True Charity: Selfless, Not Self-serving
72The Salvation Army: True Charity
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Sisters of Charity
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I cringe every time I hear about some multi-billionaire donating money to charity.
I don't cringe because I have anything against charity; in fact, I have a high regard for true charities, as if charity needs a modifier.
I cringe because, to me, charity is selfless, not self-serving.
Billionaires and even lowly millionaires, may or may not be altruistic about giving to "charity," but in either event they gain considerable benefits from their donations. Not insignificant among the benefits of giving is the generous tax deductions granted by both the federal and state governments.
Too Much of a Skeptic
Maybe 45 years in the field of journalism has made me too much of a skeptic, but I feel that most so-called philanthropists gain more than just the simple thanks of the people and organizations who are the recipients of their largesse.
Certainly, the money these wealthy people give does a great deal of good to many individuals and to charities around the world.
It isn't the individual philanthropist or the many deserving charities that gives me pause; rather, it's the government and the way Congress and state legislatures treat donations to charities.
Poor people in general and the great middle class in particular tend to react favorably to large donations by wealthy individuals and organizations to legitimate charities. Their eyebrows raise at least an inch, inevitably, when I mention my disdain about any particular charitable donation.
Their surprise turns to puzzlement, however, when I explain that every time a billionaire makes a large contribution to charity -- and billion-dollar gifts are beginning to become a reality -- my taxes (and yours) will have to go up.
Charitable Tax Deductions
If you think about it for a moment you'll realize that when Bill Gates gives $1 billion to charity he gets a tax write off. The government has a budget equal to its expenses, so if it does not collect money because of charitable deductions, it has to raise that money someplace else -- and you know where!
On top of that, charities that receive multi-million dollar contributions from individuals or corporations treat their beneficiaries like gods. If the benefactor recommends someone for a job at the charity, you can bet they'll get the job!
That's power, and only a sample of benefits contributors receive. Just look at the Rockefeller and Ford foundations if you have any doubt about it.
'Love of Humanity'
My dictionary defines charity as "benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity." I don't believe givers should be getting anything in return except gratitude.
I have little regard for most charitable organizations I've had any contact with, largely because their bureaucratic organizations "talk the talk" better than they "walk the walk," as they say in today's idiom.
In my book, the Salvation Army comes in head and shoulders above all others. The army doesn't put you through a ringer before it decides whether to help you or not. If you are in need, the army's soldiers try to find a way to help -- that's what I call charity.
I wrote this column as a "My View" for The Hour newspaper of Norwalk, Conn., on Oct. 2, 1999. I now write my views on a wide variety of topics on HubPages. You can, too. It's easy, and free! Get paid for writing about what you love, or whatever interests you!. HubPages makes the technical part easy. Make friends and get help on its active forum. Take a quick tour to see how easy it is to get started today Click Here-- To view my HubPages Profile Click Here
Should Government Play a Larger Role in Charitable Giving?
See results without votingThe Salvation Army Christmas Kettles
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Thank you for commenting, einron. I wish all charities would take a page from the Salvation Army's book.
Interesting hub, William. I've always wondered how much celebrities who raise millions for charities have actually given themselves.
My favorite charitable act is to buy a pair of warm gloves for a bell-ringer standing outside a store I'm Christmas shopping at. It's always very cold and they never have anything covering their hands. The look on their face makes it well worth it every year.
Thanks, Constant Walker. Fortunately, there are a lot of celebrities who give for the right reasons and don't notify the press about it. Bing Crosby was one gave to many good causes without seeking publicity about it. Personally, I've always thought that -- if I had lots of money -- I'd like to hire a small plane and drop $20 bills over a poor neighborhood. That way the money would be more likely to get to the people who need it.
That's an interesting idea. I think it would also be helpful to open a Wal-Mart right in the middle of a really poor neighborhood. One very firm condition: All employess and staff members must be hired from said neighborhood. And what a great place for them all to shop.
I bet that would have a positive affect...
That would be a great idea, provided Wal-Mart paid them something more than slave labor wages and let them join a union. When I worked in New York in the late 1960's Robert Kennedy urged that businesses locate their plants and offices in the city's depressed areas. The board of directors of the association I worked for laughed it off as if Kennedy's idea was ridiculous. That attitude was common among NY execs. It's a major reason that I decided to seek employment elsewhere.
Interesting hub. The Salvation Army has certainly proven itself to be a clear cut leader in the charity area. Love the title of selfless and not self-serving.
Thank you, 02SmithA. A perfect example of Salvation Army charity was the Northeast Blackout of 1965. I was at Grand Central Station in Manhattan when virtually everything went black (except the railroad car I was sitting in that couldn't move.) Thousands were stranded. It was a major crisis. Outside on 42nd Street were two vehicles offering coffee: The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The Army's coffee was free. You had to pay for the coffee from the Red Cross. That tells it all.
Nice article William. With my parents living in Florida I hear all kinds of nice stories about the Salvation army helping people out (in times of disaster) by setting up stations in neighborhoods giving out coffee and breakfast foods all for free. (nice video on the Christmas Kettle)
I'm glad to hear yet another nice story about the Salvation Army's good works. For some reason, Dottie, it doesn't surprise me. There are very few, if any, negative stories about the army's charitable activities.
Great article William,,
The Salvation Army has had nothing but kudos from me!!
In-fact, they are my only chance of finding my mother who disappeared when i was 18 months old and has not been seen since! They offer a service to help people track lost relatives or loved ones so watch this space and fingers crossed!!;)
"I don't believe givers should be getting anything in return except gratitude."
Absolutely correct. That says it all.
I'm glad you know about the Salvation Army, compu-smart. They don't have all the resources of some of the big charities, but I'll bet they will do everything within their means to help you with your quest. I'll be watching, with hope and with my fingers crossed as well.
Thank you, ColdWarBaby.
Thumbs up for the Salvation Army. I think of Sergeant Sarah Brown and Sky Masterson and Major Barbara Undershaft when I pass a Salvation Army store. "Put a nickel on the drum and be saved."
Thumbs up for the Salvation Army and your hub! The only time anyone every helped me when I needed help was the Salvation Army. Because of that, they are the only charity I give to on a regular basis.
Thanks, Ralph. Some nice guys and gals, but in the Bush era I suggest they make it at least a dollar instead of a nickel.
That's why the Salvation Army is so wonderful, Jerilee Wei. They lend a hand because a hand is needed. No questions asked.
That is such a good point about the tax deductions. Particularly for celebrities who benefit tenfold because of their gifts in the form of good publicity which is worth more than the tax deduction. I'm not being a sourpuss over the generosity and don't want that to stop of course. Certainly the issue should be tabled for discussion.
Virtually all celebrities can easily afford large charitable donations, Jewels, and you can't buy that kind of good will anywhere else. Some celebrities, like Bing Crosby, for example, gave freely without expectations of publicity, although I would guess even he took a tax deduction for his largesse. While it's not the subject of this piece, I feel compelled to mention that what bothers me most is the professional fundraisers who take the biggest piece of the pie before turning over the crumbs to the charity for which the funds were raised. I appreciate your comment.
Nice hub! I too hadn't thought about the implications of the large tax deductions - thanks for sharing that point.
I know a retired Salvation Army Major and she is a wonderful, mighty, loving woman who spent a good deal of time serving the Lord and others in Haiti. People still call her "Major" instead of by her first name. She, like you WFT, has some incredible stories to share!
Regarding the topic, I couldn't help but think of the widow who only gave one coin - all she had left - and how Jesus was more pleased by her gift than any other. It wasn't the amount but the heart behind it.
Thank you, christinekv. I've seen the Salvation Army's work on many occasions. They do far more than provide Santa Claus to ring in a Merry Christmas. I never pass a Salvation Army kettle without dropping something in it. When people need help you can expect to see the Salvation Army at the scene whether it's a natural catastrophe or a personal crisis. Thank heaven there are many good Samaritans like the widow whose contributions come from their hearts.
I agree - I am very tired of people that give only to receive publicity or to demand 4 times the value of goods given for a hefty income tax deduction, These same greedy folks aruond here never get ahead, though - just further and further behind. That's a form of justice. Thanks for this Hub.
I've seen some of those people, Patty. I believe you're right. They do not seem to be very happy. Like the law, justice has a long arm. Thank you.
Great for the SAlvationArmy. Did you know that many of these good causes are on facebook? Great to get more people involved-kind of grass roots. I'm going to put up a charilty group for poor women to get micro loans for their business since I love the entreprenurial spirit.
Judy Cullins, bookcoaching.com
The Salvation Army is the greatest, Judy. I'm in favor of anything we can do to give a helping hand to the poor.
Good stuff. Oprah makes me blanch. She has visited Africa, and STILL doesn't get it!
I was involved in the Salvation Army for a while a few years back -- indeed they rock!
Come check out some of my own hubs on poverty...
Too many well-heeled people still don't get it, AdsenseStrategies. Congratulations on your involvement with the Salvation Army. I'm sure that experience was very satisfying. I only wish that more wealthy people could experience the satisfaction of helping their fellow citizens in need.
Another wonderful hub that touched my heart. Will people ever get what life is really about? You dont give to get. You give just because its right and good and we are responsible to each other as human beings. We all have our turn of needing some sort of help. I think it is disgusting that people give for publicity and tax breaks. As you wrote, that is not true giving, that is selfish. This is a great topic to bring up for debate. I guess the government thought they had to give some sort of incentive to get these billionaires to get up off some of that moldy money or else no money would ever get donated. The super rich are the most selfish and greedy people i have ever encountered. They have to be pushed by recieving a reward in order to give. Sad, oh so sad. They are so poor in spirit and they dont even know it.
It takes something like the earthquake in Haiti, Lisa, for the world to help people in need. Everyone knew Haiti had great needs for a long time, but now -- too late for many Haitians -- donations pour in to the country. In my opinion the American government, through taxes on all citizens rich and poor, should spearhead national and international efforts to help people in need before they are hit by crises.
Excellent hub "WT". Great discussion topic! Media, gov't, personal hearts, all difficult to reconcile.
Thanks for the nice comment, The Rope. It's a subject close to my heart.
Meals on Wheels are a very worthy cause, they supply cooked food to the elderly who cannot manage for themselves. You can follow them on www.twitter.com/mowaged or on http://www.facebook.com/pages/mow/275216323827
This is a very good and informative hub. Charities are always asking us to give, but we don't always know how help or funds are dispersed. There are enough resources in the world so that no person should be without food or shelter. Very good article, William.
Thanks, Meals on Wheels. I agree that MoW is a great organization.
I appreciate your comment, mquee. The world's resources are indeed adequate to insure that no person is without food or shelter, but countries need to have the political will to do their part to help. Thus far most countries have fallen short. Thank you for the kind words.
I really liked the ideas in this Hub and the many comments.
I also have a very soft spot for Aunt Sally's Army! I just wish they were less "military" - but that's just my quirkiness, I guess!
Interesting thoughts with which I totally agree.
Love and peace
Tony
I appreciate your comment, tonymac04. The Salvation Army is the best charitable organization in existence without question. The "army" concept is interesting, but the organization is only "militant" when it comes to charity -- or, maybe, their music. Love and peace to you, too, Tony.
The Salvation Army is indeed the best charitable organization and I support them in every way I can. I know from personal experience how much they do for the needy. Have you written anything on the history of the Salvation Army? I would love to read about it. Bing Crosby was such a gentleman and gave without anyone knowing about it. It just sends me "over the edge" when I hear about huge donations given by Gates, Trump and other wealthy people, knowing full well it is a tax write-off for them. Please, guys, do not insult my intelligence! Great hub William and I thank you so much.
A big thumbs up!
There's no doubt that the Salvation Army deserves high praise for its good works, vocal coach. It certainly is worthy of a hub extolling its virtue, and I'd be delighted to write one. Unfortunately, I have several hub ideas I need to get to first. Time and energy, however, are a little scarce right now. But I have placed the "army" on my priority list. Thanks for the suggestion, and, yes, Bing Crosby was a generous man who gave quietly to many causes. I appreciate the thumbs up.
I'm glad you pointed out the way these huge donations tend to contribute to the disintegration of our society via the benefactor having more say about what goes on within the organization. I admire those who refuse to be bought.
Those who contribute to worthy organizations are to be commended, Silver Poet, but they should get their satisfaction from the good deed and not expect payback of any kind. The Salvation Army offers help without strings -- that's why I hold them in high esteem well above all the rest.
Hi :)
I agree that they should not be rewarded at the expense of others.
It annoys me, when rich celebrities encourage people, who cannot afford it, to hand over their money to charity, when they, themselves, are quite rich enough to pay for whatever is needed, without causing themselves any problems at all.
You're right about the Salvation Army....they will give where they find need. I've always believed that if a man gives a million dollars to charity and writes a million dollars off of his taxes....he has given nothing but a boost to his own ego.
Great Hub William! :)
Thanks, Trish_M, for commenting. I think, as you do, that more wealthy people should use their resources to those in need. I also think most corporations could do a lot more than they do.
I love the Salvation Army, Tom Cornett. They do such great work. I'm still waiting for the corporations to let go of the billions of dollars they're just sitting on!
Thank you for your wonderful comments about the Salvation Army's good work. I am an Envoy and it is wonderful to know so many people support our work!
I thank you, Faithgirl, for your good work at the Salvation Army in behalf of those in need and for your comment as well. Without people of good will such as you and your associates at the Army many of our most needy souls would surely be left wanting.
This hub is so refreshing to read. I agree completely. I once wrote a letter to my local newspaper in Australia to challenge the self congratulatory nature of a local football club who donated their young players' 2nd hand boots to children in Cambodia. I said that while the boots were no doubt useful, it can hardly be called true "charity" as I believe charity should be giving something that you feel the loss of once you give it. i.e. it would have taught the young Australian football players a lot more about the true nature of giving if they had washed cars and then used that money to buy new football boots for the Cambodian children, instead of giving them their old boots. As I said in the letter, there is no way that the football club would have sought publicity in the local newspaper had their young members given their 'poor' next door neighbor's children their old football boots - or had they simply disposed of them in the nearest charity bin. Billionaires giving money to charity is great - but why publicize it and get tax breaks from it? True giving needs to be from the heart - and it needs to be given without the expectation of even gratitude I believe. The sacrifices that our forebears made (of their lives!) should be much more praised than modern day rich people donating money. I recently discovered my great grandfather's war letters home to his mother in World War One and the harsh reality of his sacrifice and sense of duty (yet lack of showiness or expectation of praise or glory)is so much more deserving of gratitude and praise than these billionaires. The letters on my hub reveal I believe, the true nature of charity - giving what one values the most - one's life! Thanks for this great hub.
I appreaciate your comment, Rufus rambles, and thank you for your kind remarks. Also, I greatly enjoyed reading your great grandfather's letters home from his military service in World War I, particularly because I, too, have written of my family's history (notably about my grandfather, Michael J. Hogan aka Shamus O'Brien, a prizefighter. It's history that you can't get anywhere else.
einron Level 4 Commenter 3 years ago
You have a point here. The Salvation Army really makes no demands on the givers. They just serve.