Posted by ralpheatsbeef (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We gave money to Samaritan's Purse a couple years ago, and later found out that they paid Franklin Graham almost half a million dollars that year. We had been told that hungry children needed our help, but we ended up making part of a limousine payment for all we know. Never again. Give locally, to reputable churches and agencies.

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ralp...hope the Gazette picks up on your experience and it hits the print edit.

Posted by history (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our family does Operation Christmas Child every year and it is one of the best experiences we do as a family. Our children can't wait to shop and fill up the boxes and then send them off to children who don't get anything for Christmas. There's no better way to start the Christmas season than with an attitude of GIVING. Samaritan's Purse is above reproach. Of all the charity organizations out there, Franklin Graham and his ministry do more to reach families and children around the world than any other. Good for Emporia for getting involved and thinking beyond themselves!!

Posted by nks (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What about giving these items to all of the children of Emporia whose parents have lost their jobs over the past year.

I hate to sound cold, but we get so wrapped up in taking care of the world that we forget about people in our own backyard.

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nks,YY4u, ralph, and others

I'm with you.....charity begins at home and there are plenty of children right here in Emporia that need some help. Right here where I can see what is being done with my donations.

Posted by history (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Giving is giving. Whether its near or far. And why do we have to choose anyway?? We should be helping people in our neighborhoods and in neighborhoods around the world. When its all said and done, I don't think it matters much. After all, our heart-attitude as we give is more important than judging who should or shouldn't be the recipient!

And, nks and biscuitboy: when was the last time you tangibly helped another family or needy children here in town or elsewhere? Unless that's part of your regular routine, I don't think you should judge those who participate in OCC or any other charitable organization.

Posted by nks (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

history,

"I don't think you should judge"

LIke you are doing to me????

I give to United Way every year with payroll deduction, I always have my children put money EVERY time I walk by a Salvation Army bell ringer, I place items in the food baskets at the stores, and I donated a sizeable amount of food to a community dinner being held on Thanksgiving day.

Do you want more examples?????

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree history.....just what do you know about me that allows you to be so judgemental of me. I too am quite generous.....as my meager means allows in food and toy drives as well as contributing to local charities. Before you start throwing stones maybe you should learn a little more about what you are talking about.

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

history

Five people made comments so far on this thread not counting yourself. Two of them were quite critical of your Samaritan's Purse organization while two (nks and myself) said nothing about them and spoke only of keeping charity at home. We are the two you singled out for criticism......Explain Please!

Posted by nks (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was thinking the same thing. I NEVER said "DO NOT GIVE TO THIS CHARITY!!"

Posted by ralpheatsbeef (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't stress local based on the level of need, but more on the basis of knowing that you are giving to someone in need, and not just buying new carpet for a TV preacher's mansion or new leather seats for his limo. I also don't have any problem sending literature reflecting the faith of the donor, whether to people of the same, other or no faith, as I think that giving between people of the world can be a good thing. What I am opposed to is people enriching themselves in the manner of Dr Graham, by dipping into the orphan's fund, if you will. Bottom line = find a charity where your gift will actually go to the people in need, and not to the fat cats running the place. For me, that excludes Samaritan's Purse, and that's probably too bad because a lot of good people give their work to it at the bottom level, presumably not knowing the element of "skimming" going on at the top.
The red buckets aren't a bad place to start.

Posted by ToxicPink (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Meh I don't give to the salvation army either. I don't agree with certain issues....never mind no need to go there.

Before you give to any charity you need to do a little research on it and decide if you feel comfortable enough giving. You shouldn't have to give to anyone who you feel does questionable things with their donations.

That being said, please remember the Angel Trees this year.

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Emporian's have a good record of stepping up and donating when the need is there. The need is definately here in these hard economic times. When we donate we look at whether the cause has paid "volunteers". We also look at the administrative costs of some of these so called "NOT FOR PROFIT" organizations, at lot of them have very highly paid employees and a lot of the cash goes to them, not the charity. This would be a good year to cut back on our Christmas gift giving to family and friends and instead give a little to someone in need here in Emporia.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!