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Permalink Reply by Laura Suda on December 3, 2011 at 10:06am

Marian, thank you for doing the research on this group. I wish I had taken the time earlier to check them out - I've donated clothing twice and now I feel terrible. Once you donate, they will hound you at least monthly for more donations - that was another clue I missed. I wanted to think they were actually helping the Vietnam Veterans who have not been treated well by a country deeply indebted to them. Oh well, their plastic bags will come in handy - for donating to the Salvation Army! Please don't tell me bad news about that organization.

Thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Nichthauser on December 3, 2011 at 1:39pm

Huh, I just made a comment, but it disappeared into the netherworld.  It's gotta be somewhere.  Anyway, here's the gist of what i said:

Thanks, Marian for doing all that research!  I, too receive their stuff--two mailings within a week or two. There are lots of veterans' organizations out there, and I am sure legitimate ones.  I've contributed without checking them out, which I should, now that we have Charity Navigator and one or two other resources at our fingertips.  Once you get on a list, no matter practically any non-profit (or so-called), you'll be bombarded with mailings from all over the place, and "free gifts."  Are not gifts free?  Seems a stupid redundancy, though everyone uses it.  Language is a changing phenomenon, though. (An oddity that "gift" in German means "poison.")

Anyway, our local Veterans' Outreach Center seems good, and worthy of support.  Everything I've heard about them has been positive.  I'll check them out before I send a check.  And as you've often said, Marain, when it's local, you have more assurance that the contribution is going to the intended place and purpose, though one should do the research to be sure.

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Permalink Reply by MacClurg Vivian on December 5, 2011 at 5:13pm

Hello all, I would like to put in a good word for the Veteran's Outreach Center on South Avenue; they are a terrific organizations, most staff are veterans and relate well to clients (no small task with combat vets) and are deeply passionate  about helping vets, they help many homeless vets too. I used to be a grantwriter for them and got to know staff and their programs and results, well. Happy Holidays to all; too bad about the Vietnam Veterans group.... 

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on December 5, 2011 at 11:40pm

Great response from a number of people.  I threw out Salvation Army as a possible alternative, not knowing anything about their mission.  What I learned from Lauren was most discouraging, and reason enough not to support them.  How horrible! 

It was encouraging to see the response from people who suggested very good organizations.   Thank you all.

Happy Holidays!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on December 4, 2011 at 1:50am

Marian,

 

I think this percent is about typical for most organizations of this type.  I have donated to this group once before.   I think if you look at a number of charitable organizations, this is not out of line.   I just wonder what they do with the clothing we donated.   Organizations that solicit by direct mail or phone or whatever, spend most of their money on marketing, in order to get donations.   I am not defending them, just explaining.  Key is finding something you feel is beneficial.  

 

There may be other local organizations that do not extract such a huge fund for marketing efforts, and if anyone knows of such, let us know.  Maybe Salvation Army?  Doubt it.     I have not researched, so do not know.  Actually, I have read of other organizations that spend less than 25% on their designated programs, and more on fundraising and admin. expenses.  

 

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Permalink Reply by lauren sample on December 4, 2011 at 11:25am

 

Many people have a philosophical objection to the Salvation Army's position on gays.  If that is a concern for you, here is a link to their position on homosexuality so you can judge for yourself before donating or supporting them.

http://www.salvationarmy.org/ind%5Cwww_ind.nsf/vw-sublinks/80256E52...

For conscientious, informed, local giving, homeless shelters, migrant worker agencies, women's shelters are just some places that can make local use of donated clothing. 

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on December 4, 2011 at 5:03pm

Thanks for that link Lauren..... although it's very disturbing for me to read, it now makes sense why i have a strong aversion to the 'red kettle campaign'. There are many worthy entities out there who are doing a lot to assist those in need. Some organizations/agencies that have very little overhead include places like St. Joseph's House of Hospitality, House of Mercy and ANY of the local Homes for the Dying (Isaiah House, Shepherd Home, Advent House,  Journey Home, etc). Every one of those places are supported by financial donations and volunteers who give of their time. None of them employ highly paid people so almost all of any donation goes directly to support people in need.

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Permalink Reply by Marian Boutet on December 4, 2011 at 2:15pm

Charity Navigator is a site that evaluates hundreds of charities based on the charity's financials and rates them using stars -  one star is poorest and 4 stars is best.   By their definition, Vietnam Veterans of America would have no stars with 25% of the funds raised going to directly support their cause.  By contrast the United Way of Rochester, for instance, earns 4 stars with 84.6% of funds raised going to support their charities.

Charity Navigator was selected as Best Charity Review Site in Kiplinger Magazines "The Best List of 2011."   Think of them as a kind of Consumer Reports of charities. 

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