To Donate or Not?

I think what they did is wrong. If they said anyone can donate whatever they can than fair enough but to say donate all the bonus is wrong. I would not do it I dont care how long I work there to be honest if they used that letter on me. If it was said before everyone got the bonus you could have planed and made a decision and talked about it. This way they are using quilt. Dont get me wrong I am all for helping out to a point where my family doesnt have to go without and with money that I feel I can give at that time.

You have to take care of your basic needs first and eating and drinking are as basic as they come. Ask your co-worker how long they'll be collecting for and explain that while you can't donate right now, your financial situation may improve in the future and you would love to donate then.

I think it was rather unmannerly of them to ask for your bonus just as you got it. What she was inferring was that you really do not need a Christmas bonus. What they should have done was to put a bulletin either in the email or on the board as soon as learning of this co=worker's wife having cancer and ask if anyone want to donate something. Also your employer should have arranged helping them out and probably already did - reason you only got $100 - so the employee who wanted you to fork over your $100 was being a bit greedy. Keep the money.

TO donate or not has to depend on the fact that we can or not. If it was me and the $100 bonus was just that, a bonus, I would consider donating. But if that was something that could really help me out to buy groceries because without it I couldn't, then I would certainly not donate or maybe give just some that I could kind of spare like $20. That only if I could do that . I know how complicated things can be. And I know that often it is the people that can do it that tend to help more. Geesh I'm usually one of them. But I have been reevaluating the things I've done and I realized that it's great to take a little bit from me to give to someone who needs, but not if I take all from what I need. There's no one there to help me in the end. So I say, you don't need to feel guilty for not donating. You need it for groceries, not to go to the movies. If there's a bit that you can spare after buying the groceries, sure, go ahead and help if you really want to. But do not take from what you need.

I would donate $10 and then keep the rest for your groceries. Any amount will be helpful towards them and even if you can't, its your prerogative and don't worry if others say something because of it - IT IS YOUR HARD EARNED BONUS so don't feel obligated at all.

Since you need the money for groceries, you should spend it on that. Maybe if you explained your situation, these co-workers would understand and not hold it against you. Though if it bothers you and you want to donate, why not just donate a few dollars? A few dollars is better than nothing at all. You'd still be contributing while being able to have groceries for yourself. If I was in your shoes, I would buy the groceries. I have 2 kids to think of after all, and there is no way I'd let them go without groceries. They are my first priority, after all. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Personally, I think you should keep it and buy groceries. Its great to donate, but you have to take care of your own needs first. And with it being xmas time, everyone is broke.

I don't donate if people expect. It's not a donation if someone expects you to do it, it's virtually mugging you through your own good will. I love supporting and doing my bit for charity, although being bullied isn't one of those and generally I take that charity from off my list. It's very rare that one excepts it here but I do hate those who walk up to you and try to make you feel bad. ~Joey

I think it's pretty forward of them to send out an e-mail like that. Sure it's for a good cause but still. I think if they had simply said that a fund had been set up and anyone wishing to donate any money to it could then it would have been a little more acceptable. I don't think they are right in telling you what to do with YOUR bonus. You need it so spend it on groceries. If you want to donate a little to them then that's fine too but it should be totally your decision. You have nothing to feel bad about for wanting to buy your groceries rather than donate to them.

Just tell them that you would love to donate but right now you can't. You can say you appreciate the fact that they are wanting to help someone out but at the moment you are unable to. Buy groceries, you need them.

I think if you just explain it to them they will understand. It is nice of them to help there friend out though.

Seeing how you don't really know this other person, I would go buy groceries. I started a new job this past spring, working for the state, so there are a lot of state employees in other districts that I have never even heard of, and we get emails asking to donate annual leave time, which we have built up, which I would probably do that if I actually knew them, but I don't so I haven't.

I think it's rude for them to ask you to donate your bonus. I can see making you aware of the situation and then if you wanted to donate a couple of bucks to the cause then I could see that. But you have earned your money. It seems like this time of year everyone has their hands out reaching to your pocket. If you want to give a little then do that and buy groceries for yourself. No one else will buy them for you will they?

Do they ask all of your bonus or you give what you want to give? Maybe they asking for a donation but not all of it, they know we all need money and we also want to help talk to the person who is incharge of collecting the fund and tell them that you also need money and you can't give all of it but only a part of it I'm sure they will understand your situation. I know a donation is commong to your heart and willingness to give all of us have a problem and difficulties in life if you give all of it then you got your own situation to solve maybe that it not justifiable.

Tough one for you. If I were in your shoes I would work the 'office politics' and donate $10 to the cancer fund and make no explanations about it at all. Office 'lawyers' (you know the type I mean) can then make their deductions:- 1. As a newbie that was your bonus, or 2. You have needs of your own and a token donation was a really nice gesture, or 3. You are as tight with your money as a fish's backside (and that's watertight! haha) and so don't bother passing the hat round to you in the future. Whatever you do you will maybe get some flack from someone so don't fret - life goes on. Go on - buy some choclates with your bonus and make a real pig of yourself. haha You've earned it. Happy Christmas.

I think that you shouldn't feel bad if you really really need the money. I suppose it's just a matter of priorities. If you think that donating the money you will be a bit more pushed by bills etc but that you will get along anyway, I would donate those bucks. If you really see you need that money to keep going, I wouldn't. Anyway i think it's a very personal choice.

It's a hard one, because sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. True, that you may donate and people will respect you and such but it may also be the case that you do donate and no one really notices. But then again if you are having financial issues, then I'm sure people might understand. But you have to trust your instincts and do what you think is best. Are other people donating?

Its really nice that they want to help a coworker. But you really should think of yourself first though. I only give donations IF i can afford it. Maybe you can explain to someone at work that times are tough right now and that you really need the money. And i dont think its really fair that they asked you to give your bonus up.

donate at least 5 dollars. not the whole money.

Every year, I always waiting for holiday bonus which given by the company where I worked. Few weeks before the day come, I with friends usually planning about the money that we eill get and what it will be used for. We are exciting to wait the money spread out. But if one of our collogue or their get any problems as mentioned, I with my friend prefer to donate the money rather than used them to buy groceries. Even we just donote half amount, but it will means a lot to them. Donate the whole money you get, it will be better