Obligation Or Oblation

I was walking past Compass Point two days ago, when i was approached by a youth holding a donation tin which was about about the 'Yellow Ribbon' project. As far as i know, this campaign is mainly for ex-convicts. It is mainly about giving them a new lease of life by helping them find jobs. This will help them get in line with their normal lifestyle, which they once had.

I took out my wallet to dig out a couple of coins, to donate about $2. As soon a i took out my wallet from my bag, the youth said, " its just $10, would you like to donate?". I was shocked. Since when we could only donate a certain amount? Well, its been around for a few years i guess, after recalling many similar incidents.

Donation would mean to give what we can to the underprivileged. It is something which is done voluntarily, which would also mean that the amount we donate should be voluntary too, its up to us to decide what we can afford to donate. Indirectly compelling us to contribute a certain amount defeats the purpose of the whole notation of donations.

We can only endow what we can. A teenager once told me to donate for the less fortunate teenagers. He told me, " they are students like us, so please donate $10." Yes , i am a student, and as a student i get a measly allowance which i choose not to mention. I really want to donate, i told him, however i can only part with about $2. He just laughed and said, " I'm sure you have more money". I reminded him that I'm a student, told him that i want to donate and can only contribute this much, so take it or leave it.

I strongly think that donations should be done out of goodwill. We shouldn't be scouted for, by these 'volunteers'. This, in turn becomes touting, which is actually illegal. I would personally donate directly to these organizations if i want to and i would only donate what i can.