Salvation Army Rejects Toy Donation

[lashbear]

I think Pagans should be the only ones to get candy on Halloween from now on.

[Jughead P. Jones]

I'm conflicted on this issue, I really am. Part of me is angry because no organization should reject any kind of donation...but, at the same time, I also believe that you should stand by your beliefs too, without going too overboard. I really don't know.

Though, one thing that does bug me...traditionally, the people who use the Salvation Army are those who are either one step away from homelessness, or are in between jobs, or have some hard luck story where they can't afford a Christmas for their families (well, unless they are milking the system, but that's another story). If they're really that desperate for toys or food or anything, you'd think that the least of their concerns would be being offended by a Jesus and Mary doll.

At least, that's my thought, anyway.

[Gemini Cricket]

I don't think the SA would reject a donation like this. TfT may...

I can't think of a more uncool doll than one that tries to teach you history and preach about the bible. Bleh.

[katiesue]

It was Toys for Tots not the Salvation Army Link

[Prudence]

Frankly I wouldn't give to Toys for Tots anyhow. Don't get me wrong - I think the dolls are lame. But around here the Toys for Tots acceptible/not acceptible lists are so restrictive - they basically only want *the* coolest, most expensive toys. And I know that no kid wants a dorky talking Jesus doll, but I can't afford to buy *myself* an xbox - much less give one away. Plus, with the expensive toys, I always worry about the parents selling them. And not just for drugs, although I confess I worry about that, too. But heck, an xbox = gobs and gobs of ramen, a warm coat, etc... I prefer to do the adopt-a-family stuff where there's a need and a want item for everyone, and the requests are specific.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Prudence

Frankly I wouldn't give to Toys for Tots anyhow.

Same here. I used to, until I worked more closely with them while doing a toy drive during our nightly newscasts at the TV station where I used to work. It turns out that they sort the toys, then put 3-4 in a black garbage bag, label it with the age range and gender, and just hand it to the kid. No gift wrap, no choice, nothing. I just think they need to add an element of "care" to it, rather than "here's some stuff, now run along". So, I usually support SA's adopt-a-family or Angel Tree programs. I can wrap the stuff, and also attempt to fill the child's wish list.

[CoasterMatt]

The only reason I give to Toys For Tots is free tickets to Knott's/Six Flags...

The last few times, I gave the toys, then gave the tickets to somebody else.

[Snowflake]

Adopting families is good. I use this for toy donations. More often than not, the requests are of a nominal cost based on what my2frontteeth can do, so that means I can give more gifts (meaning more than one kid) and the wishes come from the kids themselves.

[Drince88]

I'm kind of glad it was TfT and not SA that rejected the toys. SA has never been shy about their affliliations.

I agree, with Prudence:

A significant part of me is sad that Christmas is so commercialized now that you can't give away Christian toys

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by zapppop

Christmas is a ****ing CHRISTIAN holiday!

Hijacked from the Pagan Sabbat of Yule (the Winter Solstice). Actually has no basis for timing in Christianity other than to make converting the filthy Pagans to Christianity during the Crusades a little easier. Most Christian holidays are based on the timing of Pagan Sabbats.

But I digress.