I have an idea ( yes, I know, first time in my life) Help me?

Question

I use this site as recreation all the time...it is filled with seniors, and very many of them are in a less that ideal situation. I mean, there are many here who are worried about where the next meal is coming from! WE all give to charity...would it be possible to form our own charity group here and help out those few who have shown such kindness to us all? IT takes so little to help so much...I know that many will say "scam," but think about it and let me know what you think. I, for one, would rather contribute something each month to our far less fortunate brothers and sisters here than give my money to unknown charities who spend more on administration than they do on the actual charity work! Here, all money could be used to really be a huge help to those in dire need. I am being too far out? I all but bleed when I read of some of the things that go one here. Please let me know your thoughts...either here or by personal email. Love and peace, Phil

Well, first of all, I am overwhelmed with the positive responses..I really thought I would be blasted. I have given this a lot of thought since this morning. I think I know how to make it work very easily...much more easy that most would think..this is NOT a huge thing we are playing with, it is us, our little community right here! We cannot become the Red Cross, but we can help our own people, and I think that if we put our heads together, we can come up with the method..I already have an idea as to how it can work very easily...I will need a committee of 5 who are a tad cynical, but have hearts of gold to match that cynicism. I have all the money I want, for I own my own business, and have the means to have the checking account (separate, but within my company, free chashier's checks!!!!!) all records kept in excel, all records sent monthy to all contributors! A separate excel sheet sent to the limited committee as to how the fund were dispursed. I will put in the first 500.00

to open the account, that is my gift for November. IF I quit smoking, that is 300.00 per month! IT makes NO difference the size of the contribution, it is the meaning that counts. I feel that all here are basically honest folks..I cannot imagine anyone trying to fleece the fund, for Karma is a nasty thing to play with. Pride is one thing, but hunger is another! Those who need a little help along the way can get it...we are not talking 100's of dollars here, folks, we are talking food money, or a little help with meds...we cannot support the few here, let alone the world...this should be, basically, a well kept secret. WE all can see who needs help here, I certainly have all but had to get off the site at times. Give me your ideas as to how to make it work simply, nothing complex! Just easy dispursements of funds. My company volunteers to cover all postage of dispursments according to the committee's recomendations. I am far too gulible to serve on that committee, but I will volunteer

to handle the money..that part is the easy part. IT comes in, it goes out...all records kept in a way that anyone can read them. Only those who contribute or serve on committees see the reports monthly. NO ONE sees the recipients except the committee who decides who gets what..makes it easy, makes it secret to the point of protecting identities of those who would NOT want it on the streets that they need money to live. IF you have a better idea, let me hear it...I have limited thinking power. I am open to all suggestions, but trust me, I do NOT need charity money to spend on myself! Phil (Goldwing)

Answer 1

You do have a huge heart Phil. And I commend you on your
thoughtful desire to help others less fortunate. I know how
easy it is to open up to strangers we've never met, to mention
things we wouldn't necessarily speak of to others we come
into personal contact with. Sharing personal thoughts and
desires and confidences about things maybe we'd not even
share with our mate. I have been doing too much of that, and
I need to stop having pity parties.
In my opinion, from reading remarks over time, I don't believe there is anyone in the senior category, who would
care to admit their strife to anyone, unless it was definitely
true. If anyone would try to plead for money, I would think it
would be obvious, and I've never seen anything to indicate
that. Those of us who are living below the poverty level
without any recourse, are not proud nor happy about it. Es-
pecially if we lived comfortably before ill health and low
incomes with SS changed how we lived. As someone of
that description, I know how I hold my head up high and try
my best to find a good outlook daily. My hubby and I have
seen much better days, and it's a monthly struggle. Borrow-
ing from Peter to pay Paul, becomes a way of life, to keep
utilities on, and a roof over our heads. We're proud and
prideful, and we are not third rate citizens. I wish my husband
had pursued the avenues necessary to gain attention to his
talent in the art world. And had he promoted himself, we
would most likely not be in the situation in our old age as we
are. You see, he has always been a very gifted artist. People
who were unable to buy a painting when he'd have art
shows, would rave over his talent, and admire him for having
the ability. He has always been able to master a canvass and
has proven he can also copy a master artists work for the
fun of it. I have always told him that if I had been born, with
even half his gift, I'd be a wealthy woman today. And so he
will not allow someone who owns a gallery to rip him off in
taking the hefty commission they demand, for he does the
work and it's his work alone that sells a painting. While they
merely provide the space on the wall, to show his work. It
has been the obvious greed of others,that has kept him from displaying much over the years.
Now at his age, he tires easy and paints little, and has
desires he still hasn't fulfilled. But perhaps most of us do the
same. He's proud and full of pride, and yet, he has to do,
what he can to keep food on the table, and a roof over our
heads. And that has become the biggest challenge for us.
Oh, yes, and if it weren't for the kindness of our SIL we
wouldn't have an ISP and computer. He knows it's become
more than a hobby for me, and keeps me up and running.
How else could I keep in touch daily and find so many
old friends as well as new, at the reach of my fingertips?
Scam? I think not! I can tell the few who need help and
I feel their pain too. We all have our problems, but some
a little more in depth than others. So you deserve a big pat
on the back, my friend. And even if nothing becomes of
your good natured offer, you can be admired for thinking of
others as so few people honestly do these days.
Thanks for letting me get to know you and call you a friend!

Answer 2

I love your idea but there are too many unknowns with the Internet and all. I know some on here would give and give and some would take and then some. Here are some suggestions of ideas that I practice.
When I want to get something directly to a needy family/individual, I or others do these.
Salvation Army and Red Cross members have delivered food, furniture and clothing. You can also make a donation to one of these organizations to pay a specific person's utilities.
To ensure the organization is accountable, always pay by check, money order or credit card and don't give the money straight to the individual. You probably think this sounds mean, but there is so much Meth and other illegal drug use out there and scams, I have found that donating through a known charity or church, works very well.

Answer 3

Dear Goldwing, I think your idea is a wonderful idea. I like the idea of revolving funds and a committee. I do think though that there should be some parameters drawn...like who would be eligible...if we are talking Senior Citizens, and those who are Disabled living on a small income then I am all for it. If we are talking about people who have fallen into a bad situation such as homelessness then we need to draw some serious lines around that beacuse my experience has shown me that their are those who are homeless through no fault of there own, but there are also homeless who would use this to their advantage. I am not speaking of the people already in this group but of those who would come if they heard of it. I have not been on yahoo very long and try to stick to the Senior Citizen area as people here are so caring and loving. I would like to email you and other in this group but I don't want all my personal info out there for all to see, it is an Internet after all. I have tried to email some but I have to put my email address out there to do so.....so my question is do people see all your info. like name, address and all that that you have fill out to get email use? And where do I go to talk in this Group that is mentioned here? I think this is a great idea and would love to help those who are truly in need. I will keep checking this site for your answer. I know I haven't been around all that long but I am trustworthy and would like to be a part of the group. I am disabled but I am blessed with a pension so I could contribute and would do so with a glad heart.

Answer 4

Just because someone say's something, does not make it true. This is the internet. There is also no way of verifying the situation to be true or not true. Believe me I'm not saying that some of us could definitly use some help. Some of us do not put it out there, and others are more forthcoming and tell all.
How would you deligate who is in charge of the monies, and how much and to who it should go? We are also spread out all over the country (USA) and even foreign countries. Some people still work, some people have nest eggs and some don't. some are on SS and do not have the extra money. Does that mean that they do not care as much as everyone else, if they are not able to contribute. You may think you know someone, but you are only here on a computer, or e-mailand possible phone and do not personally know them or interact with them face to face to truly know what is going on.

Answer 5

See what can be done to determine actual need -- the ether already has a lot of scams -- if it's feasible, I'm in.

As far as the scam part, that's a by guess and by gollee.
It would need to be set up with an organizational name and probably a post office box as well as address -- registering with the Better business bureau wouldn't hurt.

As far as donors are concerned, money orders wouldn't have to include any address that would infringe on privacy (though seeing it is legit, don't know that would be a problem -- various soup kitchens around here haven't taken advantage I know).

I'm not a business man or organizationally organized, but know that if you operate on the up and up (and I feel your are) this thing should get off the ground -- again, if it get's going I'll see what my piggy bank can spare.... feel free to Email me.

Answer 6

Phil, right at this very moment , my concern is for you . None of us know each other it's true and I have thought myself that I wished there was a way to help those "friends" on seniors.You are not a young man but you have a heart of gold and I would never forgive myself if this charitable venture became so stressful as to cause you physical harm, and it could. The ones that I thought could use help are right in there wanting to help others.You know slk has a lot of expertise in this area and what she suggests is valid . A lot of people that need real aid do not know the right agencies to seek help. Would it not be better to check this out first than to hand funds out carte blanche to whomever asks. How do we know whether the people that do need help may be too proud to ask. You are a good soul and I can sense your excitement but please, think it through and don't jump in head first. Look forward to hearing what you decide and trust you will make the right decision . Every one here is proud of you.

Answer 7

It is indeed a wonderful thought. Unfortunately what you are considering is a lot more complex than you think. It is a grand gesture, but consider that in order to legally collect money for any purpose, you would have to establish a trust account with a bank, you would have to register as a non-profit organization, and it would cost you a lot to help so little.. and you would make yourself subject to every scam and con on the internet. It would be impossible to screen those that say they need assistance, unless you also established some type of way to do background checks...more expense.. All though many people have problems, I have to consider that if they have internet and a computer, they have other means also. In the states there are many, many avenues to get help. No senior has to go hungry. So if you want to help other seniors, do it locally. Volunteer for the Meals on Wheels, or checking on homebound seniors, or the local nursing homes. A number of park services include meals and activities for seniors. There are many places where you could put your good heart to work. This goes for anyone else that feels a need to reach out..there are so many places and ways to help already set up, just get active. If this is in the U.K., I don't know about your charities but certainly there must be some you could participate in and if you hear of someone in need put them in touch with a charity or group that assists their type of problem.

Answer 8

Count me in, Phil. I know nothing about handling money, but if you are willing to do the management, that sounds good enough for me. Let us know how this plan is going to work. The people on Seniors are a great bunch, and I'm sure you'll be inundated with offers. Love and peace to you, Goldwing. You are a real gentleman.

Answer 9

Its a very loving thought Phil but it could turn into an unwieldy monster!!!
It will require great effort to put it all together and keep it up and running. Your committee members would need to be prepared for that.
What about us OS!! By the time we contribute say $10 what with exchange rates and such it would be whittled right down I would think and then how would we deposit into the fund?
You would need to set up some rules and regulations on how the fund would operate, we hate em but they are necessary, and have a set of guidelines and criteria for those who want to apply for help.
Best wishes with this Phil and remember to go into this with your eyes open.
cheers jilly

Answer 10

You're not being far out and it could work if you know which people really need help, not everyone let's others know their situations. Many of us already give to our churches or local charities when we can. I don't always have money to give, but I visit others, take them to the dr., share something extra I've cooked and things like that. I feel we are a community here, but everyone being so far apart does limited what we can do for others to the financial aspect of it. In any case, it is a good idea and I think it's wonderful that you care so much for others.
Bless you for caring.