Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 24, 1990 TAG: 9005230278
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The practice is not limited to the wells, however. According to Glamour magazine, most of the money from charity collection jars and gumball machines at restaurants and supermarkets often goes to the independent fund-raisers who place them.
However, some charities claim that allowing independent businesses to place and profit from collection receptacles in their name is the only way they can survive, according to the magazine. Norman Gardner of the National Federation of the Blind says in the magazine's June issue, "We received $500,000 from our [vending outreach program] last year."
By his estimate, the average machine collects $6 a month, with $2 a month going to the federation. That means the businesses make $4 a month for each device - a gross income of approximately one million dollars.
Though it seems like a lot, Gardner says, "If all the money went to us, we'd have to spend a lot on purchasing, placing and maintaining the machines. There's really no difference."
Some organizations, such as the Kiwanis Club in Roanoke for example, give all proceeds from their spiral wishing wells to local charities, according to Tom Hahn, secretary of the Kiwanis Club in Roanoke. The Kiwanis Club gave more than $4,000 to local charities last year from its wishing well proceeds.
If you are donating money to these devices in order to help a particular charity, check to see if the sponsor's name or organization is listed anywhere. This may help you decide whether or not to donate. Also, if you want to help out a particular charity, consider giving directly to that charity.
by CNB