Donate Shun

Tina, (catching my breath) oh my gosh, oh my gosh Tina, I got out as quick as I could. I think I outran it, I think I outran my guilty conscience. Why do I feel guilty? Because I'm having a donation dilemma: being asked to donate when you're purchasing something at the register. Tina, if I had a quarter every time I've been asked to donate to charities while  checking out at the register, I would've withheld a good amount of money from the less fortunate. Don't get me wrong T, I am a sucker for donating. I literally just donated to Stand Up 2 Cancer (www.standup2cancer.org) before posting this. I donate all the time, and I'm an actor, which means I barely have enough money as it is. I always remind myself of that Bible story, where the beggar donated his only gold coin instead of keeping it for himself. (I think that's the story. Where's Veggie Tales when you need it?) I just feel weird donating when the person at the cash register asks you for money, especially since you're buying food, something expensive, or anything at all because you actually have money. It always catches me off guard when they ask, and then I end up feeling guilty and obligated to donate.  Sometimes I have to say no, otherwise I'll soon be the one needing the money. If I don't give something, I'm a jerk. If I do give something, then it becomes how much do I donate. Because if I only give a $1, I still feel like a jerk because I'm clearly purchasing something that cost more than a $1. This is what celebrities must feel like when they pass a homeless person as the paparazzi's following them. I want to donate out of the kindness of my heart and not the judging eyes of the sales associate or the people in line. I, of course, assume they're judging me because I'm human...and an actor. I'm pretty, right Tina?



I know how you feel Ricky.