“Think before you donate” and “think before you pink” posts have flooded Facebook lately, urging users to reconsider giving to charitable organizations.
The posts target the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, the United Way, UNICEF, Goodwill and even Susan G. Komen.
It begins by saying, “As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself feel good, please keep the following in mind.”
First of all, people should not donate just to make themselves feel good.
Though it’s perfectly acceptable to feel good about doing a good deed, that should not be the only reason you do it.
You should do it because these organizations help people who are suffering for various reasons and as a fellow human being you should want to help out when you can.
Is skipping out on one McDouble at McDonald’s really so hard that you can’t spare a dollar for a good cause?
Don’t get me wrong, I know not everyone is in a position where they can give to charity. However, there seems to be a large population that has the means to donate spare change but chooses not to.
The posts go on to attack the nonprofits for things that are truthful, but are not completely true.
For example, it is criticized that only about 20 percent of donations to Susan G. Komen go toward cancer research.
Though this is true, it goes on to assume the remaining 80 percent of donations go straight to the CEO or other company officials’ wallets.
This is simply not true.
The large majority of the rest of funds go toward public health education, health screening services and treatment.
But hey, whatever helps you to feel justified in not helping the cause, right?
Another example is the attack on Goodwill and accusations that the majority of profits go to the company’s CEO.
“You donate to his business and then he sells the items for profit. He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage! Nice guy,” the posts say.
Yes, items at Goodwill are sold for a profit.
The items they sell are in good condition and are still sold for a lot cheaper than most retail stores, which makes it more affordable for low-income families.
Why are people so shocked to find out that Goodwill does charge for their items?
How else do you think they had the money to open more than 2,500 stores?
I’d also like to point out Goodwill’s mission is not primarily to sell cheap clothes. It’s to help people achieve economic stability through job training and experience.
This means Goodwill provides job opportunities to people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience and who struggle to gain employment.
Yes, employees and officials at these organizations are being paid for their work.
How else are they expected to make a living?
Personally, I find nothing wrong with these individuals being well compensated, as they are doing a service to the world.
If you are so concerned that not every cent you donate is going where you’d like it to, then find another way to give back. If you can’t or won’t give money, give your time.
tatadams@indiana.edu
@TatianaDeWitt
