Charity bag packing at the supermarket
Shopping in supermarkets is becoming a little bit annoying these days as many of the supermarkets are allowing all sorts of groups and charities to have people at each checkout offering to pack your bag for a donation. Aren't they making enough in the charity shops and are brownies and scouts not making enough with their various club activities?
I am no skinflint and this used to be an occasional thing that wasn't a problem. Not these days though, they're there practically every time I go to my local supermarket and it's a different group every time. Are they on rotation or something? Some may say it is only a few pence they are asking for, but for some of us who are living on a limited income, a few pence every time they go shopping soon adds up to a few pounds. And yes you can say "no thank you" but then they look at you as though you are being unreasonable.
So you let them help you, give them a donation, and arrive home with your eggs packed under your bag of potatoes, tins placed on top of your fresh bread, and items of fruit and veg bruised and battered.
So basically you've paid for some well-meaning teenager to destroy half of your shopping. I think that supermarket chains should do away with this recent practice of getting charities and groups in to help pack shopping. Most of us are more than capable of packing our shopping without assistance.
Then of course, once we've escaped the checkout we're ambushed at the door as we try to leave by various companies offering to help reduce our electricity bills, take out a credit card with us, would you like to join such and such, motoring etc. I just want to go shopping and then go home in peace!
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After my first discussion on here, i would like to say, i did my charity bag packing and collection boxes at the entrance, i have to say, there were more generous, willing people who gave money than there were of those who chose not to. Because of these generous people, they made my day (that i gave up from work), very worth while, they made me and my charity very happy!! those are the people who make a difference to the world. its ok if you cant afford to give, its ok if you dont want to give, but dont slate the charity volunteers who try. many people like my self have gone through all this to TRY and make a difference. I would also like to say, we are not beggers, and we all know the law where you cannot shake tins or goblets, so you cant use this as an excuse to be too offended to put a penny in the box :)
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I found this page whilst researching how to go about setting this up. I have been there myself at checkouts having my shopping put in bags for a donation, I have a system when packing but I let it slide because I know that the donation is making a difference. Local charities and sports teams rely on donations to keep up and running, the charity I work for has had funding cut dramatically, we are now having to rely on generous members of the public so we can stay afloat - and all the money is piled back by helping the community, some may moan but maybe not as much as one day when they actually need the support of a charity and it not being available.
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I am not being nasty, a bit jaundiced maybe. I have my own opinion of people who do charitable works, bungee jumpers, parachutist's etc. We even have Asian shops now with clothing collection banks outside, make what you will of charities. I for my part have my own thoughts. All I did was ask a simple question, a knowledgeable answer with reference to firemen's activities whilst being paid from the public purse would have been nice. After all our public servants are the first to throw the health & safety at work card at us when its suits them.
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If they are on duty then they might as well be at the supermarket as at the fire station. As long as they respond to calls you will probably find a fire is statistically more likely to occur at a supermarket than it is to occur at a fire station.
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I have made this comment before but I say it again are these firemen on shift thus being paid by us, the people they are expecting to donate, or are they really being charitable & performing these acts in their own time?
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I went to my local Morrisons today, in the foyer were half a dozen burly, intimidating firemen, each holding a bucket and collecting for some African Charity. I don't want to be uncharitable but it's not very pleasant having to run the gauntlet of going past these people and it's unlikely that the funds raised will ever get to the place where it will do any good. It's not too bad once in a while but there is one organisation or another cadging every week. I wonder if these supermarket chains realise the damage being done to their businesses by what really amounts to begging.
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Today has to have been my worst experience ever at the supermarket. It has left me thinking I should just hand my purse to them all to help themselves. Before even entering the store I was accosted by a group who wanted to wash my car, I politely said no thank you. Once inside I was then met by two women collecting for a foriegn charity I had never heard of, once again I said ever so politely, sorry but no . Then after doing my shopping, I got to the checkout where there were a bucket for donations to another unknown charity, a collection tin for a football club, and someone wanting to take my trolley to the car for me, once again I said no thank you. As I stood at the checkout, all I could think of was , do people think that I go out to work to support charities who think it acceptable to harrass others into giving them money, just to get peace? I think that shops should ban all these money grabbers from their premises, and take into account that shoppers are the people who are keeping their businesses afloat, not all these tin rattling money grabbers.
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Exasperated shopper - 15-Jun-11 13:24
Shop at Aldi. Aldi have a policy banning charity collections at there doors and therefore one assumes at the tills.
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Oh I so agree with this gripe!! It is seriously infuriating! In my local supermarket one weekend I was accosted by a tin shaker on the way in, had the demand for bagging with menaces at the till which I declined and got a raft of vile looks, could barely swipe my card in the card reader because of another charity box in the way and was then accosted by the first charity tin shaker who stopped me on the way in, as I left.
Oh, and there were a load of blokes offering to wash my car in the car park. I think I may need a mortgage soon just to go shopping!
Oh, and there were a load of blokes offering to wash my car in the car park. I think I may need a mortgage soon just to go shopping!
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Good grief...so now our small sports club wants to try bag packing to raise some much needed funds to access some better facilities for our athletes....looks like we had better beware! Our sports club is entirely run by volunteers - not one of our staff or helpers are paid a bean. We give our time generously and freely and without expecting a thing. What is so wrong about us trying to raise those extra funds?? I myself gave up all paid work to commit to what I do because I am so very passionate about it.
The attitude that we are ALL money grabbing is utterly ridiculous. I can understand that the attitudes fo some folk leave a lot to be desired, but I could assure you 110% that our athletes have been trained to respect those who are helping them and know the importance of every penny! We are not talking about raising funds to pay for some all expenses paid trip - we are talking about funds to help us access further training for our volunteers, to purchase equipment for our athletes or to access alternative training facilities on occasion. Every single penny helps our sports club evolve and progress, giving you the athletes of the future. If you are able to donate and we can pack your bags efficiently and carefully and with respect, then we would love to do that for you. If you are not in a position to do this or simply prefer to do it yourself then a simple no thank you will suffice. We promise not to be rude offensive or ignorant :o)
Please don't knock all of our hard work....we are so very grateful for everything we can raise, however we have to raise it.
The attitude that we are ALL money grabbing is utterly ridiculous. I can understand that the attitudes fo some folk leave a lot to be desired, but I could assure you 110% that our athletes have been trained to respect those who are helping them and know the importance of every penny! We are not talking about raising funds to pay for some all expenses paid trip - we are talking about funds to help us access further training for our volunteers, to purchase equipment for our athletes or to access alternative training facilities on occasion. Every single penny helps our sports club evolve and progress, giving you the athletes of the future. If you are able to donate and we can pack your bags efficiently and carefully and with respect, then we would love to do that for you. If you are not in a position to do this or simply prefer to do it yourself then a simple no thank you will suffice. We promise not to be rude offensive or ignorant :o)
Please don't knock all of our hard work....we are so very grateful for everything we can raise, however we have to raise it.
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Sports Club Coach - 16-Mar-11 11:38
I work Monday to Friday so usually do my grocery shopping Saturday or Sunday, BUT, it doesn't matter which supermarkets I have shopped in on either of these days, there are always some group or other standing there waiting to pounce on my shopping as it goes through the till. I have asked them politely not to pack it, and been drawn looks of disaproval by some, while others just walk away politely. If I have any spare change, that I can afford to donate to charities, or somebody's funds, I'd like to choose for myself who I donate to, and not feel pressurised. BUT, by supermarkets allowing these bag packers to be there at their checkouts each weekend, customers are beginning to feel uncomfortable. I think it is time for all supermarkets to take a look at this situation, and give a bit more thought into how many people nowadays can actually afford to go round the supermarket without having to think about how much their bill will be at the end of it, and then face the "BAG PACKERS" In this economic climate everyone is having to tighten their purse strings, so perhaps if one of the supermarket groups advertised "WE DO NOT HAVE MONEY GRABBING BAG PACKERS AT THIS STORE" , we could all shop there, and I'm sure we'd all feel a lot more comfortable in doing so.
As for the "BAG PACKERS" no harm to them, "BUT NOT IN MY SUPERMARKET PLEASE".
As for the "BAG PACKERS" no harm to them, "BUT NOT IN MY SUPERMARKET PLEASE".
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EARN TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY - 29-Jan-11 17:14
thats fair enough, but if you cant afford it or dont have any spare change, you can always say no.......no one will think badly of you and there is no need to be embarressed. Some people just simply prefer to pack their own shopping, but there are a lot of older people who would take the opportunity to have their shopping packed saving them the hassle.
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Yes people tell me they do feel obliged as I often have. They are sometimes left feeling guilty because they are shopping on plastic and have no change to offer. Many people simply cant afford to put anything in and are left feeling embarressed that their financial situation is exposed to the world at a supermarket checkout. A number of times I have repacked my trolley from the checkout conveyor when I have seen a packer appear. On at least two occassions on discovering they had every checkout covered I have abandoned my trolley of shopping and simply walked out. Go and stand in the entrance lobby I say, put up a poster detailing your cause and let people make a decsion to donate or not without feeling under any sort of pressure or obligation.
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Keep your hands off my spuds. - 11-Dec-10 15:47
I have to say a BIG thankyou to Yannie Cheung for donating money to my charity page, WOW, thankyou so much, I really appreciate it, youve helped me so much!! If you read this, please forward me your charity page where I can also make a donation for your charity!!
THANKYOU :) XXX
THANKYOU :) XXX
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phoebe williams - 13-Nov-10 21:25
Wow, I am so lucky working 60 hours a week over 6 days to afford the groceries that get squashed and no longer useable. Gee whizz God, dont I feel slefish now. Whatever we do isnt ever going to help the 3rd worl countries, there may be a village somewhere that it helps, but donating money isnt going to eradicate AIDS, malaria, starvation, drought. It will only benefit the leaders of these countries. Donating to Hospitals in this country however may juat about improvee the facilites we are given with.
I've been bag packing in a supermarket for our Guide unit, and if fairness to the Supermarket they actually trained us how to pack backs appropiatley. If people dont want your mitts all over their food then respect their wishes. Oh by the way- you may get a bit more respect if you were to stop gabbing with your mate on the next till whilst your shoving my goods into each other- its manners if nothing else, you want money off me then acknowledge I am there rather than shove the money pot under my nose
I've been bag packing in a supermarket for our Guide unit, and if fairness to the Supermarket they actually trained us how to pack backs appropiatley. If people dont want your mitts all over their food then respect their wishes. Oh by the way- you may get a bit more respect if you were to stop gabbing with your mate on the next till whilst your shoving my goods into each other- its manners if nothing else, you want money off me then acknowledge I am there rather than shove the money pot under my nose
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I would like to say, "sightfordylan" you did an amazing job!! Well done, I would have done the same if I was in your position. Now im in a dilema, I am running the London Marathon Aprill 2011 for St John Ambulance and am trying soo hard to raise money, ive come to a dead end as NO ONE not even my own friends will put their hand in their pocket to sponsor me, soo I am now going to try bag packing at tescos, but I have no idea how. For those who are against cjarities bag packing at supermarkets, think for one second, that we are putting all our time into this so that we can make the world a better place, and all you do is moan, because you have to give a few pence to just stand there, while we pack your bags for you. Tell us how you like your bags to be packed, instead of just moaning about it, think of the charities that your helping.
If anyone and I mean ANYONE, would like to help me, and maybe donate something to my chosen charity , please please do so by going to www.justgiving.com/phoebe-williams , I think the minimum donation is £2 I know its a lot, but I REEEAALLY would appreciate it, please please. Thanks!!!! and goodluck t oeveryone who is fundraising.
If anyone and I mean ANYONE, would like to help me, and maybe donate something to my chosen charity , please please do so by going to www.justgiving.com/phoebe-williams , I think the minimum donation is £2 I know its a lot, but I REEEAALLY would appreciate it, please please. Thanks!!!! and goodluck t oeveryone who is fundraising.
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phoebe williams - 2-Oct-10 23:53
Hi Everyone,
I would just like to say you are all moaning about bag packing in supermarkets, but I myself have bag packed in a few supermarkets to raise money for my son. He is not yet 2 yrs old and was born blind, there is no treatment in this country however china offer therapy to improve vision with very high success rates but at a price of £25,000 what would you do as a parent? I think any decent parent would do what ever they could to raise the money needed, including bag packing!!!
I would just like to say you are all moaning about bag packing in supermarkets, but I myself have bag packed in a few supermarkets to raise money for my son. He is not yet 2 yrs old and was born blind, there is no treatment in this country however china offer therapy to improve vision with very high success rates but at a price of £25,000 what would you do as a parent? I think any decent parent would do what ever they could to raise the money needed, including bag packing!!!
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sightfordylan - 16-Jul-10 12:50
Hi All,
I wish you'd all stop moaning. If you don't want to give then don't!!! Its as simple as that. People are out there giving up their time to help others, I bet a few of you don't!! I volunteer for a charity that helps under privilaged children in London. I have 3 boys myself and while they are at school I help the charity out. We don't have alot of money but anything we can do to help those in need is worth it!!!!
Maybe if you gave up a bit of your time (and not a couple of pennies) you might see this from a different angle!!!
Well done Sleeds, that is a great opportunity for you and also helps others at the same time. :-)
I wish you'd all stop moaning. If you don't want to give then don't!!! Its as simple as that. People are out there giving up their time to help others, I bet a few of you don't!! I volunteer for a charity that helps under privilaged children in London. I have 3 boys myself and while they are at school I help the charity out. We don't have alot of money but anything we can do to help those in need is worth it!!!!
Maybe if you gave up a bit of your time (and not a couple of pennies) you might see this from a different angle!!!
Well done Sleeds, that is a great opportunity for you and also helps others at the same time. :-)
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Sleeds - why are the people who are giving you money "lucky" ?
Why aren't you lucky to have an all expenses paid holiday that will be an interesting experience, will look good on your cv when you are older and which will make you feel virtuous? You are already looking down on the people who are paying for it and thinking that you are superior.
There is no "irony" in someone wanting their bread not to be squashed! If people are going to beg for money for trips then they should at least do a good job. Many of the people for whom you are packing are probably a lot poorer than you are and can not easily spare the money they are giving.
Perhaps you could feel a little more gratitude towards the people who are making your trip possible by paying for it!
Why aren't you lucky to have an all expenses paid holiday that will be an interesting experience, will look good on your cv when you are older and which will make you feel virtuous? You are already looking down on the people who are paying for it and thinking that you are superior.
There is no "irony" in someone wanting their bread not to be squashed! If people are going to beg for money for trips then they should at least do a good job. Many of the people for whom you are packing are probably a lot poorer than you are and can not easily spare the money they are giving.
Perhaps you could feel a little more gratitude towards the people who are making your trip possible by paying for it!
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I'm 16 and currently raising over £3000 to travel to kenya next year for a month to help in various communities with ongoing, worthwhile projects to improve their living standards greatly.
It seems quite ironic how many people complain about how maybe their bread is squashed, or their toiletries are put into other bags containing perishable items yet the reason for bag packing is to help people who have no access to food at all. I personally make sure I pack everything logically and pack the bags like I would pack my own.
Fair enough if you don't want your bags packing a simple 'no thankyou' would be fine, but instead you accuse us of 'glaring' and 'blackmailing behaviour'.
Perhaps if you all took a step back, stopped moaning and realised how lucky you are to actually be able to go to a supermarket to buy food, you might understand why people choose to raise money for charity.
It seems quite ironic how many people complain about how maybe their bread is squashed, or their toiletries are put into other bags containing perishable items yet the reason for bag packing is to help people who have no access to food at all. I personally make sure I pack everything logically and pack the bags like I would pack my own.
Fair enough if you don't want your bags packing a simple 'no thankyou' would be fine, but instead you accuse us of 'glaring' and 'blackmailing behaviour'.
Perhaps if you all took a step back, stopped moaning and realised how lucky you are to actually be able to go to a supermarket to buy food, you might understand why people choose to raise money for charity.
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