[thegreatbeast]

May I point out the other half of this to everyone? Can you remember how pissed off you were when you discovered that the United Way was HOGGING the funds collected for relief of those affected directly by September 11th? Do we know yet that they aren't still diverting HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS from where they were meant to go? Do you recall that some of the funds went to a Legal Services outfit that represented people thought to be involved with September 11th? And then we learned of the astronomical compensations being taken by some of the regional officers of United Way.
A lot of us to pledged to never again give to gargantuan charity. We wanted to know where our money was goingand how it was being spent.

[jhw61]

I was helped out by the United Way last year when for the first time in my life, I needed some financial help. My husband's hours were being cut severely. The United Way paid my electric bill, my gas bill, gave me a phone card becasue my telephone had actually been disconnected. I am very grateful. They were fantastic. So very kind. This is a Boston suburb office that assisted me. I will never forget that. As far as Sarandon goes, why do we need to pay celebrities to inspire us to do charity work? I call my mother (the most wise woman I have ever known) if I want any life experience. Dad too. AND, I am also inspired by our troops, our patriotic fellow citizens, our president (the 1st time in my life I have felt inspired by a president). I ALSO...have a younger husband. I'm 42. He's 30. I believe the same age difference as Sarandon/Robbins......BUT, know other way is there a similarity. I do not like that woman. Never have!

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

One can "designate" one's giving. For ex., apparently the United Way of Tampa Bay has 5 such designations:

Supporting Children and Youth
Strengthening Families
Promoting Health and Independence
Caring for the Elderly
Meeting Basic Needs

Designated Gift Policy