Posted by:
summer
(
)
Date: December 02, 2011 08:01PM
December has arrived, and with it the inevitable calls for faithful Mormons to get themselves right with the Lord. Evidently getting onself right with the Lord means contributing 10% of one's income to a "church" that has poured billions of dollars into real estate investment, that has given less than ten dollars per member per year to charity, and that gives zero accountability for how its donated monies are spent.
This thread is devoted to giving alternatives for charitable donations. I'll get it rolling. Feel free to add your own favorite charities.
The Salvation Army -- Salvation Army officials have announced, via my local newspaper, that all proceeds collected from their kettle campaign will be used to provide food and Christmas gifts for over 1,200 needy local children. Any leftover funds will go to provide other programs and services. Financial statements for the Salvation Army are completely transparent and available online.
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-search/3F80BF21D8F61B7F8525743D0064057B?opendocumentGirl Scouts -- I was a member of the Girl Scouts for many years. This organization is devoted to empowering young women. Working at a Girl Scout sponsored summer camp, I taught inner city girls how to swim, and they got a chance to enjoy some carefree outdoor adventures and fresh air. I saw young teenage girls learn how to crew and skipper ocean-going sailboats. What a self-esteem builder!
The ASPCA -- my local affiliate animal shelter is a clean, organized, loving, and cheerful place. Every week they submit to our local newspaper profiles and photos of dogs and cats looking for loving homes. The staff and volunteers get to know these animals well, and the profiles give you a real sense of the animals' personalities, charming quirks, and temperments. The shelter always asks for donations of canned food, toys, blankets, leashes, and so on. I'm sure that any donated items would be put to good use.
Your local hospital -- My local community hospital is well-loved and a truly amazing place. My entire family has received the hospital's services at one time or another. I called the outpatient physical therapy service there to schedule my first sessions. The hospital's PT facility is a gorgeous, well-equiped, state of the art place. When I told the scheduler that I would have to learn how to walk again, she got a catch in her breath and then said, "I've seen miracles happen here." I'll bet that she has. Contributions to a local non-profit hospital could make miracles happen for many.
My proposal: If you are going to give money to charity, why give it to an organization that thinks that building shopping malls is a worthwhile use of its funds? Why not get the most bang for your buck?
What charities can you name that would put donations to a much better use than the Mormon church would?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2011 08:30PM by summer.