The Responsibility Project^®. Exploring what it means to do the right thing

Store Charity Drives: Are You Being Pressured?

15 Comments

March 2, 2010 by Kathy McManus

Is it okay to make someone feel bad about not doing good?

The Wall Street Journal’s Eric Felton recently wrote that he expects a backlash against stores that hit up paying customers at the checkout counter, asking them to donate to the business’s chosen charity. 

Felton recounted how, while he was buying holiday gifts that were on sale, a store clerk “proclaimed in a loud, clear voice: “With the markdowns, you just saved $20. How much of that would you like to donate” to the store’s charity of the month. Felton says he gave “a bit,” but wondered, “how many, like me, came away with a bad taste from the experience, an unpleasant sense of having been imposed upon”?

He contacted university philanthropy professor Leslie Lenkowsky, who said, “You get to feel badly if you refuse to donate.” But Lenkowsky also believes that being pitched directly at the cash register is superior to indirect methods because the donor makes “an affirmative decision” to give, and gets a “warm fuzzy glow.” 

“More like a slow burn,” Felton wrote of his own experience. “I’m left with the nagging sensation of having to cry ‘uncle.’ I never feel as though the offhand donation amounts to much — what, only a $5 donation when spending $100 on yourself! — which leaves me feeling rather like a skinflint. And yet, if I don’t pony up at all, there’s the reflexive twinge of shame.” 

Tell us what you think: Are in-store charity drives a good idea, or are they giving-gone-astray?

15 Comments

What do you think? Leave a comment

• March 3, 2010 by Sammy Reed

  First of all, I wish we could do italics or bold in these comments so I wouldn't have to use all-caps. Egads, I haven't heard of solicitations being done THAT way before (“With the markdowns, you just saved $20. How much of that would you like to donate...” )! But I HAVE noticed stores and restaurants doing charity solicitaions a LOT lately. With all these businesses doing this at the same time, it CAN'T be for the sake of "good works" or "a good heart". There HAS to be something "in it" for these businesses. The question is: What is it? I'm wondering if the businesses are able to claim the donations as a tax write-off? In this scenario: The money goes to the charities all right, but then the businesses claim it all as a non-profit contribution, and pockets the same amount that was donated for themselves as well. If it's not that, it HAS to be SOMETHING.

  Reply

• March 5, 2010 by Joseph Katzman

  I don't have an issue with it. The answer "None, I already have my designated charities" is all you need to say. At that point, however, a very clear line is drawn. If they continue to pressure you, you have valid cause for complaint to both the store manager and the corporation. There's nothing wrong with being asked to give to charity, in a non-coercive environment (which is why asking for charitable giving at work crosses the line, and should not be done). A rebalancing of public programs and private giving would be good for the country in many ways, there are lots of people who need help, and the public spaces we're in are a fine place to ask. Having said that, there's a moral break point here around the fact that people have different priorities - and those need to be respected very carefully. Especially when that person is your customer.

  Reply

• March 8, 2010 by Crystal Cordoba

  This blared over the store-wide intercom so loudly and so often while I shopped a local dollar store during my lunch today that it quickly became annoying! I ended my shopping early because of it and no, I did not give to the stores charity. I absolutely agree that this has become very commonplace, for stores to pressure their customers to give to the stores choice of charity at the checkout counter. Much like the impulse buy of fingernail clippers or the spinning ball of candy on a stick, seriously now. I personally would rather see a large sign on the front of the store announcing how much of the stores own profits they donated to charity that month or year. Please don’t misunderstand my attitude, my family gives often throughout the year and to several different charities and individuals as well, but we always give it thought. I believe that we have a responsibility when giving, to carefully decide who or what organization will do the most good with the resources given to them. Also to look at the recipients, that what they are being given will enrich their lives in some way and help not only today but in their future. With that said I am a strong supporter of random acts of kindness, recently a group of friends and I were comparing notes on our "drive-thru acts of kindness". We agreed it is a blessing to decide: “Today I will buy lunch for the person in line behind me at In-N-Out or Starbucks”. Try that instead of giving the $5 at the register next time & you’ll see what I mean. So if this article and comments happens to reach store owners across the nation, please, please stop pressuring your own customers this way, you will drive them away and actually loose money! There are better options to increase your company’s charitable donations without completely annoying loyal customers in the process. Who knows, you may even find you can attract new customers & more business if done in the right way.

  Reply

• March 12, 2010 by Mike Fendler

  The only reason I am posting is I have the opportunity to contribute my talents to what I think is a worthy cause and the resources available for the project are limited. I personally feel it is most important to get involved with some effort close to your heart on more of a personal level then to give to a big top heavy organization. On the other hand , I am sure there are many large charities that can use the economy of scale to maximize the impact of your contribution. As far as being polite to those on the street making collections, a simple "no thank you" or an " I am sorry I can't help you" is sufficient for me. If you want to support the homeless give to a food pantry or shelter. My dilemma is that the first project that was handed to me a my new job, after a 14 month lay off, other than a few several multi-million dollar luxury homes was a meager reception desk for a government funded day care center in the Bronx. My first knee jerk reaction was may tax dollars should not be funding babysitting and so on. My afterthoughts were that this is a noteworthy project . I really would love to be able to deliver a first class project and help enrich an underprivileged community. The problem is that funds are limited and it seems like it's every man for himself these days. The answer is there are many wasted minutes in each day that can be converted to a better cause.

  Reply

• March 14, 2010 by paul wertz

  im lookin for some volintry work around westland mi

  Reply

• March 15, 2010 by Victoria Pruyn

  Some people including me go to stores with sales to save money and buy a few things that were not affordabe without the lower prices. I don't mind being politely asked to help but there are times I just can't afford to give ...

  Reply

• March 22, 2010 by Darbee Aleeza Walker Kudlacik

  Okay if people don't want to donate well they shouldn't be judged maybe they dont think homeless people need their help. Maybe they dont feel like giving up cash or coins at the moment. Still i believe its a great idea to do that. As a matter of fact its a great idea. Anything to get someone to donate and help someone out is the right thing to do.

  Reply

• April 7, 2010 by Jeanie Jackson

  You asked to different questions. I Do Not think it it ok to pressure people for contributions ANYWHERE! I Do appreciate the passive convenience offered by many stores to contribute to a couple of my favorite charities. The stores that make a bag of staples available for easy foodbank donations, or just a place to leave food, and the stores that allow me to scan a tag for a donation make it easy for me to make smaller more frequent donatons that add up to more than I was donating before this option was available.

  Reply

• April 16, 2010 by wedding music scotland

  Thanks for this article. Its really a good topic. I like this side. Give me some information about this side.

  Reply

  • April 16, 2010 by wedding music scotland

    So beautiful article. I visit this site. It gives me lots of pleasure and interest. It’s a most important post. Please every one visit this site quickly. Thanks.

    wedding music scotland

    Reply

• April 24, 2010 by Jamahl Smith

  I actually have no problems with these in-store charity drives. I will tell them yes if I can afford to or no if I can't.

  Reply

• April 25, 2010 by sharuk khan

  Store Charity Drives is a nice article.This site has lots of advantage. I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me many away. So many many thanks for sharing this information.

  Los Angeles Movers

  Reply

• September 13, 2010 by best video converter

  I am sorry, that has interfered... But this theme is very close to me. Is ready to help.

  Reply

Tell us what you think.