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Salvation Army Alternative?
While the Salvation Army tries to figure out how important it is to testify to the prevailing dogma about race (CRT for short), I am in a quandary. I have always thought of them as one of the best ways to help the really, really needy. I expect they still are. But I am absolutely opposed to the leftist attack on liberalism (and Christianity) that we call wokeism. (I do not give to my Alma Mater for that reason, much as that pains me.)
I am tempted to return to my roots and give to Catholic Charities. But the various shenanigans in Rome give me pause there, too. Staying local is good advice, but even there one might be sending money to the wrong pockets.
What are your suggestions for well-run, frugally administered, and demonstrably effective institutions that help the really down and out get back on their feet or at least survive with dignity and do so without feeling the need to blather neo-Marxist nonsense?
Or, do you instead think too much has been made about the now removed “Let’s Talk About Racism” and that I should accept the need to get one’s hands a bit dirty to do real work, i.e., that I should just continue to support the Army?
Published in General
The Salvation Army has backed down:
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/nov/29/salvation-army-pulls-anti-racism-document-after-do/
YMMV, but I will stick with them for a bit, for some of my annual giving. My other “go to” charity is a local one. And I guess I’d urge those who feel they can no longer support the Sallys to look inward and local.
If you aren’t comfortable with Catholic Charities, you might want to consider the St. Vincent de Paul Society or a pregnancy help center.
Excellent question. I’m looking for alternative too.
GF,
Like you I have liked the mission of the Salvation Army, and have problems with their current endorsement of racism. The redaction may be a publicity stunt, or may be sincere. I have spoken with the local Salvation Army to tell them how disappointed I was at the original statement. If enough of us do so, that may help.
I respect and trust the pastor at our church. I’ll sometimes send him some money, and I trust him to distribute it on the ground effectively.
When it comes to charity, there are very, very few that I respect and trust. I am very blessed to have my pastor available to help me ensure that my assistance reaches those who need it.
I’ve been poking around a bit this evening. Came across Samaritan’s Purse. They seem to be well rated regarding transparent operations and low administrative costs:
That is a fine introduction in my book. I’ll poke around some more about them. We’ll see.
Here’s a worthy cause. These women are changing the world: sistersoflife.org.
You might check out Voice of the Martyrs.
In East Orlando, I’ll likely be donating to Hope Charities. Anyone in the area could do the same.
Why is it no matter how many times corporations are punished for going woke, there’s always another one willing to try it?
True. And another reason to stay with local, with those charities that are run by those we know, and–when it comes right down to it–with our own ability to help friends, acquaintances, and even our four-legged friends who are in need, regardless of whether or not there’s a formal “charity” involved.
Go forth and do good. I think that’s the best we can do.
Local is always good, but the Salvation Army, Red Cross and others were on site almost immediately after the devastation of Hurricane Michael here in the Panhandle. These charities still do the work, and are probably very under-funded, considering how many weather disasters we’ve had in the last ten years. It’s not easy work either – hauling fuel, food, water, setting up stations, getting clothes to people – this went on for months. There is a lot of need. Catholic Charities also serve where there is a need – forget the politics and get out your WWJD bracelet…
I stick to donating when I can see where it goes; I realize that I’m lucky in that regard and many (most) may not have the opportunity. Our pastor is from Puerto Rico and has several friends who are pastors in Cuba. I have sent them money in ways that allow me to be certain that it actually gets there, and have letters of thanks to reassure me. It wasn’t easy or simple but it was worth it.
They did not back down. They did not apologize. They lied about what they said when the doubled down at first. This is getting caught saying the silent parts. I will not support them until they admit and apologize that they called white people racist for being white.
I will not tolerate being called a racist.
There are too many problems this year. Do it after this Christmas.
If the GOP really does take over next year, they deserve a total colonoscopy. That was the most awful version of that, yet.
New here (lurking a while), but I thought I’d chime in as I’ve done quite a bit of research on good charities over the years.
My wife and I donate heavily to Convoy of Hope – they do tremendous work in the US and around the world (disaster relief, feeding programs, women’s empowerment, agriculture development) and operate with incredible integrity and transparency. Their founder (Hal Donaldson) is a very humble man that has a heart for helping others because of his traumatic childhood and has built an incredible organization.
They are often first on the ground after disasters, dispatching their fleet of tractor trailers to help with relief efforts. And their agriculture programs are top notch – they research the best crops for particular areas of the world and educate local farmers on the appropriate crops and techniques to increase yields so they can move from feeding themselves to starting a business.
Samaritan’s Purse is also an excellent organization – I’ve donated to them in the past and my church participates in Operation Christmas Child, sending shoe box Christmas gifts all over the world. They are led by Franklin Graham, and he became a little over-politicized for my taste a few year back, but they are still a great organization.
Great idea.
It is when the founder moves on that places tend to get woke.
IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities.
You can always donate to @200OrphanagesWorldwide.
Catholic charities gets TONs of govt. money for housing illegals. Them and Lutheran social services. Consider @teenchallenge or sex trafficking groups. One I learned about is @Treasured Vessels in Texas.
Jan
My wife would give to everybody, me to nobody other than immediate relatives who need things. Find out what they need and give it to them for a holiday. We used to be able to help churches and charities, but not so much anymore. I know Latinos who know how to milk them. That’s where most of the charity to institutions goes. They’re mostly institutionalized and easy to exploit. Charity has to go to people you know or at least through institutions you know well.
I can’t personally vouch for this one but any organization Jesse Kelly recommends is worth a look.
“Food for the poor” is a good charity
Your local food bank is another
I think Food For the Poor is excellent. That is one of the Salem Radio charities and I think they go out of their way to do the due diligence. I have no idea if they operate like a local United States food bank though.
I give where I live, and I give a lot. National and international charities do a lot of good but have the problems mentioned above among others. There are many blessings that come from a charitable spirit that do not show up on a spread sheet. Look for opportunities that are around you.
Samaritan’s Purse is well-regarded in the charity world and I believe they are about the best in emergency response to floods, hurricanes and the like. But be forewarned—you will be on several mailing lists from now until the Last Trump.
I remember after the most deadly 2004 tsunami which hit Sri Lanka badly that Arthur C. Clarke who was living there and wasn’t particularly religious said that the only non-religious, or perhaps it was the only non-Christian, charity that was any good was Sarvodaya USA.
St Vincent de Paul
Shepherds Of Good Hope