For as long as I can remember The Salvation Army has been a beacon of compassion for those in need, or so I thought.
I, like many people, have donated my usable but no longer needed clothing and products to The Salvation Army with the hope and belief they would be of value to and given to, those less fortunate than I.
I remember smiling while placing a set of training wheels back on my son's first bike and packing it up to be donated. In my mind I could see the joy another child would soon have. I could see the child's fear, excitement and determination as he gripped the still shiny, handlebars, the child's father running beside him, smiling warmly and generously giving words of praise and encouragement.
Imagine now my feelings, as a few weeks later, I walked through the local Salvation outlet and saw a price tag of $45.00 on it. I only paid $60.00 when I bought it! Then i saw a highback parlor chair I had donated with a price tag of $170.00. Sure, it was a 300.00 chair once.. ten years ago. As I looked around further, my mind filled with dispair, no child of poverty would ever ride that bike and a father or mother looking for a needed break would walk away with nothing more than perhaps, a set of missed matched pans and plates or a few pieces of clothing.
I have seen better bargains in a second hand store and felt more compassion at a yard sale. Never again will I donate to the Salvation Army .. from now on I will will place no longer needed items by the street, as lately I've been seeing others do, with a sign that says, "FREE to those in need."
Den
My mind
I, like many people, have donated my usable but no longer needed clothing and products to The Salvation Army with the hope and belief they would be of value to and given to, those less fortunate than I.
I remember smiling while placing a set of training wheels back on my son's first bike and packing it up to be donated. In my mind I could see the joy another child would soon have. I could see the child's fear, excitement and determination as he gripped the still shiny, handlebars, the child's father running beside him, smiling warmly and generously giving words of praise and encouragement.
Imagine now my feelings, as a few weeks later, I walked through the local Salvation outlet and saw a price tag of $45.00 on it. I only paid $60.00 when I bought it! Then i saw a highback parlor chair I had donated with a price tag of $170.00. Sure, it was a 300.00 chair once.. ten years ago. As I looked around further, my mind filled with dispair, no child of poverty would ever ride that bike and a father or mother looking for a needed break would walk away with nothing more than perhaps, a set of missed matched pans and plates or a few pieces of clothing.
I have seen better bargains in a second hand store and felt more compassion at a yard sale. Never again will I donate to the Salvation Army .. from now on I will will place no longer needed items by the street, as lately I've been seeing others do, with a sign that says, "FREE to those in need."
Den
My mind
