[FreePaul]

I haven't contributed to the United Way or its predecessor for over forty years. I advise the same to everyone. I saw abuses in collection tactics, outright lying by the organization and their representatives and a complete disregard for the wishes of contributors. There are organizations which do not exist only to feed the egos and pocket books of "Civic Leaders" and fund administrators. Contribute to those which put money where you feel it needs to go.

[He Rides A White Horse]

I haven't contributed to the United Way or its predecessor for over forty years. I advise the same to everyone. I saw abuses in collection tactics

Some of the 'collection tactics' used in the workplace have all the subtlety of a mugging.

[frogandtoad]

Leaving aside all political or political correctness issues, why would anyone want to give to United Way in the first place. They collect a cut from all donations to finance their operations and high payroll. So, if say, you give $100.00 thru United Way to the red Cross, United Way keeps about 15 to 20 percent, and the red cross only gets 80 to 85 dollars. If you give directly to the Red Cross, not using United Way, the Red cross get the full 100 dollars.