This is probably going to come off crabby. It’s a pet peeve.

I can’t check out of Safeway without being asked if I want to donate to…insert charity name here. I’m asked by the card scanner on its screen, and I’m asked by the checker, sometimes more than once. Probably because the numbing monotony of their jobs makes them lose their train of thought.

This week, a blog promotion I wanted to participate in included the requirement that I add $10 to a fee for a donation to their very worthwhile charity.

So here’s the deal.

I believe in charitable donations. We make them. Even without tax benefits.

I believe business should make charitable donations.

However, I do not like being asked to give my money to a charity Safeway (or any business) chooses, for Safeway’s tax benefit.

No I do not.

I believe bloggers should do charitable promotions.

But to force a donation for their particular charity by hooking it to promotion that already has a fee? No.

If readers want to send a separate donation? In their own name? Yes.

Now, you might say that it’s small to want a tax deduction. But someone’s getting the tax deduction for my money and it’s not me.

Someone else is going to benefit of my buck–someone who is not the beneficiary of the charity? Uh-uh.

Oh, and I encourage everyone to give generously as you can–and as often as you can — to your favorite charity.