While doing my housework I cannot keep my mind on cleaning. I need to get this off my mind.
I’m a giving person, and I need to toughen up. But it feel so good to give to thought that really need it. My last experience has opened my eyes some. A couple, sent to me by one of the organization that help people in need, had a budget to work. I gave them a better deal than usual, but they still needed to pay me $50. They were so sincere and thankful and it was such a cold day I gave them a nice blanket for the family.
I got a big hug and a promise to pay on Friday. It is now three weeks later and the check is in the mail. The phone is going straight to the answering machine and the voice box is full.
How does one still feel good about giving when you do not know who really needs it?
Janet Kennedy
Imelda’s Fabric & Designs
New Sharon
I hear you. They may have needed it. Not sending a check after saying they would was dishonest but sometimes people mismanage or have unexpected expenses. People who work in nonprofits do see some who try to abuse the system but I personally continue to believe most people are good at heart. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people barely making it.
You tried and so good on you. My only suggestion is to be generous but through reputable agencies, shelters, churches, etc who deal with folks in need regularly. Then you have some reassurance that your gift will be passed on appropriately.
If it is better to give than to receive….than the giver gets the better end of the deal.
Be thankful that you can give and let the rest be their problem.
(Easy for me to say cause it wasn’t my $50…)
Just sayin’
I did work with people sent to me by a reputable agencies. I just tried to help them more and they took advantage of me. They lied to me 3 times. said they had money coming on Friday, then said the check is in the mail and are still sticking to that story. For now on I will give to the animal shelter where I know my money will go to animals that would never lie,cheat or steal.
Janet
No excuse for the recipients of a good deal (that they agreed to) for not staying in contact even if they couldn’t pay on time. I have dealt with this situation countless times and when contact is lost so is your money. And our legal system protects the person who takes your product; not you.
This is why the saying ‘No good deed goes unpunished’ will always be around.
Give without ever expecting anything in return and you will never be disappointed.
I meant give directly to the organizations and let them distribute rather than you getting yourself involved. But I agree that the animal shelter is a great option.
You are known as a generous person and I appreciate that you help people. Its a shame that one person makes you not want to continue to help others. I hope they pay you and apologize!!
What you described was a business transaction albeit at a substantial discount. Your motives were certainly not to blame and yes, your customer is on the hook for it. The good news is that when your business donates to charity, you can deduct the expense (same as you can you can write off losses such as you described.)
Generally speaking, it is wiser to give and expect nothing in return (is that not the essence of charity?)
That way you will never confuse the two. I’m no Biblical scholar but the Bible says that we are to tithe and that charity is to be given “from out of our own hand”, (not another Big Government Program). There are plenty of good charitable organizations you can donate material(ly) to, who will see that the needy get coats and blankets in Franklin County.
If they would have been honest in the beginning, it wouldn’t have been so bad, all they had to do is say I don’t know when I can pay .Don’t just ignore you.