Sunday, May 22, 2011

Dilemma: Should I contribute to work-sponsored charity to provide Thanksgiving meals to soup kitchen?

I have volunteered at several soup kitchen and SHARE food pantries, as well as homeless shelters. I don't mind the homeless shelters because those people are usually in dire need--families with children who had been sleeping on the street or in their cars..it's just terrible. Now, the company I work for is trying to get its employees to provide baskets containing the makings for a full Thanksgiving dinner, plus some. I would normally say "yes!" however, the particular food pantry that will receive the gifts of food is one where I used to volunteer a lot. I stopped volunteering out of frustration with the unethical behavior of some of the so-called "needy" families; many of whom I knew personally to point of knowing their situations at home. We were giving out boxes and boxes of food, toiletries, Christmas presents, clothes, shoes... to people who owned their own homes, were in two-parent or partner situations, and had jobs. One woman even remarked that she loved the pantry because it worked out that "shopping" there paid her cable television and cell phone bills for a year. At the time I did not have cable TV, or a cell phone, and was barely getting by myself. I never took a thing from the pantry except a sense of honor and pride for being able to help people less fortunate than others. Now, I feel duped, frustrated, and angry. I gave of my time and money to help someone who didn't need it, and in affect, were stealing from others who were legitimately deserving of help. So: This brings me to my question. I want to do my part this year... BUT: I want to help the NEEDY, NOT the greedy. I've thought about finding a few needy families in my neighborhood and leaving parcels of food on their doorstep, but I know if I found a parcel of food on my doorstep, I would be suspcious and probably throw it out. It's just the world we live in. So how can I give so the needy anonymously, with the absolute certainty that my gift is going to a family who's deserving? Any ideas? Someone mentioned the Lion's club but I don't know much about them.
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why not invite the neighbor hood needy family to eat with you Happy thanksgiving http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmykFRHFU…
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