Dave Smith wrote:
> I know that charity is a good thing, and we have a pretty good welfare
> system here, compared to some places, but I have heard some stories about
> such charity work that make me think twice. My son's girlfriend was
> delivering a food basket to a needy family. She had worked to gather food,
> donated some herself, packed it up and wrapped it with a nice bow. When she
> showed up at the house the parents were sitting around drinking beer and
> smoking pot. Funny how they can afford to buy beer and pot but need help
> with the groceries.
>
> A few years ago my brother went to help out at a free Christmas dinner for
> the needy. He went outside for a cigarette and two of the clients are out
> there phoning for a taxi to take them to a nearby city to play bingo.
> Being a bit like me he could not resist asking them how it is that they
> just got a free Christmas dinner but can afford more than $50 for a taxi to
> go and gamble. One asked "Are you going to give us a hard time about that?"
> and he answered "No, but you won't see me back here next year."
>
> Don't get me wrong. I will still donate. I give cash to a local charity to
> help them buy turkeys for their Christmas dinner for the needy. However, I
> do remain sceptical about some situations.

I understand what you're saying. With the above situations in mind (and
those situations are not at all rare) I only give nonperishables during
recognized food drives. I also buy those prepared bags of groceries at
local supermarkets, which are given directly to the food bank.

I know there are abuses of charity, and I know there are people out
there who see it as the obligation of others to take care of them. I
don't care. The adults who choose to abuse can go hang as long as their
children eat.