Thanks, I've seen that one before but actually forgot the site.

Another microcredit site to check out:
FINCA International

That's not getting it all back though, it just saves paying tax on that much.

:biglaugha

Every week we give at church, other than that, the only thing we give to on a regular basis, is St. Jude's children's hospital. 13 year old son did the Mathathon last year, he raised the most money, and won a boom box. All the money coincidentally went to St. Jude's. We also donate clothes, and whatever to Harbor House, a battered women's shelter. A lot easier, and less time consuming than a garage sale.

I am just getting off my feet right now (finished college this year) so I try to give time rather than money -- recently I've been doing a bit of volunteer work with the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (www.gpac.org). When I need something, I try to buy more from companies that support good causes than those who don't.

That's a fairly common sentiment and usually draws nods of agreement.

But you know what? If my bank, insurance company, phone co or internet provider, starts crowing about sponsoring some music festival or marathon, I am peeved. That tells me they have excess profits they have to find a use for. They are spreading my money around without my consent. They are forcing me to support causes I might not believe in. They act like Bush.

Huh, I hadn't thought of that. I meant stuff like food stores/restaurants, clothing and shoes, etc. Mostly in my household my fiance chooses the sort of thing you mentioned -- insurance, bank, etc -- anyway.

I don't think you could say they're forcing you, though. If it really bothers you, couldn't you switch to a different service?

Yeah some I could switch, except the US post office and Comcast monopoly, but that would be a huge hassle and they all do it so I'd just be peeved all over again.

Does your phone bill have a tax, that's withheld for people that can't pay their bills? Mine does. WTF!

Yup, plus several other questionable taxes.

I love it when I see young people giving their spring breaks to things like Habitat For Humanity or others. Gives me more hope.:D

I will admit that I never did that, but I performed in a benefit to raise money for one of those programs. :) And this month I'm performing in a benefit for Goth Help Us, an organization that does goth shows for charity (this one's for the Whitman-Walker clinic).

Good for you Hime. Undertoad is doing just that this Saturday for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.