What say you?

[cassiesmom]

Hmm, I am really surprised at this thread. But reading through the comments, I can understand, I guess.

We don't have solicitations around here. So every Labor Day weekend, it is traditional to see the firefighters out there to fill the boot for Muscular Dystrophy. Jerry Lewis hosts (used to host?) the weekend telethon. Which I grew up watching, either at home or away on camping trips -- where the whole campground tuned in.

And, whether home or camping, we all wait for that "big moment," when some of our local firefighters show up in the local station to turn in what they collected from our community. CHEERS, APPLAUSE and at the campground, we used to go really crazy as we knew the fellows at the small station which served the area.

All part of Labor Day weekend, like having a parade for July 4th. As I said, it is a tradition. So coming from this background, the whole thread surprises me.

WGN has aired the MDA telethon in Chicago for probably 25 years now. Bozo the Clown used to appear on the telethon when I was little.

I've been on both sides - soliciting donations at the train station during the morning rush and putting money in the boot before the traffic light turns green (or the Salvation Army kettle). I'm just trying to do some good in the world, not that I can do very much a dollar at a time.

[Taz_Zoee]

I gave money to a firefighter right after 911, but only because he was my friends brother.

Otherwise, I never give to solicitors outside businesses. I usually only donate to people here on Pet Talk in times of need (when I can) or ARF, the shelter I volunteer with.

And when the cashier asks at the grocery store I simply say "not today". At our Safeway, when you do donate they announce over the intercom that there was a donation made on check stand 4 (or whatever #). So of course, everyone looks. No thanks!!!