I just returned from a shopping venture and, as usual, I couldn't help but drop five bucks in the Salvation Army kettle. That organization has roots deep in Christianity, but throughout my life I've seen the good work they do whenever and wherever a need arises. Do you drop a few bucks in the kettle each year? Just curious. Thanks.
2007-12-20 07:44:34 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ordin.....perhaps you should know I'm an atheist.
2007-12-20 07:52:16 · update #1
one time, when i was in college, i had nothing. the salvation army got me some food. i absolutely abhor trading worship for the bare necessities, but, dangit, they got me some food. they fed me. i survived. so, after i was better, i used to give them tickets,(for the folks who worked there) to the kansas city royals. i always give money to the salvation army now that i live here in arizona, and if i ever buy season tickets to the diamondbacks, then the officers get to go the games here. it is the only charity i know of that actually does something for the betterment(is that a word?) of mankind. but, that religion stuff still bothers me, lol
2007-12-20 07:58:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
I'm enjoying reading the stories of how they've helped some regulars here, it's really moving. I've volunteered as a bell-ringer five years and I can say that the people who give money come in all varieties and I've received every holiday greeting imaginable (not just Christmas by any means) while ringing the bell. It's so great to see people from all sorts of backgrounds and viewpoints come together for a common cause.
I also know a few people who were down and out and the Salvation Army (this one in Ann Arbor, Michigan) helped them get back on their feet, not only with resources but with jobs too. I'm not a member of the SA church itself, but I have great respect for them. After Hurricane Katrina they disbursed more than 350 million dollars of donations to help the displaced, poor, and hungry. I think that's very admirable, and more on-target with what Jesus would do than a lot of churches today.
Plus they have awesome thrift stores.
2007-12-20 08:04:47 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel loves lasagna 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Though, I cash in my spiritual award in the here-and-now, by saying so...
Instead of dropping a quick 5$ in the kettle, I offered the freezing-gentlemen guarding the kettle, a cup of coffee.
He accepted, without hesitation, and I believe we both made each other's day. If that's not what the "Salvation Army" is for, I'm not-sure what is, even though, as most my-thoughts have a rougue-approach to them, but then again weren't you in the Gandalph-of-the-gray day's as well??
How's Frodo, these days, I have always been interested what he came away with, as he sailed out to see, at his last-adventure....Happy Holidays! Dear Sage! Happy Holidays!
2007-12-20 08:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by SophiaSeeker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. I've worked inside one of their home offices as a painter and the experience totally turned me off to the orgnization. There was propaganda everywhere that had no basis in reality. I didn't get a chance to talk to people about because I was working after office hours but the place had a wierd vibe. I have no desire to associate with them or to work toward whatever goals they have chosen to pursue (give them money).
Besides that, I don't believe in giving people money for nothing. I will offer people work, if they need money but I won't lend money and I won't give it away. I pass beggars on the street every day in my town, and I don't put money in their cup. I know that many of them will buy alchohol with it. Instead, I offer my time, my knowledge, and food.
I would rather help people personally and in my own way than delegate that responsibility to some organization.
With Love,
Shane K.
2007-12-20 09:05:11 · answer #4 · answered by Shane K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I do, and they always bless me afterward. I don't mind because I know my money will more likely than not actually help someone in a way that I don't have time or resources to. Honestly, they're the only Christian organization that I give money to, as I've actually seen them help people on both coasts and many places in between. Their work speaks for itself, and their buildings are never overly ornate (i.e. the more of my money goes to helping people than to "showing the glory of God" through expensive buildings and fine cars, houses, churches, and clothing).
2007-12-21 02:06:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup. They have a day care center here in my home town. Every year they have a canned good drive- I throw in a ton of goodies for them then too.
I know what it's like being dirt poor, and not knowing where your next meal is coming from (or if you're even getting one)- I also know what its like to go almost an entire week without eating.
Anyone even attempting to stifle that just a little bit is worthy of any help I can give.
2007-12-20 07:52:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist living in UK , but regardless of my thoughts its hard to pass a sally army band without giving a donation because as you said they do fantastic work.
Christianity doesn't hold all the aces when it comes to decency, good manners and charitable deeds.
2007-12-20 07:55:56 · answer #7 · answered by Steve 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
~~~ G ,,, As an atheist I have had no problem donating to the Salvation Army for several years as I too have seen them do excellent work for The Disenfranchised of the great USA. ~ Namaste`
2007-12-20 08:27:33 · answer #8 · answered by Sensei TeAloha 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not that particular charity but I do support others. A good friend of mine and his husband asked to volunteer at the Salvation Army and were turned away because of their sexuality. I cannot in good conscience support something that would so openly discriminate.
2007-12-20 08:00:30 · answer #9 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No! I had a very bad experience with them personally, when they were trying to buy my house for the "Captain" and his wife when I lived in Pennsylvania. The board opted to buy a house that cost $50K more than mine, that the captain didn't want, but bordered a golf course. (The guy and his wife wanted my house because the basement was huge and could fit lots of people for larger gatherings).
At the end of the day, they ended up telling the guy and his wife that they were relocating them to upstate New York and she cried on my sofa for a while. Just seemed like a horrible way to treat people. Let them think they're getting a home of their own that day and instead, uproot them. Surprise!
Since then, I find other outlets for my Christmas giving.
2007-12-20 07:49:25 · answer #10 · answered by Laptop Jesus 3.9 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋