Boomer.

I remember my mom getting all worried if I told her my throat was sore.

I remember not being allowed to go swimming in the public pool.

I remember pictures of kids in the iron lung.

I remember kids in my class and a good friend's mom who had polio.

I remember Jonas Salk.

I remember lining up at the school playground to get that shot.

Dimes don't get it these days. But a dollar from a whole big bunch of people would. A whole big bunch of dollars to go toward whatever that organization (the one that was so important in the lives of so many of us) is working on now.

So TH, c'mon, smile and give 'em a buck for Boomer and I will pay you back if we ever meet.

Boomer (with the long memory)

You are missing the point all together!! You know it's not the dollar I'm talking about.

BTW, Over my 45 years in broadcasting, I have raised millions of dollars for charity. Of that amount, close to $250,000 went to the March of Dimes. Your comment about paying me back is an insult. Please don't shift the focus of my post.

[Halle]

I think it is a wonderful way for various organazations, March of Dimes,American Breast Cancer Society,American Heart Association,Prostate Cancer Awareness etc. to raise money. I don't think anyone should be embarrassed to say No Thank You. The person who may not be able to afford to mail in a contribution may be able to donate a dollar.

Every Buck helps.

[dillywho]

Rather than asking everyone, why not just post a big sign at each register? If one chooses to donate, then they can do so. (Or the card reader thingy could maybe be programmed to ask also just like it already asks if you want cash back; or maybe donation jars for those paying cash). They don't ask about Operation Shoe Box or the food drives...just make it available to donate by placing barrels and signs.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by Halle

I think it is a wonderful way for various organazations, March of Dimes,American Breast Cancer Society,American Heart Association,Prostate Cancer Awareness etc. to raise money. I don't think anyone should be embarrased to say No Thank You. The person who may not be able to afford to mail in a contribution may be able to donate a dollar.

Every Buck helps.

Or the person who is really short on funds and cannot afford even the dollar is left being embarrassed, I think.

Our neighbor, down the street, is a cashier and she says they dread having to ask because they see smiles disappear instantly. Usually the check out process is a fun event with glib chatter, then it changes with that question.

Charitable contribution is a very private matter. Asking for money at the grocery checkout makes it very public. (or Publix). If we, as administrators, began sending out emails to or entire list of members, asking for a donation, we would be roundly criticized. I believe we would lose members.

JLK

[chuckinca]

Safeway here in Norcal is forever collecting money for some charity or another. They had the cashiers ask everyone that came thru to donate - a real pain when you go to the store every day or so.

Now they have wised up a bit and when you enter your ATM card pin the next screen asks if you want to donate to ___________. No verbal request from the cashier. If you do donate the cashier goes on the intercom and thanks her customer on her isle # ___ for the donation.

Much less pressure but I believe they are getting much less donations.

Still have to wade your way thru the people collecting donations outside the store.

.

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

You are missing the point all together!! You know it's not the dollar I'm talking about.

BTW, Over my 45 years in broadcasting, I have raised millions of dollars for charity. Of that amount, close to $250,000 went to the March of Dimes. Your comment about paying me back is an insult. Please don't shift the focus of my post.

ohdearohdearohdearohdear

Of course I know it's not the buck, TH.

Re. the way of asking for donations: It does not bother me. In fact, I like it because it gives many a chance to give and does not cause a bunch of paperwork and focuses on the charity itself. A lot of people do a little something. Not a big photo op. Just little people doing a little good to do a lot of good.

But back to your issue with me about the buck.....

No war cry intended.

I think most people here if they read much of the stuff I have written for such a long time (all of which really surprised me -- did not know that would happen) get the idea that I write sometimes with an attempted sense of humor. At least I think I do. And if I were talking to you in person, I would be smiling when I said that thing about the buck and you would get it I bet. Writing can carry tone and voice, and I like to think it can carry a smile.

Guess that one did have just a little sass. But I was smiling when I sassed you. And it was not a mean smile. And I still think in person you would have not been offended by my "I will pay you back" comment. And you might even have given me a snappy little comeback.

It is really hard to explain something like this. I guess that's enough trying.

Boomer

[BobKat1]

It's the same at Dominick's (Safeway) in Chicago, Jewel too. For me, it's not about the cause, it's way of going about it. Jewel is even asking at the checkout if you want to buy one of the specials of the day. Seems one can't checkout these days without being asked if you want to donate, open a credit card etc., etc. There's gotta be a better way.

[emily]

Boomer, I think I will be in the minority with you.

I personally think it is an excellent idea. I may not think to donate to a specific cause and this way I am given the opportunity to do so.

I have purchased bags of food at Publix for those in need, have bought books for children at Barnes and Noble, donated monies to other causes this way.

If it hadn't been for Barnes and Noble stating that they were donating specific books to children who could not afford them, I would not have the privilege of helping that child. The child who was getting the book, picked out a book they wanted.

Who knows one of the ten books or so that I bought might be given to the next president of the United States, or who might make a major contribution to curing various illnesses such as MS.

I also raise a lot of money for various groups, I do not see that as a big deal and would not have mentioned it, if you hadn't TH. I personally feel we all do what we can for others, for that, I do not need a pat on the back.

I have also saved time and money - no stamps to buy, gas to get to the post office to mail my donations, etc. So I will say a loud THANK YOU to all those businesses who allow me to make my donations the easy way.

JMHO

Emily

[emily]

Is there a problem on TOTV? I just wanted to edit my post on this thread and did not see my post.

Wonder if I hit the wrong key?

Emily

[clyd709]

Originally Posted by Boomer

I am a front-end of the Boom Boomer.

I remember my mom getting all worried if I told her my throat was sore.

I remember not being allowed to go swimming in the public pool.

I remember pictures of kids in the iron lung.

I remember kids in my class and a good friend's mom who had polio.

I remember Jonas Salk.

I remember lining up at the school playground to get that shot.

Dimes don't get it these days. But a dollar from a whole big bunch of people would. A whole big bunch of dollars to go toward whatever that organization (the one that was so important in the lives of so many of us) is working on now.

So TH, c'mon, smile and give 'em a buck for Boomer and I will pay you back if we ever meet.

Boomer (with the long memory)

[clyd709]

Boomer I say Amen to that. I think sometimes we forget about some of horrible things that were no cure for and Thank God For The Wonderfull Medical Progress that we have made some children can now live normal and Happy Lives Because Of This Including The March of Dimes.

[chuckinca]

Wasn't the March of Dimes about Polio? How come they are still collecting when Polio is no longer a major medical issue?


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