There is a group of church members who regularly stand on the corners of the intersection outside my work. They stand there with buckets asking for donations… tapping on car windows…. standing in the streets… etc. They even have it timed. They rotate as the light changes so they hit every vehicle entering or exiting with their buckets. I get stuck there every day on my way to work, on the way to lunch, on the way home. I can’t avoid the intersection. I don’t donate anymore. I used to when I could, but no matter how much I gave they always want more. And even if I donated on my way in to work… they’d still tap on my windshield at lunch and when I left.
I don’t care if churches raise funds for their various programs… as long as it’s safe and considerate. I just feel like this goes a little too far. I’m thinking about saying something to the city. Would you?
Giovanni™ Atheist JediKnight
March 29, 2010 at 1:18 am
I would do this….
Give them monopoly money. And when they say, “Hey that’s not real money.” Tell them, “Yeah, and God’s not real either.”
king_canute2008
March 29, 2010 at 1:19 am
They’re called “homeless” give them a buck and then walk away
J D
March 29, 2010 at 1:26 am
File it and leave.
Sue them for all theyre worth!
shanobi187
March 29, 2010 at 2:18 am
there are panhandling laws where I’m from
Jim Morrison
March 29, 2010 at 2:53 am
business is business. I think someone wants a brand new benz.
Wolfeblayde, C.O., CB
March 29, 2010 at 3:07 am
Definitely. That’s not an appropriate way to collect donations and is probably in violation of one or more city ordinances.
For the churchpeople’s safety and your peace of mind, talk to the city and see what they say.
Danny
March 29, 2010 at 3:19 am
Just keep your window up & ignore them.
phoenixstarshine
March 29, 2010 at 4:17 am
yes… i definitely agree
Sentinel
March 29, 2010 at 5:10 am
I would check out who they are and if they are in fact honest and above board, also if the collections are going to a bone fide cause,there are many street collections these days that are not what they proport to be.
Sips With Da Fishes, AM MH Carpo
March 29, 2010 at 5:59 am
Don’t you have any used tissues or garbage you could toss in there? You could thank them very much as you donated.
Janet L
March 29, 2010 at 6:34 am
I would call and see if they have a permit to solicit money on the right of way. They are a traffic hazard. If they are suppose to have a permit and don’t then ask the county/city to stop them.
Mac
March 29, 2010 at 6:55 am
I wouldn’t want that to happen to me. I hate it when homeless people do that, too. I would file some sort of complaint if they are out there all the time.
As for them asking for money lunch and on your way home, im sure they don’t remember every car that drives by and donates though. So many cars out there and many people driving the same vehicle, its kind of hard for them to remember so and so already gave me money. Thats not their fault with that, esp if there are different people out there.
There should be another way for them to do that. I know girl scouts do that at Wal-Mart and such. I think they should ask the people that actually go to their church for money, and not random people that don’t go there. Its not going to benefit them as much as those that actually attend.
I do donate money to the Fire Dept though when they are out there with their boots. Thats a good cause, esp here in FL since they are taking money out of that service along with police stations and schools so we can get $12 more a month for the insurance/property that went on back in Januarary.
~Smirk~ Resurrected
March 29, 2010 at 7:21 am
Put a sign in your window: “I’ve already given to the stupid bucket. I work right here and I’m sick of you pestering me 3 times a day. Leave me alone already.”
Sister is praying {{DEBRA}}
March 29, 2010 at 8:13 am
I think it’s actually illegal for them to touch your car. I know even when the fire department is doing their boot donations, they stand on the curbs, but cannot come to your car window unless you are handing them money.
Check with your local PD – if nothing else, they are impeading traffic.
Lynchburger
March 29, 2010 at 8:37 am
Yes, check the laws, but realize we do live in a free country, and if they are working within the boundaries of the law, then there is not much you can do about it. When you are in a public place, you surrender your expectation of privacy, to some reasonable degree. If they are doing no damage to your vehicle, or seriously interferring with traffic, you don’t have a serious chance in court. Unless there are local ordinances. Then you might have something. Be aware that they probably know those ordinances better than you do, and know how to stay out of real trouble.
The better solution is to find out why they raise money that way, and how they use it. Traditional Christians will normally look to fellow believers for financial support, not strangers on the street. Check out the organization, see if its legit. If they are just a front for something other than a real church, you might get some real leverage.
Tomasi T
March 29, 2010 at 9:26 am
The church shouldn’t beg, they should work.
Faith without deed is dead faith.