I was calling up churches today...

[naruki_oni]

We've only got a few days to go, and I figured I'd see if some of them might come by and pick up some of this good furniture for us to give to the needy.

I know that I'm pretty down on religion sometimes, and I don't normally want to do something that might increase their coffers as a matter of principal, but I do think that on an individual level there are some decent religious people.

So I'm calling these local churches up (I believe there are more around here than I had when I lived in a suburb of Atlanta!) and asked if they picked up donations of household items.

That's what I said, "Do you pick up donations of household items?" I figured that's compact but very informative. From that question, I expect them to grasp the fact that I am trying to donate household items, but I want them to come pick it up.

And, as far as I can tell, that much they understood.

But several of the churches I called gave me a response that just, well, shocked me. In general, it was something like this, "You DO know you're calling a church, right?"

Like who in their right mind would think that a fucking church takes donations to help the less fortunate!

I can understand if you don't take non-monetary donations, but to act surprised that someone might think of churches for that?! Some of them even asked if I was a member of their church.

Jesus Christ, you need to have a talk with your flock.

Comments

[thewrongcrowd.livejournal.com]

Call the CDBG office: (401) 738-2000 x6376 (assuming the location in the eBay stuff was yours and not your sellers).

"...primary purpose of the Community Development Office is to assist [local] non-profit organizations with meeting the needs of the City's low-moderate income individuals and to help revitalize low-moderate income eligible neighborhoods through the use of CDBG funds."

If there is an agency there that is interested (under your terms) they'll now about it.

[niwikki.livejournal.com]

most churches don't have the facilities for accepting or distributing donations other than monetary. The ones that do are generally more known as distributors (like the Salvation Army... I didn't even know they were a church themselves until sometime in the last couple years when I started driving by one of their churche locations on my way to school every day...)

Try places like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Sometimes Boys' & Girls' Clubs will have donation centers / thrift shops. Out here in Culver City they've got one street practically lined with thrift stores benefiting various different agencies and organizations... people in a charitable mood could drive along the street and pick which one they feel like giving to today... that sort of thing.

I know that The Salvation Army and Goodwill will do pickups. I don't know about others, though. Definitely worth looking into, though still their primary desire is the money they would get from selling your used stuff rather than directly distributing your used stuff to people who need it... but it's better than your used stuff being thrown in a dumpster somewhere...

Hehe, that's your punishment

[real-skeptic.livejournal.com]

...for trying to use Organized Religion when it suits you.

I'd look up Charities, or maybe Nonprofits.

What did you expect?

[(Anonymous)]

The sight of $CLERGYMAN dragging your contributions down to the local pawnshop would raise the odd eyebrow or two among the flock. 'Specially from that bread-line family who desperately need a bed for their children.

I miss you on the UF board Naruki. What JD did to you was obscenely unfair and I hate the bastard for it. I also hate what it has done to the community.

All the best for the future dude
Breezeblock :o)

[castimirr.livejournal.com]

Try giving Goodwill a call, if there is one anywhere nearby. They can't take mattresses, but otherwise should be able to help somewhat.