Are you charitable?
By skim40
@skim40 (60)
United States
June 10, 2009 5:32pm CST
I ask this because I have recently experienced a major shock at work.
One of my supervisors was laid off while she was pregnant. Not a month went by and she gave birth to her daughter extremely prematurely. 24 week micro preemie. She was having some tough times. But as the baby was getting healthier, we felt that it would be nice to throw her a baby shower. I made her a piggy bank and (after consulting with others) I thought that it would be a cute idea to put out the piggy bank until the day of the baby shower and have people put their change in the bank. I put a cute little sign that read "Contribute to Baby Allison's Education Fund." Is that offensive?
Apparently it was offensive to some. Somebody told me that there were some people who were complaining that it wasn't fair because they have families, too. She said, "It's not like we didn't have any hardships. Why should we help out?" I was shocked. Is that the norm?
I feel that during these economic hardships, we would be more sympathetic.
2 people like this
8 responses
@AcousticSoul (1309)
• United States
11 Jun 09
I think your ideal was cute and appropriate. It think those other people who had problems are selfish. even if your friend had not of lost her job I think that was a cute ideal. there are other people who will contribute so I wouldn't worry about those people...
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
11 Jun 09
No....I don't think that is the "norm". hope not anyway. I think your idea of the piggy bank was awesome and I would imagine that most people would too. Were there really many complaining or just one or two? Where I work, we have cans on the counter for various funds to help someone going thru a tough time and I don't see much of that sort of attitude at all. Most people and even the ones that have very little will drop their change in to help out. Even little kids will donate some of their candy money. 
@skim40 (60)
• United States
11 Jun 09
If I recall correctly, my department complains about everything that has to do with parting with a few cents of their money. We can't even have a proper potluck without so much complaining. But you will never hear them complain when they receive something for free. I should consider getting a new job. haha You're very fortunate to be surrounded by such charitable people. Thank you for your response.
@steelmoggy (410)
•
11 Jun 09
That's a lovely gesture; unfortunately there are always going to be whiners around who'll grumble about everything and anything. Ignore 'em; they'll just get older and nastier and wonder why no one ever actually seems to have a good word for them... (Of course, it'll be everyone else's fault!!)
I give charity in three main ways; my wife and I regularly financially contribute to charities that are dear to us, I will often give food and a hot drink to beggars and finally I contribute my time and skills for free to local individuals and charities.
What other people think of me I don't know and don't particulary care!
@thenextnoel (396)
• Philippines
11 Jun 09
It would be offensive if it were forced upon them but I think this is on a voluntary basis. These people can always refuse to contribute and i don't see why they have to complain about it. You're doing a noble job, keep it up :)
@colydf (913)
• China
11 Jun 09
I agree with you that every one of us should learn to be sympathetic, especially during these economic hardships. Life is really tough for some people, maybe help them will mean little to yourself, however, other people will be grateful to you. We should think for others and then when you yourself need help, others will help you, too.
@chris3855 (3)
• United States
11 Jun 09
There are always going to be people that are going to complain. Those people in your case where employed. I think what you did was a great thing. I am sure that you have heard the saying, "All that it takes for evil to prosper is for a good man to do nothing." Keep it up. What goes around will come around.
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
10 Jun 09
I think that was quite thoughtful of you and I can't believe if people just put in a couple of dollars each what would that do to them. I thought it was against the law to laid off a person who is pregnant. Yes we all have hardships, but she got laid off, people have a heart. I commend you for having such a good heart and sorry that you had to deal with some people who don't care about others. People like that are usually negative type people and I try my best to stay away from them.
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
11 Jun 09
Here's another thought - you're not FORCING anyone to contribute. You left it there so people, who have more than enough will have a chance to help this woman and her baby.
It's only for those who WANTS to give - if they want to give, great. If they don't want to give, that's great too! No pressure.
What a great idea and a great heart you have for helping her out since she just lost her job and now have another mouth to feed. Keep doing what you're doing.
