Donating

[CherryBomb24]

I'm a volunteer at a program to send supplies / toiletries / candies over seas to our troops.
I have a bin set up at my work place and it shocks me how little people think of our troops. It bothers me and has actually pissed me off to the point of telling people to leave the store.

I have a bin set up at work, for people to either buy stuff in store or bring it from another store, that we package and ship over seas to our troops. Its been there for nearly a week and not a single person has put as much as a damn candy bar in it. Through out my life i have always put what i can into those bins. When i go to walmart for toilet paper, i'll buy 2 and put one in the bin, or toothpaste or whatever i get, i always try to grab 2.
And its extremely discouraging that not a single person has donated.
I've been talking about this for months to my regulars, and last night at work, i mentioned that the bin has been sittin there and no one has donated and even they didnt put anything in there. They just looked at me like "well who the fuck do you think you are, people have lives ya know"
well no shit, who the hell keeps your "lives" free. Grantid the government kind of fucked us all over in anyway they can possibly think of, but our troops are us. They're school teachers, mucisians, mechanics, doctors, clerks, cashiers just like us. They arent politicians, they are us. And it pisses me off how little we "free americans" think of them.

Is it worth keeping this donation bin up if no one gives a damn?
From my point of view, this "free america" is so god damned selfish its no wonder we keep going to war over bullshit. We are in such a rush to save other countries from civil war, live and learn - we did. but dont have a single concern about the men and woman saving us.

the one instance i may have taken it too personally and kicked the guy out, was when an asshole came in- i was in the process of setting the bin up and he looked at me and said "well i'm sure the stuffs not going to the troops, its probably going to your pockets"
sorry if i offend anyone, i'm just frustrated and getting very discouraged.

 

[dashd]

I know how you feel and have had similar exoeriences... but I know how our troops appreciate what people likle yourself do. As a parent of a Marine in Afghanistan I say thank you for your efforts and keep trying. God knows your efforts and your heart an those soldiers who will benefit from your thoughtfulness will appreciate your kindmess.

 

[SweetErika]

To be honest, I think it's very short-sighted for you to assume that no donations in your bin amounts to people not caring about the troops.

There are a lot of reasons why people might not put stuff in the bin. That one guy voiced one of them: some might be afraid the bin's a scam and not want to feed a cause that might be illegitimate. That doesn't mean those same people don't donate time/money/goods that serve the troops elsewhere. Or even if they don't, and choose to donate to other causes instead, it doesn't mean they don't care about the troops.

Some of your customers also might not have the money or goods to donate. Does being poor make them less caring and supportive people in your eyes?

Or maybe they figure they're already donating via their tax dollars. A lot of them, in fact. Plus, it seems like most Americans are semi-aware that at least the troops in Iraq will be coming home in the next year or two; maybe some of your customers don't know the exact situation or figure donations won't do a ton of good at this point (however right or wrong that may be).

There are plenty of other reasons you might not be getting donations, too, but my point is this: not donating to any given cause doesn't say a damn thing about how one feels about said cause or anything else. Just as you think it's wrong for people to pass your bin without donating, I think it's wrong for you to make snap judgments about those people and treat them rudely for failing to make voluntary donations.

Has it occurred to you that your attitude might be what's discouraging people from donating? I can't imagine that your 'donate or you're against our troops' thought isn't being sensed and is encouraging people to be generous and kind to the troops, other good causes, you, or anyone else. Some people like me primarily donate when it's unexpected, and avoid giving when anything about the situation feels forced, mean, false, pushy, stingy, etc.

So, it's probably not what you want to hear, but my advice is to leave the bin out and change YOUR perspective and way of dealing with it. Donate what you're comfortable with and let others do the same, even if they're not putting anything in your specific bin. Be grateful that you have enough to share with the cause(s) you choose to donate to, and that we all have the freedom to make our own choices regarding donations and such due in part to our troops.

 

[fgarvb1]

Just today this guy at work and he is a real asshole, was telling me that he and his wife, had completed another "container" for their church to be shipped overseas to our troops.

 

[CherryBomb24]

To be honest, I think it's very short-sighted for you to assume that no donations in your bin amounts to people not caring about the troops.

There are a lot of reasons why people might not put stuff in the bin. That one guy voiced one of them: some might be afraid the bin's a scam and not want to feed a cause that might be illegitimate. That doesn't mean those same people don't donate time/money/goods that serve the troops elsewhere. Or even if they don't, and choose to donate to other causes instead, it doesn't mean they don't care about the troops.

Some of your customers also might not have the money or goods to donate. Does being poor make them less caring and supportive people in your eyes?

Or maybe they figure they're already donating via their tax dollars. A lot of them, in fact. Plus, it seems like most Americans are semi-aware that at least the troops in Iraq will be coming home in the next year or two; maybe some of your customers don't know the exact situation or figure donations won't do a ton of good at this point (however right or wrong that may be).

There are plenty of other reasons you might not be getting donations, too, but my point is this: not donating to any given cause doesn't say a damn thing about how one feels about said cause or anything else. Just as you think it's wrong for people to pass your bin without donating, I think it's wrong for you to make snap judgments about those people and treat them rudely for failing to make voluntary donations.

Has it occurred to you that your attitude might be what's discouraging people from donating? I can't imagine that your 'donate or you're against our troops' thought isn't being sensed and is encouraging people to be generous and kind to the troops, other good causes, you, or anyone else. Some people like me primarily donate when it's unexpected, and avoid giving when anything about the situation feels forced, mean, false, pushy, stingy, etc.

So, it's probably not what you want to hear, but my advice is to leave the bin out and change YOUR perspective and way of dealing with it. Donate what you're comfortable with and let others do the same, even if they're not putting anything in your specific bin. Be grateful that you have enough to share with the cause(s) you choose to donate to, and that we all have the freedom to make our own choices regarding donations and such due in part to our troops.

the only people i mentioned anything at all about the bin to were regulars who said they would put stuff in when the project was still just an idea. I didnt say "hey you said you would donate so do it" all i said was that i finally got the bin up and no one has donated. They knew i was excited about it and was looking forward to people donating, i didnt think it would seem to be such a flop.
The project that i have this bin set up for has been very slow the last few months. It doesnt take months or years for these boxes to get the the troops - 10 days at the least 3 weeks at the most. And between the thousands of troops still over there, the boxes are scarce. It seems that as soon as obama promised to bring troops home, that people stopped donating like it was going to be instant. When in fact, its over years that all of our troops will be home.
I wasnt meaning that people dont care about our troops, it just seems like it. yeah i didnt specify on that, sorry. i guess reading it now, it was more of a rant if anything.

 

[SweetErika]

the only people i mentioned anything at all about the bin to were regulars who said they would put stuff in when the project was still just an idea. I didnt say "hey you said you would donate so do it" all i said was that i finally got the bin up and no one has donated. They knew i was excited about it and was looking forward to people donating, i didnt think it would seem to be such a flop.

Okay, but whether or not others donate doesn't change your good deed. I'd suggest basing your excitement on the project itself and your own actions, rather than what/how much others decide to give; regardless, you're only in charge of your own feelings and behavior, and you're doing your best to help a cause that you believe in. That's enough, and all you can do.

It seems that as soon as obama promised to bring troops home, that people stopped donating like it was going to be instant. When in fact, its over years that all of our troops will be home.
I wasnt meaning that people dont care about our troops, it just seems like it. yeah i didnt specify on that, sorry. i guess reading it now, it was more of a rant if anything.

I'm sure the June deadline is part of it, but I bet the economy also has a ton to do with it. A lot of us are trying to save all we can and stretch every dollar. Along with that, many people are donating time instead of money or goods. Even charities that cover necessities like food are seriously hurting. When people know that, it's probably hard for them to choose to give "extras" to the troops while local kids and families starve, especially over the summer when school is out. A year or two ago it was easier for many to buy some extra stuff to donate to the troops and such, whereas now they might only have enough to pay their own bills and maybe give a little to help local families with the basics.

Anyway, I still stand by my thought that you should stay/be positive about this situation. Getting upset at people for not donating won't do a bit of good, but channeling that energy into raising awareness of the troops' ongoing needs could do A LOT of good. What can you do to pump up the energy for helping those troops who are still stuck in hell, to remind people those men and women still need all we can give, even if it's just a nice note, pack of baby wipes or inexpensive little treat?

 

[CherryBomb24]

Anyway, I still stand by my thought that you should stay/be positive about this situation. Getting upset at people for not donating won't do a bit of good, but channeling that energy into raising awareness of the troops' ongoing needs could do A LOT of good. What can you do to pump up the energy for helping those troops who are still stuck in hell, to remind people those men and women still need all we can give, even if it's just a nice note, pack of baby wipes or inexpensive little treat?

and how am i suppose to do that? people seem so dead in their ways and dont seem to care.

 

[Forfunn84]

As a prior Marine stationed in Iraq, I want to first thank you for the support. You can't ever imagine how happy we were when boxes would come in for us. Just remember, you can't force anyone to donate, but you have taken your time out to set it up for them and for that, I and I'm sure they are truly thankful.

The sad thing now is that the media kind of forgot about the military for awhile, it's recently picked up with our new emphasis in Afghanistan, but before that you barely heard a "blip" about them on the nightly news.

Regardless of politics or anything other than that, the troops do need basic supplies. Think outside of the box though, if I could make a suggestion. For myself and others, we would love too get books too read. They don't have to be new or anything, but those were a favorite gem of mine to find in the care packages. Of course deodorant or other hygiene gear is very appreciated, baby wipes work wonders and can be used for many different situations from cleaning when you can't get a shower to the visit to the latrine. Also, don't send chapstick, at least in my case we had a trunk full of packages of them... lol.

Just again, thank you for your support and WE truly appreciate it! You've done more than your own share, don't get upset if others choose not too do theirs.

 

[SweetErika]

and how am i suppose to do that? people seem so dead in their ways and dont seem to care.

Think about how you can get the word out and make a case for you cause to people in you community and beyond. For instance, how about writing a really good letter to your local newspaper? Or if you have a friend/family member in Iraq or Afghanistan, could you make up a pin w/ their uniformed picture that you can wear as a conversation starter (in that conversation you could mention their ongoing need for supplies)?

I'm sure you can think of plenty of other ways in time, and that's really my point - put your energy into thinking up ideas and raising awareness (or doing something else positive, that makes you feel good about people), rather than getting upset at the donation situation or dwelling on other things you perceive as negative. Just the simple act of doing something constructive (vs. getting upset) may very well help your cause: people might view you differently, find your passion contagious, or just get a different vibe that encourages them to donate or do something good themselves.

 

[dashd]

just a thought on the subject... do you know some local people in the military serving overseas? If you do get their service photos and service addresses.... put names and faces to where these gifts are going some times that helps especially in smaller communities ( i don't know where u live) that might lend some credence to what you are trying to do. But whatever u do... DO NOT STOP TRYING! The fact that u care enought to try means something!

 

[Tuomas]

I work with charities, and so understand your frustration. What particularly goads me are the people who shout to the four winds about "something" being done to help people, but become very quiet and absent when it comes time for them to help.

Since my country doesn't have any troops in Iraq or Afghanistan, I've never had this situation. However, there are frequently (more frequently than there should, to be honest) collection drives to help people who are victims of natural disasters. From my observation, collection bins really don't work so well, because often people don't carry around whatever it is that they would donate. In WalMart it's easier, I suppose, because you can buy practically anything in there and deposit it. But in specialty shops (like a bakery), you won't get very many donations.

Another thing is that most of these collection drives work through some recognized charity, or organization, like the local government or Red Cross. They often have standard boxes with official insignia and logos. This makes it a lot more comfortable for people to donate.

In the case of collection bins, it helps to have some elements already in the bin, even if you have to put them yourself. A) it gives people confidence that other people are doing it B) it shows people what's being donated, so they can make deposits in kind. (For example, a collection box with coins in it, will mostly receive coins; but one with bills will receive bills).

I hope that helps.

 

[CherryBomb24]

majority of my family was military, most of my uncles. my grandpa was in vietnam.
and my boyfriend and several of our friends are in afghanistan and a few of my family friends are in iraq. I never thought of posting pictures of the people currently over seas. I'll have to throw that idea at my boss and see if she'll allow me to do that. I dont want everyone to think its all specifically for my boyfriend tho.
I've already sent over a few boxes of books lol i dont know what kind of books others like to read but what i sent were several fantasy / science fiction books, a few mysteries and some magazines.
i never thought of sending a letter to the newspaper, with such a small community that would be a great idea.

 

[CherryBomb24]

i admit my attitude towards the whole ordeal probably wasnt the best - - - Donate or fuck off type of a thing. I didnt mean it that way tho, i realized it after reading erika's post over and over lettin it sink in nice n deep lol
i have actually gotten a lot more people to donate recently. Mostly by joking around with the people, then bringing the subject up randomly. I work with a really good friend of mine, and i dont know why she keeps doing it but it seems every time the subject of the bin comes up, she seems to bring up my boyfriend who is over in afghanistan. The bin isnt specifically for him, but it seems when people realize i know someone overseas personally, they put something in or quickly change the subject lol
i have one guy in yesturday, that was joking around with me cuz i burnt a frozen pizza at work lol so he was picking on me quite a bit, so i put another in because he wanted to buy a peice but didnt want a burnt one.... well for the 20 minutes he had to wait for the pizza, we stood talking. Without me saying a word he looked at the pin i have on my work shirt and had me walk around the store for a few minutes explaining the things they need / want. The guy spent at least 20 bucks on pringles / toothpaste / peanuts / sweeties candies and a few other things.

I think i should set up a blog or journal or something, instead of talking randomly here and bumping this thread lol

 

[SweetErika]

It sounds like you're on a good path now, CB. Well done!