So true; it's tiring, maddening and embarrassing. I can't name a place that I have been to in the last few months that have not asked for something - I WANT to give and I do, but I agree with Adam. We all have our own special things that we donate to; but when I'm in the supermarket and they tell me how many homeless I could feed on $1, $3 and $5, I feel like screaming - prove it to me, but nope, I give $3. The PetSmart thing was crazy too. Stop & Shop had Veterans out front over the weekend - how can you say no.....it's all so intimidating and they know it! Most people wish they could do more....but using guilt isn't playing fair.

Yes, it is a challenge making those decisions every time you check out at a store, answer the phone, read email, etc. But on the other end of this are people who have real critical needs. My tiny irritation is nothing! I've found that the way to overcome it is to make a policy of always giving every time I'm asked. two dollars here, 3 dollars there...a big donation in some cases. That policy removes the need to make a decision, and it helps you count your blessings.....a surefire way to have a happy holiday season. Just always say "yes!"

It does get a bit much - when I'm at Petsmart I generally round my purchase up to the next dollar but I usually decline the $1 or $2 at the grocery store because I haven't done the research on how much of the money is actually going to the cause. I prefer to support a couple of charities more generously at my convenience, so I don't feel guilty declining at the register.

Lisa, I always do say yes and yet I still feel guilty and irritated at the same time! Conflicted, I guess. Oh well, the asking won't change and neither will my giving!

Whoa Dan, that's a little harsh.....Low?? Your last line is just crazy, hurtful and insulting. Over and out.

I don't find that line of thought hurtful in the slightest, I agree with you, (btw, where did your comment go?) but that's not what you said to me; what you said was hurtful. Ultimately, we agree.

Sure, all the requests can be irritating....but there is another side to the story. The Rotary Club to which I belong recently collaborated with Stop and Shop, CVS and Roche Bros Supermarket to raise money for Rotary's huge international effort to eradicate polio. Our program has been supported with massive funding from governments, the Gates Foundation and international agencies and we are almost at the finish line. . What struck me, in the course of being at several different sites, was the overwhelming and kind support of so many shoppers, many of whom donated far more than the dollar requested by our members and helpful high school kids. As far as we could determine only two customers, out of thousands, complained to store managers. None complained to us with the exception of one very angry late middle-aged white male in a semi military outfit who accused us of being part of an international plot on the part of the black helicopter crowd at the UN to spread radicalism and destroy our country. Rotary is a founding member of the UN and we have worked with that agency's cultural and aid agencies on many projects since the years after WW2 (note: this 'patriot' was doubtless thrilled this week when tea party senators blocked an international disability treaty supported by G.W. Bush, Bob Dole, John McCain, vets, and many of us with disabilities - I am a polio victim -- who must now find ways to help millions of polio victims). So please try and see the other side of the coin.