Quoted:
Yep, they suck.  If you're going to give to an organiztaion, I believe the Salvation Army has the highest percentage of donated funds that go to those who need it rather than admin costs.

Quoted:
Is United Way part of the U.N ?
That's what I heard.

Quoted:


[size=3]Toys For Tots[/size=3] Babeeeeee! That is one that I will swear by.

United Way of America has taken no legislative position on gun control and should not be identified as a proponent or an opponent in any public or private statement. UWA is precluded by policy and, in some cases by law, from participating in partisan politics.

United Way of America, like many organizations in the non-profit human service sector, is constantly challenged to address the issue of guns in our society as it relates to child safety.  Our ability to do our work is dependent on individual and organizational donors, many of whom are divided in their passionate stands on guns.  As advocates for children and as investors in their healthy development, we cannot overlook the fact that illegal and inappropriate use of firearms endangers children and youth anymore than we can ignore child abuse and neglect.

United Way organizations that feel they must address these issues may wish to focus on inappropriate and illegal access to guns by children and youth.  These issues may include safe gun storage, keeping guns and other weapons out of schools and other settings where children could be endangered (e.g., youth agencies).  The challenge is to focus attention on keeping guns and other weapons out of situations, whether schools or other settings, where children can injure other children or can themselves be injured.  Positive steps may include supporting: efforts to enforce existing laws, technological means of preventing people from firing guns they do not own, firearms education (e.g., “If you own one, educate your kids.”), and tracking statistics on the number of gun injuries and deaths involving children.

United Way is a system of 1,400 separately incorporated independent organizations.  Each raises money in annual fund-raising campaigns and allocates funds to local health and human service agencies.  Together they raised $3.77 billion in 1999-2000 fund-raising campaigns, supporting over 45,000 agencies delivering programs and services to millions of people from all walks of life.

United Way of America is the national service and training center for the 1,400 member strong United Way system.  Its role is to equip United Ways – as well as their corporate and philanthropic partners – with the tools that they need to make a measurable impact in the communities they serve. United Way of America invests in the programs and services that strengthen the ability of local United Ways to focus resources and provide solutions for the most important needs in communities nationwide.

For more information about United Way, log on to unitedway.org.

--------------------------------------
Original Message (11/12/2002)
--------------------------------------
I just wanted to let you know that I have donated to United Way in the past, but never again will. I do not support organizations that support other organizations who wish to strip us of our rights. If you really wish to prevent handgun violence or accidents to children, work with the NRA to fund mandatory gun safety instruction for all school children. I am willing to bet that most "accidental" shootings involving children involve children of anti-gun households who don't want their kids near guns. In this way they are never taught the proper handling or responsibility involved.