Don't get me wrong, I make substantial donations.... I choose very specifically to what organizations those gifts are made. For example... Charity Newsies... as an inner-city special education teacher, my wife actually sees those coats and backpacks on those children. Everyone is a volunteer and every penny goes towards things that parents can't easily divert elsewhere. I also donate substantially to the education foundation in my local school system as the money is used to enhance educational opportunities for all children from the multi-millionaires to the free-lunchers including trips abroad, equipment enhancements in the classrooms, etc.... I cannot stand watching smokers get their free-lunch coupons at school for their kids. I personally believe that if a parent chooses to pay for cigarettes instead of their child's meal, they should be considered neglectful to the full extent of the law. You lose a job, you fall on tough times, you choose to do without the I-phone and the smokes, then that is what these programs should do. Don't be too global with your philanthropy. It's easy to say "save the children" and then send a check. Follow the money, my brother... you will be shocked and disappointed. Many "Not-For-Profits" make as much "Not-For-Profit" as they can.