I had to go buy “Toiletries” for a charity drive at LilZ’s school. I was a little concerned about the word “toiletries” and whether or not that included all bathroom products, or just…um…toilet paper. Sometimes I over analyze things, I guess. Either way - to cover my bases - I bought a little bit of everything. Soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, and of course, toilet paper. But, the funny thing? I used much higher standards for the charity drive than I do for my own family. In my family, we all buy cheap and/or generic whenever possible. But for the charity drive? I felt guilty doing that, for some reason. I was afraid someone would think I didn’t think the needy deserved name brand items. Again…with the over analyzing. So, I bought the charity drive better things than I have ever bought anyone in my family.
This is either a sign that I’m overly paranoid about people thinking bad about my donations, or that I don’t give a crap about the cosmetic wishes of my family. Probably a little bit of both.
This is so something I would do. In fact, just last week I went to buy art supplies for a local charity. Don’t think I didn’t buy only Crayola products. Seriously? I don’t think I ever got real Crayola crayons for myself. But these kids, they’ll be writing with only the best there is to offer. I almost bought the glitter crayons, but I didn’t want to push it.
I would’ve done the same thing. I think it’s almost a knee-jerk reaction.
Our company is adopting underprivilaged children and seniors. I love this charity and am all about it. This year, we even got a very specific wish list for our “angel”. And on it? A Razr cell phone.
.. I don’t have a phone that nice.
They also wanted Nike Air Ones (again, I wear Target off-brand), and a Nintendo DS.
Dude, will someone adopt me?
Yeah, me too!
I would also do the same, so you’re not alone. I think we can put a different spin on it. How about? We do it because we want people to feel good since they are going through a more difficult time than we are. Or does that sound awful/worse?
What does it say about me that I never think of toilet paper when I hear toiletries?
Needy or not, nobody should have to endure rough toilet paper.
Toiletries means all that stuff, except for the toilet paper. I am glad you didn’t just buy the toilet paper!
I know what you mean about not wanting to buy the generic items for charity. It’s silly, but I would have done the same thing!
*snort*
I so do the same thing!
okay, seriously, i’m dealing with the same issue over here. charity drive, but is it okay to buy store brand or whatever?
now i feel like i should — that i should buy them what *we use*, and not feel like i have something to prove TO PEOPLE I DON’T EVEN KNOW.
sigh. but yeah, feel you. i can’t help it that i’m a cheapskate!
I think we’d all have the same conflict, which is really too funny!
I do that too whenever I’m giving to some charity, be it toiletries or canned goods.
Been there, done that.
When you have enough to give to any charity, it doesn’t matter what brand you give - in my opinion. I figure, if my family use it, it’s tried and tested to get the job done. However, to make your charity dollars go farther, opt for some store brands and generics, then you can give even more! Let’s face it, there are some products out there that are exactly the same under the wrapper.
Bless you. As someone who is on the receiving end of charitable giving on a monthly basis, it’s people like you that keep me sane. There are very few of you out there. Most people think that if you’re poor, you only deserve used crap, or free samples from hotels. You wouldn’t believe the absolute crap we get from the food bank. Food that is out of date, from last Passover, toiletries that are from railroad salvage stores, stuff you wouldn’t let touch your body or pass your lips. And yet people think it’s just FINE to give it away because the recipients must be some stupid drooling morons to be poor.
Do I sound bitter?
I just deleted my comment because it was ugly.
And your blog probably would have eaten it anyway seeing as how it wants more positive energy.
You are a nice person for buying name brands.
That is all.
Ha! I did the same thing for the canned food drive at school. Weird.