[soapbox]
Perhaps you have read pakrat's post about helping a soldier's family? Well, I took up a collection here at the office for this. Why? Let me tell you why I thought I would be succesful:
In the days immediately following 9/11, our group (approx. 35 people) donated $1000 in 6 hours to buy supplies for those that were working ground zero. I was privelaged enough to be able to use my truck to go shopping and load it up with $1000 worth of supplies that were needed and then drop it off at the local police department to be delivered to ground zero that night.
I was so impressed by my colleagues.
So, I take up a collection to help the family of a soldier currently in Afghanistan who is in trouble. Out of 35 people, [b]NOT ONE[/b] gave me money. One person even told me they thought I was running a scam![pissed]
Six months ago, there were American flags all over this office. Six months ago, there were American flags waving from every car on the road. Six months ago, every business had a flag or a 9/11 picture of some sort in their windows.
Today, there are no more flags in this office except mine (which someone jokingly stopped and asked if they should recite the pledge of allegiance - I replied a stone cold YES). Today, I saw a faded American Flag bumper sticker that had a new parking permit sticker on top of it. Today, no one cares about a faceless stranger who is taking enemy fire in some godforsaken far away land.
[USA]