Question / View from the Prairie Box

Is it wrong to use “gifts” (in this case, return address labels) from a non-profit organization without sending a donation in return?

5 Comments

Sam G. Oct 7, 2004 11:18 AM

Whenever I get stuck, I always turn to Disney for inspiration. Just do what Jiminy tells us to. “Always let your conscience be your guide.” Right?

Seriously though, I would personally have no qualms. Any gift they send is just a way to raise public awareness for their group. I imagine that in the office they expect a %10 percent donation rate, if they’re feeling optimistic.

Finally it comes down to two considerations. 1) Do you wish to support this group, and 2) Are you financially able to do so. Answer those questions honestly and any doubts (and possible guilt) will go away.

bobw Oct 7, 2004 11:55 AM

if the alternative is throwing them away, or sending them back (where they’ll be thrown away), then seems as if using them is best.

charity Oct 7, 2004 11:56 AM

i think you keep ’em and use ’em. they’re imprinted with your name, right? you can’t send them back. no one else can use them. be free from your guilt! if you throw them away then you’re not being a good steward of the planet’s resources. :)

Rebecca Oct 7, 2004 2:22 PM

It used to be that I didn’t mind using them at all… I figured that I never requested the labels at all — so why not use them? Someone recently *suggested* it was wrong for me to use them without giving a donation, thus my query. I agree with you, Sam, on the “marketing” of such little gifts. It’s probably worth it if the organization receives a percentage back in donations.

adam Oct 8, 2004 11:28 AM

becca, freely given, freely received. they are yours to do with what you want.

imho, the organization is depending on guilt to bring in donations. while they are welcome to use whatever methods they want, i feel it’s unethical. don’t feel guilty that they’re sending you free gifts — it was their decision to do so.