United Way ads

[TonyG]

The United Way of Southeastern Pa. started shock ads on TV and radio this week. They are meant to coerce people to donate money. An ad last night on TV was of an actual 911 phone call placed by a 5 year old boy describing what his father was doing to his mother. The father was badly beating the mother, you do not see it, the boy is screaming, the father is cursing and the mother crying.

It was highly disturbing for me to listen to this ad. I know this type of abuse exists but I do not want to hear an actual event take place. It would not promote me to give them money and actually will make me turn off the ad if I see it again. I think the type of ads similar to the "killed by a drunk driver" ad showing you the pretty little girl playing dress-up is as far as these ads should depict reality.

What's your opinion?

 

[Juliangel]

I agree, while it is reality and does exist, that seems a little too much maybe. What time of the night were they running the ads?

The Drunk Driving ads are very good IMO. The one showing the ultra sound that then says "Abby Danielle killed on the way to being born" maked me cry every time I saw it.

 

[CreamyLady]

Reality bites, doesn't it?

This kind of "shock" ad is very common these days, since apparently we are so jaded that nothing less than losing our dinners is going to make us sit up and take notice.

My suggestion is that you write the United Way and protest the use of the ads, and mention that you will not be donating through their agency; you will donate directly to the charity of your choice.

It may be nonprofit in nature, but it is a business like any other. It might get the message when donations, in general, drop off.

You might also want to send a check to a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. Since they seldom publish addresses, you can do so usually through your police or social services agency. They could certainly use the money.

 

[Juliangel]

You might also want to send a check to a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. Since they seldom publish addresses, you can do so usually through your police or social services agency. They could certainly use the money.

Also they love to receive donations of everyday household items. Toilet paper, cleaning supplies and such. If you are out shopping and find a good sale buy one for you and one for them. I have a box I keep them in and when the box is full I donate them.

 

[CreamyLady]

The household items are a good idea, Juliangel. Another thing they can use is clothing -- particularly working clothes for women and all kinds of children's clothes. The little ones just keep growing.

Every year a local women's shelter has a job fair, and every woman gets a makeover and a "new" outfit for job hunting and interviews. My sister, who has great taste and a shopping jones that would cripple anyone, always donates. If nothing else, it clears her closets for the new arrivals.