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!!!