That doesn't happen here downunder. Usually any donations made to outfits like firefighters etc etc are given for something in exchange.
We have a huge hardware superstore here, that allows these people to have a sausage sizzle on weekends.....it's worked out on a roster of course, and Legacy (of which I volunteer my time to), has the sausage sizzle stall about once every 6 weeks on a Saturday. Sausage sandwich $2.50, coke $1.50, and thats all folks......we make about $800 for Legacy on that day. And then once each year we spend a day walking around to shops and business's selling Legacy badges....about 6 different kinds, worth $1 up to $25, most everyone buys them, because everyone loves to support Legacy.
As for people asking for donations at shopping centres and banks....it doesn't happen here. I'm not sure, it could be against the law.
My wife gives a lot of donations to the RSPCA shelter, and in return they give her a diary or a teatowel for the donation each time....I guess that's the way it is here.