Giving to the Salvation Army- Let me ask this:

[JNelson6563]

8. I don't give to them.

But of course, being pretty poor, it's not like I budget in charitable giving. I do give clothes and such to the Women's Resource center here in my town. Additionally, our local Dem party always gives the leftover food from events to the only homeless shelter here, the Goodwill Inn. We also fund-raise and do food drives for the kids at our alternative high school (for kids in tough situations who don't do too well in regular school).

The biggest and most effective local charity here is called Father Fred's. Yes, you guessed it, started by a local Catholic priest some time ago. He died years ago but the work goes on. They pay rent, electric or heat bills, and really any other form of help one might need. They don't make you go to church or pray or any other requirements. I don't know of any instance of discrimination. A friend of mine on the city commission (who happens to be gay) is a big supporter of theirs.

Lastly, I used to volunteer at a food bank run by a local Catholic church. We only asked the people who came for food two questions: Do you have cooking facilities? How many people in your household?

I reckon some here would take issue with the Catholic church, seeing their views on marriage and all. Still, that little pantry in the poorest parish around here, doing all that good work without caring one wit about the recipient's religious views, sexual orientation or anything else, deserves support. Even from an atheist like me.

Julie