Donating items?

[Former_Member]

Hi Team. Have you ever been approached to donate an item to an organization? This is the 2nd time for me ... and although I (DEFINITELY) have a soft place in my heart for 'ill children' and 'rescued doggies' ... how much can I afford to be GIVING AWAY?? What Would You Do?? (And why does the thought of NOT giving make me feel soooo guilty?)

[HausofAriella]

While you can write off donations on your taxes, there's still a limit to how much you should give away. Only you know your financial situation. Depending on the organization and how they're promoting it (I'm assuming it would be a raffle or action), it could be good publicity. However, while donating a pair of my guitar pick earrings would be no big deal for me, your jewelry is rather more expensive than that. If you don't feel like you can afford to donate something, just politely but firmly tell whoever is approaching you that although you support their cause, you've donated all you can this year.

Also, are these people approaching you in person or via Etsy? I believe it's actually against Etsy's TOU to solicit donations. I'm also wary of anyone asking for free stuff online, whether they're bloggers or supposedly working on behalf of a charity. Then again, maybe I'm too jaded.

[InspiredJewelryShop]

I have donated items to fellow team mates on Etsy but thats it. And it was for a good cause. I had a ton of stuff that I hadnt listed and wasnt going to list and those are the item I will donate. I usually have a bunch of stuff that I made that I will never list just for cases like this. And the person did send me pictures of how she used my items in gift baskets for a raffle she was doing for the cause.

[Former_Member]

I've only donated to things that I choose, not when I'm approached. It's really your choice and you don't have to do every giveaway that you are approached with.

[Former_Member]

Never been asked outside of face to face in my own community.
Perhaps you inadvertently signed on to a mail list?

As for a reply...We give directly to our own community where we know it does the best good. Our favorite places are women's shelters, food banks and pet rescue. Very rarely do we give to larger entities simply because most of the money is eaten up by bureaucratic costs.
However it's all a matter of personal choice.
The important factor is to be of service somewhere!

Like Brittany... I too have "vintage" items for give-away and do often.

[Former_Member]

I HAVE given in the past ... but I've never been approached via Etsy. It seems like a legitimate thing & I can't say for sure, but I don't think this person even knew it was against Etsy's TOU. I feel badly saying this ... but I don't even think this could lead to more sales for me. OH...and Alex, I definitely didn't sign a mailing list. I think this person simply searched for "animal" items or "dog" items and up popped my item. I really shouldn't be stressing over this ... but I am. :-/

[KriyaDesign]

Awww Judy, it's natural to feel guilty. Most everyone does. When someone asked something from us and we said no, we normally feel, I could give that but I won't and now I don't feel too good about it. If you give, it doesn't come from your heart anyway because its not your chosen party. Either way you won't feel good.

So hugs yourself and its okay if you decide not to. I prefer to give to hungry folks and if you're not hungry, scoot scoot :-) sorry... I've been there so I know how does it feels like to feel hunger gnawing at your tummy.

Let it come from your heart. Sincerity is the key. And it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling.
xxx

[Former_Member]

Thank you (((Kriya))). Well~said. XXOO

[Former_Member]

Judy, I understand the search thingy. Not fair to target you're goods, hoping you have a soft heart. (which most of us do!)
I wouldn't like this approach as it seems to me like "forced" giving.
I'm sure this was not the requester intent, but still has this effect. or is it affect?

Anyhoo, do what your heart tells you and don't feel the least bit guilty if it's a no.

Good luck

[Former_Member]

Yes, Alex...it's "effect", lol. ("Effect" is the noun ... "Affect" is the verb) :)

Thanks so much for your response!

[ionesAttic]

Judy, I received the same or similar request, and after consideration I declined. I prefer to give closer to home.

Last year, through the encouragement of a friend who had organized a relief fund for a sister-city in Japan, my shop donated 20% of March profits to the victims of tsunami.

I have also donated a portion of profits of some vintage dresses to my county's historical society that was doing a fashion though the ages exhibit.

Thank you for the reminder to give and to give responsibly.