Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The System

It happens every year at this time.  The call goes out for donations for people in need.  Those calls come from a variety of sources and organizations:  the Christmas Holiday Bureau, Feed a Friend, Red Cross, Salvation Army , Toys for Tots, church groups...  The list goes on and on.

Right after the initial call comes the complaints that there are people out there scamming the system-- people who can afford food and toys, but who would rather take things for free.

You know what?  The complaints are true.  There are people out there taking advantage of the kindness of others.  It always happens.  Other than careful screening, there's not much you can do about it.

I'm grateful that I have the ability to make donations.

I look at it like this:  I'd rather have a few scammers infiltrate the system than deny help to the people who really need it.