To Give, or Not to Give?

[518 words] It’s that time of year again. You know…cold weather, Christmas decorations, long shopping lines, and “soldiers” in the Salvation Army standing at the entrance of nearly every major shopping area. These dedicated soldiers brave the cold while ringing a little bell, as they solicit donations to help the needy. These red kettles are responsible for collecting approximately $150 million dollars each year to provide food, clothing, and shelter to the less fortunate.  Such good deeds appeal to our sense of benevolence at a time when we are feeling particularly benevolent. Surely there would be no harm in making donations to these tireless workers who are willing to endure the cold winds of December, or is there? Through the years, people have asked me how they should respond to these door-greeters. The following is my advice. The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by William Booth, a Methodist preacher….