Why Michiganders Shouldn’t Donate At The Checkout Counter

The holiday season is is here and all across Michigan different business are asking you to round up your total or donate a dollar or two to whatever charity they are promoting.

While helping out those in need is a honorable thing to do, I think there are a lot of good reasons why you should just say no.

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In recent years, point-of-sale donation campaigns have become increasingly common. Customers are asked to donate spare change or round up their purchases to support various causes.

In 2022 alone, such micro-donations raised approximately $749 million, a 24% increase from previous years. While individual contributions may seem small, the cumulative impact is large.

The Psychological Pressure to Donate

One issue with these donation requests is the psychological pressure they place on you. Social expectations and the fear of being seen as uncharitable often force shoppers to give, even if they are unsure about the cause.

This can create a moral dilemma, where declining the request leads to feelings of guilt and discomfort.

The Lack of Transparency

Another challenge is the lack of transparency around where the money is going. Many shoppers are unaware of which charities benefit from their donations or how funds are allocated. This lack of clarity can lead to regret, especially if individuals later learn that their contributions did not support causes they align with.

Plan Your Charitable Giving

Instead of giving in to the pressure of micro-donations, trying taking a more intentional approach to charitable giving. You can do this by making larger, more thoughtful donations earlier in the season, you'll feel confident that your contributions are directed toward the causes you care about most.

How To Plan Your Charitable Giving

Give Early, Give Generously: Consider making a larger donation to a charity you support early in the holiday season. This allows you to focus on your chosen causes and avoid the repeated pressure to donate small amounts at checkout.

Seek Transparency: When donating, choose organizations that provide clear and detailed information about how donations are used. This ensures that your contributions make a real impact and gives you peace of mind.

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As someone who hates feeling guilty and is a people pleaser, I've found that these tips can be very helpful during the holiday season.