Staten Island Borough President: Don’t Give Money to the Red Cross

Politicker ^ | 11-1-2012 | Colin Campbell

[Sir Napsalot]

At a press conference this morning on Staten Island, a host of local officials, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, gathered to highlight the needs of the hard-hit borough in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. And, although many pols spoke, no one was more impassioned than Borough President James Molinaro, who called the Red Cross an “absolute disgrace” and even urged the public to cease giving them contributions.

..... (Read the whole thing)

[goat granny]

My uncle was in WW2 and said those things donated to the red cross, they make the soldiers pay for them and they haven’t gotten any better since then....but those in charge get a BIG salary....

[goat granny]

My uncle was in WW2 and said those things donated to the red cross, they make the soldiers pay for them and they haven’t gotten any better since then....but those in charge get a BIG salary....

[hummingbird]

"...I have a recollection of veterans saying the Salvation Army was far more attentive to their needs than the Red Cross. Who is in charge there now?"

I have the same recall. That Red Cross will charge the people they are happening but Salvation Army gets in, gets it done and no charge.

I'm talking of WW ll vets, to current vets. It is not discussed on a national level but when you talk to a vet, they often have the same sentiments.

Check "CHARITY NAVIGATOR" to see where you want your $$$ to go.

They will break down where donations really go to - like administrative $$$, etc.

[hummingbird]

"Its because donations to the red cross go into a fund that helps all sorts of places. Now that he has a disaster in his little world he wants all funds to go directly to his mob controlled accounts."

Hadn't thought of this angle. Thanks.

[blueunicorn6]

Did you mean Bush? And yes, I was being sarcastic.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Just ran across this vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE1Huyf2Wn8

[Mase]

The actions of the Red Cross in handling blood during the AIDS crisis in the early 80’s assured them of never ever getting a penny of my money. In WWII, every one of my uncles remembered having to cough up a dime for a cup of coffee while the Salvation Army gave it away for free. The vast majority of donations to the Red cross get eaten up by admin costs. I’ve heard that it’s up to 90%. Their execs are the highest compensated people in the non-profit sector. They are a reprehensible organization that should never have the public support that they do.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Schumer et al... in front of a camera, imagine that..."

Rumor has it that 10% of the Sandy Deaths are attributed to innocent bystanders that were unlucky enough to be between Chucky Schumer and the TV cameras.

[wideminded]

In 92, I worked with a gal that had come from Red Cross. She had been making 6 figures there, and told me that whatever she could get in contributions, she made a 10% commission. She specifically worked at contributions from large corporations.

Maybe the corporations wouldn't be so happy to know they're giving 10% of their donation to one individual. But that actually seems like a pretty smart way to incentivize fundraisers, especially if the commissions form the bulk of their salary. Hopefully most of the other 90% goes for it's intended purpose.

[wideminded]

In 92, I worked with a gal that had come from Red Cross. She had been making 6 figures there, and told me that whatever she could get in contributions, she made a 10% commission. She specifically worked at contributions from large corporations.

Maybe the corporations wouldn't be so happy to know they're giving 10% of their donation to one individual. But that actually seems like a pretty smart way to incentivize fundraisers, especially if the commissions form the bulk of their salary. Hopefully most of the other 90% goes for it's intended purpose.

[4yearlurker]

I was paying for some items in a Dollar General store yesterday when the clerk asked me if I would like to donate to the Red Cross for Sandy disaster relief. “Not Today” I replied.

[Atlas Sneezed]

If you want your money spent properly do the following:
1. Give to your “local church.”
2. Give to the Salvation Army.
3. If you are able, give needed supplies etc. directly to those in need.

---

4. Any local Rotary club that is making relief efforts. Not a penny goes to administration or marketing, and it will spent ethically.

[Bitsy]

In the weeks following Katrina, our office volunteered to help the Red Cross by giving out $250 per person, limit of 5 to a car at the Airport. Needless to say, every car that pulled up had 5 people. That is $1,250 per car and we did this all day long. I don’t recall how many lines there were but there were at least 10 going at once. Some car loads looked like bunches of gansters - scarey. I don’t know how many days this went on but I know a lot of money was given away. Granted the money was a big help to some during that time of crisis but I know people were abusing the Red Cross help.

[2nd amendment mama]

No rescue equipment no food supplies or volunteers can get to them until the tunnels are open

You're kidding right? There are bridges to Staten Island...the tunnels don't go there. Learn geography before spouting off on that which you don't know.

[hummingbird]

"She had been making 6 figures there, and told me that whatever she could get in contributions, she made a 10% commission."

Groan...Seems they have as systemic problem...Hate to hear....

[COBOL2Java]

I watched one crying New Yorker going “ this kind of thing is supposed to happen in Missouri or Florida...sob sob....NOT HERE!”

Sounds like George Costanza!

[wideminded]

The vast majority of donations to the Red cross get eaten up by admin costs. I’ve heard that it’s up to 90%.

Actually it looks like they spend 92% on their charitable program, less than 4% on fundraising and only 4% on administrative costs. - link.

(Perhaps you could count that as 8% on admin costs.)

[Professional]

Hey, that was 20 years ago, but still, it’s probably similar these days. By the time all the onion layers are peeled off, I’d be very surprised if 50 cents makes it out, after administrative and salaries are paid off.

Hey, here’s an example. All this breast cancer awareness stuff and all...

You’ve probably seen the “5 Hour Energy” commercials running? A big pink campaign, all about the company donating money to BCA.... Well, they say that at a minimum, they’ll donate $75.000 dollars.

Heck, just a couple of their prime time commercials cost that much!

Talk about a scam huh? Well the vast majority of foundations and charities are PURE FRAUD. I seem to recall, that there is a minimum amount that needs to go to charity to meet IRS guidelines, and if I’m not mistaken, it’s like 3%. That is to the best of my memory on this subject, might not be accurate.

[SueRae]

It is so frustrating watching coverage. My best bet has always been the Salvation Army, locally in the areas affected. I am also waiting for the calls for volunteers, long after the initial response and the story is on the back pages. These folks are going to need help for a very long time.

[bert]

If we learned one thing from 9/11, it is that New Yorkers are ungrateful slobs.

America owes them nothing. Let them wallow in their sewer unaided from the outside. Let them stew in their own rancid political juice.

Screw ‘em