So today as a volunteer canvasser, I basically had to knock on all my neighbours door and ask for donation for a charity that helps people with physical disabilities. The result was brutal, sad, and discouraging. In sum, I basically had people slamming doors at my face, as if I'm trying to steal money from them or something.

I didn't get any donation from my assigned route, so I'll be handing back an empty envelop. (except for the $50 that I donated myself >_>).

So when was the last time you donated to a person that knocks on your door?

No one knocks on my door, but if I hear about a geniune charity that I personally believe in and I do have money at the time. Then I would donate.

At the same time I am at a belief that when we donate money we should not broadcast it. It is a religious belief that when you donate you do it quietly and not broadcast it to try to make yourself look better then others. How do you know these people do not donate their time or money else where??

Well what frustrating is that some (actually a lot) people don't even listen to what you have to say. And then another is that the husband listened to what I said, and he was about to donate, then his wife walks by and is like "NO!"

That is not your problem. That is their problem. If it is so frustrating maybe you should give it a break, or approach things differently??

P.s. I changed my original post a bit just because I wanted to add some things.

Well, I'm done with my route already :). I'm just glad it's over, but wanted some place to rant!

Thanks for listening, and good for you for donating!

This is a good place to rant. Glad your route is over. Just remember never to give up on something you believe in. Continue on and your believe in this cause that is strong for you. Knock on those doors again. Good luck to you.

I have never given to anyone that knocked on my door, ** we do give some food to homeless that come by from time to time.

I give sometimes to some known charities at the street cornes collecting.

But normally I only give to reconised charities.

I consider myself a significant contributor to both religious and secular charitable causes, but I would not give to someone knocking on my door, or calling me on the phone for that matter, unless it was for a group that I already know and have contributed to in the past. I think it's best to concentrate one's donations to a few (8 or so ) organizations that I believe in, and then give them each a substantial amount, as opposed to giving a small amount to a large number of different charities. This way I can stay informed as to what each group is doing, and I know I am putting my charitable dollars into causes that are of significant interest to me. It also cuts down on the number of harassing solicitations you get - many organizations make it a habit to hound past givers, so I think its best to avoid giving anything unless I am willing to stay involved for the long term.

I never EVER give money to someone knocking at my door.

I donate to the local women's shelter, and to the local humane society---because a lot of what I can donate is STUFF, not money. For instance, if a store is having an exceptional deal on pet food, I buy it and drop it off at the humane society. If the store is having a buy-one-get-one-free sale, same thing, only to the women's shelter. I'm usually buying something I need anyway, and getting one extra for free, even! And a lot of times it is things I need anyway (shampoo, razor blades, hamburger helper, whatever).

I have no idea what someone knocking at my door is going to do with that money--so I give directly to the charities I care about.