Well Mary - I have to say that I agree. You can't go to the bank or mall or grocery store, without someone trying to nail you for a donation for something. I've gotten to the point where I just say - "sorry - I don't carry cash - only my ATM card", which really is the truth most of the time. I donate to who I want, and I just won't let anyone make me think I'm a cheapskate by not dumping money into every jar, canister, bucket, boot, or whatever.
My rural fire company exists only thru donations since it is a volunteer, and not a paid company. Their equipment, firehouse, training, etc is funded thru donations only. I give to them during their fund drive once a year, and to the Cancer Society and Heart Association. When I was working, 100% of what I had withheld from my check for The United Way, went to the DE Humane Society - a no-kill facility. To me, those are the important ones in my life, and not the frivolous ones. An occasional toss of a dollar for some cause being peddled in front of the bank - sure - but occasional is the key word there! Enough is enough - most people just cannot do what they would like as far a donating, but they shouldn't feel guilty about it either.