Would you be willing to pay $5?

Great idea.  I would certainly donate for the catalogs.  If handled right, it could also garner some good PR for the hobby and the TCA.

On a similar note, I've often wondered why EDTCA didn't have prominent collection jars at York to solicit donations for the museum.  Seems like a perfect opportunity.  Even if a significant portion of the York attendees just contibuted a single dollar, it would go a long way in helping the museum, or they could split it between the museum and a group like Wounded Warriors to get some extra publicity.

Andy

No need to.  I believe Eastern already gives a good chunk of change to National after the meets.

Why not have a collection jar at every hall entrance for a project like Wounded Warriors?

Why just if you picked up a catalog?  This would be an Eastern Division decision.  Problem is there are many good causes vying for our donations.

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On a similar note, I've often wondered why EDTCA didn't have prominent collection jars at York to solicit donations for the museum.  Seems like a perfect opportunity.  Even if a significant portion of the York attendees just contibuted a single dollar, it would go a long way in helping the museum, or they could split it between the museum and a group like Wounded Warriors to get some extra publicity.

I don't have any objection to the vendors setting out collection containers for Wounded Warriors or any other worthy cause. But I do not think the TCA or Eastern Division should be collecting funds for any external group.

As Allan posted, the Eastern Division already donates significant funds to the TCA / Museum. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing the admission to York increased, with all of the extra money earmarked as additional funds going to National. Other divisions / chapters could do the same.

Perhaps every York a different cause could be selected.  IDK.  I was just thinking out loud.

great idea Marty, it would certainly be a big pr thing for those companys without any cost to them. that is what you call win/win

The big concern is how much, really, gets to the folks who need it.  Most charities skim a huge percentage off the top. 

Wounded Warrior Project is fairly good at 55%.  Not great but better than most.

my hobby shop gives Lionel and MTH catalogs away.

Great Idea Marty....love it. I think you would get more than you think because there are a lot of veterans in them thar halls.

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Wounded Warrior Project is fairly good at 55%.  Not great but better than most.

The cause certainly is important. Are there any groups with better numbers?

There are many fine and worthwhile charitable organizations out there, including veterans, disaster relief, animal rescue, food banks, and many more than I could possibly list here.  It would be very difficult for an organization like the Eastern Division (its officers and members) to agree on a particular one to support.  It's a fine idea, but probably not workable.

I wasn't leaving it up to the EDTCA.  I thought it could be done with within each catalog supplier.  Each one would be responsible to collect if they wished to participate.  The only arrangement needed to be made is a representative for the recipient to collect on Saturday.  If one group could be identified then it would be easy for someone to swing by and collect.

My answer is "No."  I am opposed to tying York activities in to any charity. Wounded Warriors is controversial. One report in The Tampa Bay Times said that 58% of income went to actual services.

In my opinion, 42% administrative costs in a charity is too high.

The cause certainly is important. Are there any groups with better numbers?

I believe Money Magazine rates the American Red Cross uses $0.88/$1.00 donated to actual equipment and/or services needed. Only $0.12/$1.00 is lost in "administrative costs"

There are several websites that rate charities for performance.  A good rule of thumb is that at least 75% of your donation should be used for charitable services as opposed to overhead.  Charities that advertise on TV or do mass mailings tend to have a lot of overhead.  

I definitely would not give to any vendors with a jar on their table.  Just a matter of trust.  And I wouldn't trust too many of them.  TCA on the other hand...maybe.

Rick

I agree with B&O Bill, I want to give to a charity that actually gets the money to the needy parties!

Never mind. You guys over think everything.