Charity Tins

[sandrajo]

I honestly don't mean to sound stingy but I live very near 2 major supermarkets which between them I reckon shop in about 5 times a week. The thing is there's always someone standing at the exit with a tin for one charity or another. I usually put my change for my shopping bill in the tin but on the odd occasion I have no money on me so pay by card. Anyway on leaving tesco today this woman asked me if I would like to give a donation for brain injured children and I replied "sorry I've no money on me" my god if looks could kill!! I felt like saying to her I've given my money twice before this week to her and her other colleague and if they'd given out a badge I would of worn it to show I had donated. It just infuriated me as she thought I was being a Scrooge!! :(

[ethandron]

I look these and any other collectors directly in the eye, with a smile on my face and without slowing down, and say no thank you. I find it far better than avoiding eye contact or pretending not to see them.
My feeling is that if they think they have the right to ask me for money then I have the equal right to say no.

[Maydup]

I mind the bag packers less because ours only allow local charities. A few kids raising a few quid for a new piece of sports equipment or a trip abroad is manageable. I tend to go shopping once a week and pop my change in their box. I can manage my own packing but I make time for them to help me as it encourages them to earn their money. I make them talk. To me as they do it all and tell me a little about their project and there's a conversational skills used too. Luckily I'm not in huge hurry, but once I get to the tin rattlers I "just say no".

[sandrajo]

Thanks for all your answers. I won't feel so bad the next time I say no :)

[SlackAlice]

I ignore them all, except 'Poppy' sellers and the local 'Scout' group when they do an occasional bag packing spree.

I've got very thick skin and a glare from me makes them aware they've got more interesting things to do than getting blood out of a stone.

[237SJ]

Last time I was in TK Maxx, the till operator asked me if I wanted to donate my change to charity. It`s happened elsewhere too (think it might have been WH Smith). Another trend that has come from the US..

[mallyh]

i thought they weren't allowed to rattle their tins and ask for money .

[sandrajo]

They don't have tins anymore its big buckets!!

[campbellking]

I've done a charity tin collection for a mental health charity(no rattling, just standing quietly), and the most hilarious response was a commuter walking past, turning his nose up and saying 'begging again'?

[anneasquith]

easy...............sorry no change. walk on.

[Sycamore3House]

As most of the major charities are now large corporate organisations I begrudge giving to them. But I will donate goods to any local charity.

[lozzer50]

I am not keen on having kids packing my bags either, i usually say no thank you but put something in the tin.

[Eve]

I've developed a much thicker skin as it's like running the gauntlet round here sometimes with charity collectors, chuggers (who get paid for it), Big Issue sellers, beggars etc...

I give to who I want to give to and would rather give more to them than less as I've felt guilt tripped into giving to others.

I don't go to large supermarkets very often so don't come across many bag packers so, if it's a decent charity I will give them some money though often need to repack my bags a bit after though, at least they are making an effort though.

[sandrajo]

I used to buy the big issue but not now. I'd rather buy a beggar in the street a packet of sandwiches/crisps or biscuits instead of giving them money.