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Poll taken: Do you give regularly to a charity?

The results of the first-ever Messenger poll are in. The question asked of its readers: Do you donate to charitable causes regularly? The results are in, and all of the respondents said they did indeed give money to charity with some writing “30-40 checks” around Christmas time to a number of charities.

Some folks said they donate to their parish, and that’s enough. Others spoke of donating time and money.

Poll question for the next issue: Do you use your cell phone to talk/text while driving? Comments? Deadline: Nov. 18. Please email results to cathnews@bellevillemessenger.org, mail to The Messenger 2620 Lebanon Ave., Belleville, IL 62221, or call 233-8670 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or Friday mornings until noon.

While everyone who responded to the poll agreed that they made donations, they varied somewhat in how they donated and their expectations about their donations.

Some people said they were “selective” in their donations, looking into organizations and deciding which ones were run well and would use the donations wisely.

One man, who described a distrust of “structured charities” said he donates to the church and the food pantry.
A couple said they donate to organizations but don’t appreciate receiving notice after notice in the mail. “One acknowledgment would be sufficient,” they said.

With reports of organizations or individuals taking money unethically, some people are wary of donating to charities with which they are unfamiliar.

One respondent said the church was the only recipient of donations. Another man described it this way: “In today’s society, there are too many scams; therefore, we only give to the causes in our local communities.”
Another group of people said they donate not only money but also their time to charitable causes.

One person said he or she donates from two to 20 hours a week to “charities and the needy.” That time is given in addition to money that is also donated. While some folks listed the charities to which they contributed, others spoke in generic terms about organizations.

The overriding concern seemed to be a hope that the money donated would be used to help those in need.
Father Dennis Voss sent this comment along with his response to the poll: “Yes, I donate regularly to charitable causes. Since all I have  received is a gift from God, using some of my talents and treasure to help others is only a small way of giving thanks to the One From  Whom All Blessings flow.”

Please consider answering future questions and sharing your views with other readers who are interested in your opinions.