Today I sat down to write out my first batch of year-end checks to various and sundry charities that I support. The list is undergoing some changes this year, partly due to the failure of certain organizations to discern that not all of their supporters are one-issue voters and that perhaps, just perhaps, their solicitations should have been a little less political. Translation: if you sent me an endless bunch of hysterical anti-Bush rants instead of positive pro-choice or pro-environment declarations, you're history.
Another factor will be the number of phone calls I got from an organization after I requested not to be called again. The fact is that I receive, on average, soliciations from ten to twelve different outfits for every cause I favor (and some that I don't). So after weeding out the less reputable ones, I still have quite a bit of leeway in allocating my meager charitable dollar allowance. Not that any of them will actually notice.
The fact is that I don't like being interrupted by phone calls asking for money when a letter that I can answer at my convenience will do quite nicely. Nor do I appreciate being confronted on my way into the supermarket by bell ringers, hand stretchers or can clinkers. Yes, I know I'm heading down a very unpopular road here, but I'll get to my point: I actually applaud Target's decision to eliminate its exception for Salvation Army solicitations in front of its stores and I hope that others will soon follow its lead.
No, the Salvation Army isn't and never has been on my list. But that's not the reason I try to avoid stores that allow the kettles. I'd be no happier to have the Southern Poverty Law Center or the Federation Allied Jewish Appeal ringing a bell in my face when I go out for a loaf of bread or a tube of toothpaste. Yes, it's more convenient to throw some change in a pot than to write out a check or log on to a donor support page. But Target's point, too often ignored, is that it's hard to justify discriminating in favor of one worthy organization to the exclusion of others. And that's completely aside from the fact that this particular organization is, by its own account, a church, which for some helps to justify Target's position and for others helps to condemn it.
When I was growing up, the kosher markets all had a little row of pushkes at the checkout counter. A lot of them still do. Little boxes for various charities into which you could deposit a few coins. Or not. It was customary, especially on Friday, to put at least whatever change you got back from your purchase into the pushke. There it was, in your hand already, and it was easier than putting it back in your purse or your pocket. But there was no pressure, no noise, no sarcastic little "blessing" aimed at your back if you just walked by.
Maybe charities that traditionally solicit at this time of year could work out an arrangement with stores like Target to put up a large pushke. I know it wouldn't be quite as festive as bell-ringing Santas, but they just might find that they generate enough cash and more good will by using a softer, less intrusive approach.
And that's my 2 cents.
