How Difficult is it to just say ‘no’ when you are asked by a cashier or other unfamiliar person for a small charitable donation for an organization with which you
are unfamiliar?
For instance, before totaling your bill the clerk asks “would you like to contribute $1 toward helping breast cancer victims or those with muscular dystrophy?” This type of solicitation occurs with some regularity and, if you decide to give, the small donations may go toward worthwhile causes but how do you know the organization that receives the money will put it to good work. It is a pure leap of faith. I prefer give larger donations to just a few organizations whose mission and range of charitable services I fully understand. What are your thoughts about these ‘blind-siding’ requests and do you have suggestion about how to suppress any guilt you might feel by refusing to give?