Zone1 "My Baby Needs Formula"....Cold Calling Churches

[SweetSue92]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

 

[Manonthestreet]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

Largest food charity in our state got busted as a huge cash cow for the owner. Only time I donate specifically for food is during the Holidays to places that provide the same kind of traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas meal most people sit down to

 

[Muhammed]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

If somebody is buying food from junkies on the street, they're probably a bit needy themself.

So you could look at it this way. Even if they sell it for drug or booze money, you're probably still indirectly helping someone who's needy for food.

 

[Crepitus]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

In my experience most religious folks like to talk about how generous they are but usually come up with excuses why not to help.

Kinda like the ones in the OP.

Also I'd like to point out that if organized religion in general is so great why do churches need "good security"?

 

[shockedcanadian]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

If you can help someone and it isn't hurting you to do so you should. I remember I gave a homeless guy a couple of bucks when I was in university and another guy said to me "you know he is just going to buy alcohol with that money". My response was. "so? It is his money now. If it eases his pain or keeps him going, so be it".

G-d loves to spread irony I think, considering where I am in life today.

 

[SweetSue92]

In my experience most religious folks like to talk about how generous they are but usually come up with excuses why not to help.

Kinda like the ones in the OP.

Also I'd like to point out that if organized religion in general is so great why do churches need "good security"?

Because Leftists are insane, that's why

 

[SweetSue92]

If you can help someone and it isn't hurting you to do so you should. I remember I gave a homeless guy a couple of bucks when I was in university and another guy said to me "you know he is just going to buy alcohol with that money". My response was. "so? It is his money now. If it eases his pain or keeps him going, so be it". G-d loves to spread irony I think, considering where I am in life today.

The key is: it isn't hurting you to do so. But just indiscriminately giving out money and goods DOES hurt churches, in that it is giving resources that might not be put to best use (or in the case of the woman in the OP, is just blatantly false).

 

[Crepitus]

The key is: it isn't hurting you to do so. But just indiscriminately giving out money and goods DOES hurt churches, in that it is giving resources that might not be put to best use (or in the case of the woman in the OP, is just blatantly false).

More excuses. Predictably enough.

 

[OhPleaseJustQuit]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

.

I attended my church's Altar Society meeting yesterday, and I had to hold back tears as I watched these wonderful women making decisions about what to give to which causes. These are about twenty women who organize fund raising, along with the Knights of Columbus, which provide meals for shut-ins, companionship and practical help for folks in the local nursing home, warm coats and gloves, and clothing for children, lunch money for the children of parents who spend their money on dope and beer instead of food for their kids, school supplies for those same children, special needs for disabled children, things that new mothers need for their babies (including formula), lots of aid for women contemplating abortion, like ultrasound machines which are a major factor in saving those unborn lives, many needs of prisoners...... I can't even think of it all. And that's before we start counting all the funds and work that go into the religious education of the youth in our town, so that we can pass on to the next generation the values that make us devoted to all the help we give to others in our community.

All from church members and their efforts, and these women who make wise decisions about how to place these resources in the hands of the genuinely needy.

They are my heroes.

.

 

[SweetSue92]

More excuses. Predictably enough.

So your solution is: hand out money and goods to anyone who calls or shows up at the door?

Do you know how quickly that would bankrupt churches?

I used to work at a food bank affiliated with our old church. People had to sign in and could only come once a month and get a certain number of items.

Should we have just let folks come in and ransack the place and clean it out whenever?

 

[SweetSue92]

.

I attended my church's Altar Society meeting yesterday, and I had to hold back tears as I watched these wonderful women making decisions about what to give to which causes. These are about twenty women who organize fund raising, along with the Knights of Columbus, which provide meals for shut-ins, companionship and practical help for folks in the local nursing home, warm coats and gloves, and clothing for children, lunch money for the children of parents who spend their money on dope and beer instead of food for their kids, school supplies for those same children, special needs for disabled children, things that new mothers need for their babies (including formula), lots of aid for women contemplating abortion, like ultrasound machines which are a major factor in saving those unborn lives, many needs of prisoners...... I can't even think of it all. And that's before we start counting all the funds and work that go into the religious education of the youth in our town, so that we can pass on to the next generation the values that make us devoted to all the help we give to others in our community.

All from church members and their efforts, and these women who make wise decisions about how to place these resources in the hands of the genuinely needy.

They are my heroes.

.

Exactly this. They are making decisions about resources, but have to be choosy about where the money goes. Because the money and resources are not unlimited.....

Man, now that I'm retired I would love to offer companionship and errands for older people. I noticed that when my mother had dementia, my training as a teacher made it very easy for me to deal with her--I'm used to repeating directions, slowing down, etc!

 

[JoeB131]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

Nobody should have to grovel in front of a church to get fed.

that's my thought.

 

[Meriweather]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches

Where did she get the money to buy the phone or pay the monthly phone bill? If she knew formula was going to be cost prohibitive to her, why not choose to breast feed the infant, which requires no cost for formula, no cost for bottles and is best for both child and mother.

Recall the Bible verse stating those who do not work shouldn't eat.

That being said, in Biblical times, farmers always left about crops around the edges of their orchards and fields for gleaners who were short on food. (Note, the gleaners did the harvesting.) Another verse that comes to mind is to feed the hungry at your door. For a period of time, I had a mother and child hungry at my own door, and they were more than welcome to share what I had. I see that as God providing for all of us.

A mother on the phone while her baby is crying...oh, that makes sense? Further, I'm betting she was not the first to try this scam, and those she called politely dealt with her and others like her.

In short, the baby gets fed first. Then the mother goes out and finds what the baby needs before it needs fed again.

I have been known to give handouts to those whose true need I doubted, but did not know. If there was no need, I wonder if their conscience ever gives them a pinch because they are better/could be better than being a small-time con artist.

 

[OhPleaseJustQuit]

If you can help someone and it isn't hurting you to do so you should. I remember I gave a homeless guy a couple of bucks when I was in university and another guy said to me "you know he is just going to buy alcohol with that money". My response was. "so? It is his money now. If it eases his pain or keeps him going, so be it". G-d loves to spread irony I think, considering where I am in life today.

.

As well as the hard work we do, which I described in post #9, I keep a $10 bill in the console of my car, along with a Miraculous Medal that's been blessed by my priest, and once in a while, I hear a strong voice that overcomes the fear that, if I give this person money, they'll just use it for substances. I'm learning to pay attention to that voice.

There are signs from the city on lots of strategic intersections that advise citizens to donate to the causes that will help those begging with real, practical help, rather than just giving them money. And once in a while, I need to listen to a different voice.

.

 

[Woodznutz]

If you can help someone and it isn't hurting you to do so you should. I remember I gave a homeless guy a couple of bucks when I was in university and another guy said to me "you know he is just going to buy alcohol with that money". My response was. "so? It is his money now. If it eases his pain or keeps him going, so be it".

G-d loves to spread irony I think, considering where I am in life today.

I took a guy to lunch once after he asked for a handout for food. I knew he wanted it for booze but he needed food worse. Afterward I gave him a few bucks to "have one on me".

 

[Hellokitty]

In my experience most religious folks like to talk about how generous they are but usually come up with excuses why not to help.

Kinda like the ones in the OP.

Also I'd like to point out that if organized religion in general is so great why do churches need "good security"?

I guess you missed the part about the call requesting assistance being fraudulent and sole purpose was for social media views.

 

[HikerGuy83]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

Tell her to come mow the lawn.

There is dignity in working for what you get.

If she won't, then.....

And BTW: Waiting until you are out of formula until you start looking for it is not a very responsible approach. Your emergency does not become my emergency if you don't plan. I realize she fabricated this.....tell her to go to the ER. They'll fix her up.

 

[Woodznutz]

A woman is going viral on social media for calling churches, synagogues and mosques and asking for formula for her baby. She doesn't have a baby, she just plays crying in the background. She is recording which churches offer assistance and which do not.

Unbelievers are mostly thrilled to learn that most churches do not offer immediate help. And at first blush, this does seem cruel.

I'm a member of a mid-sized church in the country. Even WE have many calls of people asking assistance, and, even worse, we have people coming to the doors Sunday morning for same (yes, we have strong security). We have no way, in the moment, to vet whether the request is legitimate or whether, say, the money or goods will be sold to buy drugs.

That's why many churches referred the caller to their own food pantries, which operate at specific hours, or nearby assistance the church affiliates with. The caller on social media marked this down as a "would not help".

One more consideration: churches are almost entirely member-funded. I want to help the needy with our donations, but I would certainly like my money to go to real needs, and not who-knows-what.

Thoughts?

My church had a budget for aid that was used up entirely by members. When an outsider asked for assistance, they were directed to the government agencies that provided it. Many members were also so directed.

 

[OhPleaseJustQuit]

Exactly this. They are making decisions about resources, but have to be choosy about where the money goes. Because the money and resources are not unlimited.....

Man, now that I'm retired I would love to offer companionship and errands for older people. I noticed that when my mother had dementia, my training as a teacher made it very easy for me to deal with her--I'm used to repeating directions, slowing down, etc!

.

I remember the same process when my husband's dementia got worse. It was a learning process for sure.

Thanks for caring.

.

 

[SweetSue92]

Where did she get the money to buy the phone or pay the monthly phone bill? If she knew formula was going to be cost prohibitive to her, why not choose to breast feed the infant, which requires no cost for formula, no cost for bottles and is best for both child and mother.

Recall the Bible verse stating those who do not work shouldn't eat.

That being said, in Biblical times, farmers always left about crops around the edges of their orchards and fields for gleaners who were short on food. (Note, the gleaners did the harvesting.) Another verse that comes to mind is to feed the hungry at your door. For a period of time, I had a mother and child hungry at my own door, and they were more than welcome to share what I had. I see that as God providing for all of us.

A mother on the phone while her baby is crying...oh, that makes sense? Further, I'm betting she was not the first to try this scam, and those she called politely dealt with her and others like her.

In short, the baby gets fed first. Then the mother goes out and finds what the baby needs before it needs fed again.

I have been known to give handouts to those whose true need I doubted, but did not know. If there was no need, I wonder if their conscience ever gives them a pinch because they are better/could be better than being a small-time con artist.

It was all a con. I don't even think she's in need--she just wanted to play "gotcha" with the churches.