For those looking for a decent group to donate this season - I have two really good choices for you.

 
(1)
I've set up a Salvation Army Red Kettle account for AesopsRetreat.  As a Team.

If you would like to give to the Salvation Army, I invite you to please do so.  I get nothing. It all goes to the Salvation Army.
Every single penny.

Just click on the RED Kettle (http://www.onlineredkettle.org/Page.aspx?pid=3874&pt=0&aid=7CFD1A58-5A45-4E24-BE08-B1D3D12990E1&ch=1&frmfaf=1).
   

And it is tax deductible. (But you don't have to claim it if you don't want to.)



(2)

Or, as an alternative I invite you to join me in a gift that keeps on giving.  Namely KIVA.

For those who have not heard of KIVA.COM, they are a group that list people around the world that are either poor and wish to raise themselves up, or have they fallen on hard times and need help out of their rut.

These people go to Kiva for a loan. Kiva in turn looks for people willing to pool together to supply that loan.
(I've helped people needing seeds for crops, fishing nets,  farm animals, farm tools. You'd be amazed)
 
The borrower then pays back the loan a dollar or so at a time.

In a short time you get all your loan money back.
You can then either transfer it back into your pocket, or you can re-loan it to someone else.

Hows that for helping someone?


While Kiva does ask for a small contribution for handling the transactions, you can pretty much name what you are willing to give.  Sometimes I give them what they suggest, most of the time I give them half what they ask since I make a lot of loans, and other times, if the re-loan is small, I give zero, nothing.
 

I have given a lot of loans since 2008 and have always been re-payed.   This is a really good oganization.


I have never before asked anyone else to join me at Kiva. But since I am doing the Red Kettle thing for the Salvation Army I thought I may as well ask others to join me at Kiva.

And the major reason why I ask is that if you join me, by clicking the link, and if you make a loan, Kiva will credit my account by $25 dollars to be used for loaning out. That's $25 for each of you that join and give a loan using my link. No matter what size.

So, if you make a $25 loan, let me know who you targeted it for. I can then use that free $25 for the same person - thereby doubling the loan to that person, or group, and helping to complete their loan request faster. :- )



Join Me, or see who needs loans, or see more of what I am talking about.
 
http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/jim8704 (http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/jim8704)

Click on the  AesopsRetreat image to see my own portfolio.

wow...that's awesome, jim.  i am incredibly impressed by your compassion.  way to go. 

 
Asshole. None of these people on Kiva live in this country.  As for the Salvation Army, I recall needing them when my mother, who tried raising 6 small children after her husband died needed their help. So take your screwed up attitude elsewhere.
 

I usually give to the Wounded Warrior Project but Kiva looks like it might be a good one .I'll throw in some bucks.(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/emo_hattip.gif)

I'm in a hotel in Phoneix and checking out in 10 to fly home  but I'll log in tomorrow and set it up.

Fuck you too,  Obama wasn't President when your Mother was raising kids.

 
Why are you being such a dick head? He's not my Obama. I didn't vote him.
 

Nice job representing the asshole side of the GOP Ass-slop!!  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)

Yes Neckbone I may be an asshole but I am a good asshole, not a bad asshole like President Asshole himself.

 
Welfare comes from money we must give whether we want to or not. We have no control over who gets it, and many who do get it use it as a crutch to keep from helping themselves out of their situation.
   
Charity is what we are willing to give to those in need. It comes from a sense that we should help others less fortunate, and we have control over who gets our money. 
 
It would appear you dont know the difference.
 
Also, if you don't want to help anyone in this country then Kiva is for you. Unless you're just dead set against helping "anyone!"
 

When my parents` home took on 8ft. of water from hurricane Ivan the Salvation Army was one of the first organizations to provide some sort of assistance. We send them a check every year without fail.

(http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/images/usn.www_usn_2/Statistics2012.jpg)


http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/C53EC18002B7D64285257433005AAF76?openDocument&charset=utf-8

Hmmmmm....I see assmonkeycheeks asshop is showing his TRUE colors again...

I also give to the Salvation Army.

I think it is a worthy cause and DOES help those in need..

SHAME on you, asshop....

Ldy R.*  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif) 

See what I mean?

Ldy R.* (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif) 

Assmonkeyasshop, you have become a real "Grinch."

Nothing but complain, whine, and grouse...

Personally, I am delighted that Jim is trying to raise donations for the Salvation army.

It is a worthy cause..

Assmonkeyasshop, have a "Grinchy Christmas," but do it on your own time... not here.

SHAME on you~

Ldy R.*  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif) 

Keep grousing, asscheecksasshop....

Merry Christmas to you too..

Ldy R.*  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif) 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, TWO WORDS LIBERALS HATE TO HEAR, IT IS HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO THEM, WTF IS THE MATTER WITH YOU ANYWAY.

I say both phrases, assmonkeyasshop.. I will even thrown in a good "MERRY YULE," for good measure...

It doesn't bother me in the least to say "MERRY CHRISTMAS."

In other words, all of the bullshit you believe is wrong...

The poser of the day would be; WTF is the matter with YOU,that you have become such a "Grinch?"

Merry Christmas..

Ldy R.*  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif)  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/richedit/smileys/YahooIM/55.gif) 

Salvation Army does some great work.   Just not enough.

Let me tell you a story that may change your mind aesopsfable:  Several years ago a storm severally damaged a small town in Wisconsin.  The next morning...citizens from around the area moved in and started the clean-up, which lasted several weeks. One of the first teams on the scene was the Salvation Army with their portable kitchen...they served food each and every day until the clean-up was completed and charged not one dime.  So if their is a charity deserving of your dollars...the Salvation Army would be my recommendation! 

In any disaster, the Salvation Army is the best.  They are right there to help, while the others are still preparing, the Salvation Army is there working.  They were first after Katrina too.  Fill their red kettles, it goes to those who need help.

Thank you Jim.  I hosted a Red Kettle several years ago, it was great fun.

We have a store near the factory that is changing lives, truly...

Ethical Choices

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121128/SCBJ02/711299991/1014/BIZ06 (http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121128/SCBJ02/711299991/1014/BIZ06)

Some years ago, Macy's attempted to do a "Fair Trade" line of baskets from African women...they were selling them for about $150 each...there was no way I could afford them.  So I started talking to the sales lady about them who went on to tell me that the reason they were so expensive was due to import laws, ensuring the women crafters had more supplies (because they were under exclusive contract w/ Macy's to create these things)...so I asked her how many had been sold...and she said "a few"...to which I replied, you do realize that a dollar in America is like $100 to these Bush women, right?  And Given that you're selling these, under exclusive contract to Macy's, if these sit on your shelves because NO ONE can afford them, how long will it be before these women actually see some money?  She couldn't answer of course.  That is why I have long avoided foreign investment in "fair trade"...but Ethical Choices sells their goods very reasonably and can bring in more merchandise, thus continuing the chain of work, self-worth and actual income for those crafters who make the items.  I have already bought 5 angels from them this year and were I a "girlie girl" I would be snatching up the lovely silk scarves they sell for less than $20...

We all have the power to do good, if we so choose.  I like to think globally and act locally, that's why I support our food bank and local mission.  The Salvation Army has been a mainstay all my life.  When my children were little, we had to keep tons of change in our pockets because every single store, the boys wanted to put money in...sometimes cleaning out their own piggy banks.  They loved hearing the "plink, plink, plink" as they would put in each one separately and I learned to have much patience w/ two little boys over the years, LOL


Oz...yes the SA does do good work, but absolutely NO ONE can do it all, there is always need...and will always be need.  That is why God gave us all the ability to be angels on earth...
(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)
 

You miss the entire meaning of my post, I have nothing against the Salvation Army, gave plenty to it over the years. Go back to the beginning and read all the posts.

Jim, the KIVA thing actually sounds like it works well and given that you've been doing it for years I assume you've had no problems?  This is something I would have to discuss w/ my husband, as we already have quite a few local commitments and he's always harping on me about spending our retirement.  But I was raised poor, as he was, but never gave the money much thought, because we always found ways to help.  Whether it was packing food baskets, making cookies, filling rice bags at church, or inviting others into our home to enjoy a dinner, which my mother frequently did for the many young men my dad worked w/ on projects as an electrician (projects like dams or power grids often meant out of state labor being brought in and many were young apprentice and journeymen who were learning from masters), I learned one phrase very early in life and have stated it often.
 
When your hands are open in giving, they are also open to receive.
 
What I've received, over the decades, is a warm feeling in my heart, many hugs, I've cried w/ those in need and been given pats on the back, as well as seeing my needs met...for me, they're very simple needs...because a smile goes a long way w/ me...
 
(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)
 
 

Just imagine how much money people could give to charity if Obama was not elected.  Especially the wealthy.

Amazing how a thread about charity, immediately turns into political fodder for so many hacks here..
 
give it a fucking rest already...
 
 
Way to go Jim...thanks for the links. 

I'm with you, Bod.  One thing that irks me most is how totally non political Topics are often quickly politicized by someone.  I probably have done it on occasion, but I try my damnedest not to do that kind of thing.

It took all of maybe 2 posts before someone did that...
 
it's pathetic...beyond pathetic...if your first response is to blame Obama/Romney/Palin/GWB your life is shit...
 
go have a drink, go relax, get laid...stop being miserable and give it a rest...
 
 

I gave $50 in toys to the Santa Cops.  (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/angel.gif)

And that was very nice of you davik. 
 
 
 

How about giving to keep mentally ill on their drugs and not Guns

Jim does not care about these innocent children losing their lives today

 
Wrong.  What I don't care about is if I decide to send you to a punisment  corner.
 

I DO NOT DONATE TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE HIGH ADMIN COSTS AND PAY THEIR "CEO" A TON OF MONEY LIKE THE RED CROSS AND OTHERS!

THAT SAID THE SALVATION ARMY IS NOT ONE OF THOSE  AND I DO SUPPORT THEM!

 
Same here...

WOW!  How sad we have become when a sincere post for providing information on a worthy charity brings out such violent animosity
   toward the compassionate efforts and the act of charity itself.  Shame on us as a society.
 
(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)(http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/cry.gif)

How about giving to keep mentally ill on their drugs and not Guns
 
 
Liberals stopped that long ago over their civil rights issue and opened the doors to the sanitoriums.   You cannot have both, either more safety or fewer civil rights for the mentally ill?

Shame on us as a society.

Not to worry. It was only two people.
 

So true.  If we were allowed to keep more of our own money, and if we were able to earn more money, we would be able to donate more money to charity.
 
Sorry to bring up this reality.  But it's true.

  I understand the MSMC toys for tots uses NO money from donations to run the operation -- everything goes to the kids

Jim, This Kiva thing fascinates me,  Is there anyway to make a one time donation via Pay-Pal?  I don't care for a follow up, payback or a progress report..just to know that the money will be used to help someone is sufficient.
 
I bought a goat a couple of years ago for some family in Cameroon Africa thru a local church here.. and that seemed to be well received.
 
I will need an email address and a phone number for the pay pal account plus the ability for the charity to accept Pay-Pal.
 
Thanks KensanIV

PS- if you would just send me a message with the info.  Thanks

 
Sorry Kensan, I don't think they take donations that go to those looking for a loan.  KIVA certainly will accept your money, but I don't think thats what you meant.
 
I do know what you meant.  So far I have $500 invested in loans through Kiva. Most are $25 loans, some $50 loan and one $100 loan.  There have been many times I wanted to say "just keep it, I don't need it back",  but, a loan is a loan. 
 
Right now I have 20 loans being repaid at a dollar at a time. Every 2 weeks or so I accumulate $25 from those repaying which I can quickly turn around and loan out again to someone else.  Sometimes I just let it accumulate, then I will go back on a re-loan to a bunch of people, and probably add another $25 or $50 to it if I can afford it.  Its habit forming.  :- )
 
 

Just made a loan Jim. I used your link to get in but have no idea what happened after I went throught it a while to find a loan to make. Thanks for the info! (http://www.aesopsretreat.com/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)