Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2008 > November > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDo you shop for charity?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I
No lines, no shoving: the at-home alternative to mall madness.
It seems Black Friday was a bit subdued this year, and at some places the AJC visited on Saturday, clerks outnumbered customers.
Liquidators aren’t having much luck moving merchandise, although e-tailers are gearing up for what they hope will be a robust Cyber Monday.
I’m invited to a private shopping event Monday night. Held in someone’s home, the event features wares from a number of small-business owners. And it will benefit charity. A portion of sales will be donated to an organization called Reconnecting Families, which works with people whose lives have been affected by drug abuse.
With everyone keeping a close eye on their wallets these days, I’m interested to witness this low-key alternative to mall madness. We’ve all been to home parties where the hostess was hawking products from Pampered Chef, Southern Living at Home, Arbonne and the like.
The idea of introducing a charitable angle during uncertain economic times is interesting, and we’ll see whether that impacts how many items are sold. Stay tuned.
Would you be more willing to spend money this holiday season if you knew a portion of your dollars would benefit charity?
Have you shopped at similar at-home parties, or hosted one? Do you feel pressured into buying stuff you don’t need, or do you enjoy the personal attention of at-home commerce?
Merchants, does the at-home business model impact your bottom line?
Comments
By MTA56
December 1, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
I will not be making any charitable contributions this season. President elect Obama has indicated he will be taking care of this!
By clyde
December 1, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I am not spending money this year for any reason.I may well need the money I have later in the year.Sorry charities.Sorry retailers.
By Interested Bystander
December 1, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
I find it interesting … and depressing … that so many retailers are jumping onto the “charity” wagon in order to make sales.
I’d want to know several things about this cause-related retailing effort before making any decision whether to buy:
first, what protion of the profits will go to the designated chaity?
second, is there a cap on the amount that will go to the charity?
and last, can I select the charity, or is it a “preselected cause”?
Answers to those questions would determine my interest in buying from the retailer.
And if they can’t or won’t anser those questions, then I’ll look for other sources for my purchases, because this vendor has just proven that they are only interested in my money.
By Blue Devil
December 1, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
When my income has been redistributed, I will feel that I have made my charitable donations for the year.
By kalalu
December 1, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
my husband and I will be spending as we usually do. Each year we give money to some of our favorite charities: Fisher House, local animal shelters, and American Cancer Society.
By LK
December 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
I shop for charities - but I do so through my church and workplace. Both have Angel trees where you select a recipient and shop for them. I feel like I know where my money is going and I get to shop for a child again (our kids are grown). I believe charity is a personal responsibility and not a government function, so I give to the organizations that I support.
By Mavis
December 1, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Anything that brings awareness to people in need is good. It seems win-win to me.
By annie girl
December 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
If I approved of the charity and really needed something, I would buy it but I would rather donate directly to the charities of my choice and I only give to a charity once I have seen their financial statements and know how much of my money goes straight to the need. Too many of them spend way too much on overhead. Better yet, we go through reputable charities to buy directly for a needy child or senior citizen. If you have no money, instead of whining about not having enough money and volunteer! It will get your mind off yourself and you just might help someone in the process. I am not rich—I took 2 paycuts this year and had my insurance premiums doubled and my husband just had a heart attack with a $2000 deductible to pay so we are hurting but I will still adopt at least one kid this Christmas and donate to the Salvation Army. Stop thinking about yourselves!
By Wolfgang
December 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
You must be joking! With the economy in the toilet & having my hours cut, I’m expected to give my & my wife’s hard-earned money to subsidize lazy bums?? Sorry, you’ll have to think of a better reason to merit taking the food out of my kids’ mouths!!!