Red Cross

[seedcorn]

I used to give blood on a regular basis. Giving them a free product to sell to save someone’s life. Because of some health and logistics reasons, haven’t been able to give. I’ve told them numerous times to never call me on a Sunday and that I didnt want late Saturday calls as well. Guess when they call, Sunday’s....... just got off of the phone (explained to them for the 7th time to never call on Sundays, yet they do) and told them to put me on the “don’t call” list. So when will they call again, this coming Sunday?

Red Cross is about a “not for profit” organization as is Goodwill. Just the employees keep the profits.

 

[Zeedman]

I still have a bad taste in my mouth over the way they capitalize on disasters to fund raise, then spend much of the money in ways the donors never intended. After 9/11, I (and many others) gave to an ARC fund that was advertised as "for the victims of 9/11". Turns out very little of the money raised actually made it to the families of the survivors. They betrayed the trust of those who wanted the families of the fallen to want for nothing.

 

[thistlebloom]

Yes. Red Cross is one of many highly advertised "charities" I will never donate to.

 

[baymule]

I was a member of the Red Cross in our old home town. The Red Cross did step up and help people whose homes had flooded or burned, people with no insurance, people who were poor and when they lost everything, they truly lost everything. At our furniture store, we saved back the better used furniture that we picked up when someone bought new furniture. When people came in with a Red Cross voucher for very cheap bedding, chest and dinette, we let them go shopping in the back room for whatever we had. Often we could furnish a large portion of their house with used furniture. along with what the Red Cross gave them vouchers for.

That was my personal experience with the RC. I do agree that they are an over bloated money grubbing organization.

 

[seedcorn]

I have no problem with volunteers of most charities. It’s the managers or home office. It’s about the $$$$.

 

[canesisters]

It's pretty easy to find ways to directly help people who need food, furniture, clothes, toys.. even money, jobs... But giving blood to strangers is generally frowned upon at most street corners and yard sales.
It takes a lot of money to test, store, distribute that sort of thing.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

I have first hand experience with them at the Rim Fire. Organized yes. Compassionate no. Never again will donate. I've switched to Samaritan's Purse.