How often does your volunteer fire department ask for donations? (Merrick: taxes, living)

[lubby]

twice a year but we never donate. They don't come around, they just send out a mailer.

[VA Yankee]

Another advantage of living out in the real world, Fire Departments are paid not volunteer so the annual collection for the beer fund is not needed.

[Two boys]

They send something in the mail once a year. We donate at this time. If you don't send it in, then they make a visit to the house and ask in person. They also run several fundraisers a year.

[Casey Ryback]

I just tell them my taxes are too high lol

[twingles]

Originally Posted by NCN

I recently walked into a department store to buy a dress for my granddaughter's college graduation and was accosted as I came through the door by an organization I knew absolutely nothing about. In questioning the person collecting I found the money was not used wisely. She was not happy when I told her I give at church where I know the money goes to people who need it. She was planning to buy candy to make poor children from only one school in our county's teeth decay. I don't even give things like that to my grandchildren who are much more precious to me.

I avoid the mall at all costs but the last time I went every door into the department store I wanted to go to was blocked by a "charity" collecting funds - and they were IN the store. I can't believe these department stores corporate offices don't understand what poor business model this is.

[martinjsxx]

Originally Posted by NCN

A donation is not a tax which comes in my tax bill. Since they are collecting taxes from everybody, I figure we have already paid. Give what you feel comfortable giving. I am noticing every organization is overzealous in collecting and want to make us feel guilty. When I look on the pie chart on my computer my guilt goes to 0.

I recently walked into a department store to buy a dress for my granddaughter's college graduation and was accosted as I came through the door by an organization I knew absolutely nothing about. In questioning the person collecting I found the money was not used wisely. She was not happy when I told her I give at church where I know the money goes to people who need it. She was planning to buy candy to make poor children from only one school in our county's teeth decay. I don't even give things like that to my grandchildren who are much more precious to me.

So many stores are now asking for an additional $1 for some charity when you make a purchase. The CEOs of most of these charities are making $500k and over not to mention all the perks they get. It's really an intrusion to have to decline when you are asked if you want to help "children with cancer". Someday I'm going to say to the cashier "I'll give you a dollar for your charity if you'll give a dollar to one of my choosing."

[krewat]

Once per year here in Lindenhurst.

They run a fire engine with a bunch of guys walking around going door-to-door. If I'm around, I give them $20. They seem happy with that.

That $20 might be enough to pay for the diesel for the fire engine for about a half hour.

[Joe461]

Originally Posted by VA Yankee

Another advantage of living out in the real world, Fire Departments are paid not volunteer so the annual collection for the beer fund is not needed.

Considering property tax abatements, income tax credits and pensions, it could be argued that volunteer firefighters are paid.

[greenpeas55]

Can I ask respectfully what these donations go to? Obviously we pay taxes for our fire department, so do the donations really go to beer parties and events for the fire fighters? In Merrick, if you don't send in your check they come around on the fire trucks a few weeks later and ring your bell. They make a big scene with the fire alarms on so everyone knows who didn't donate.

[VA Yankee]

/\

When the mafia tries to persuade you to donate it's called extortion..... just saying.