For those of you who I have told about our group PPD I thought I might update you on whats been going on, & though it might make an intresting topic.


My wife called on of the local food banks to see if they would be intrested in helping us with donations during our event. It took them a couple of days to get back to us but they told my wife that they were a strong "faith" based program and that they
had no problem accepting donations from us. However, They had a problem saying that it was from us, which is something that we have to be able to show. While they do respect what we believe they think that it might cause a problem for both parties involved.



I would think that it would show that people despite what we believe that it would show we can all come toghether for a commom cause. With people hurting with gas prices getting higher & food I would like to believe that people could put away thier differences...




Two days untill Ironman!

Have you thought about distributing yourselves any donations from your pagan pride day? It might take a bit of research but if there is no money involved at all you might not even need to form a non-profit with 501© status. Even simpler maybe fliers on different bulletin boards throughout the area, college campuses and social organizations, where people pass through for different reasons or services, saying you are donating to those in need. Some newspapers and even craiglists might also be a good place to advertise saying you are simply giving to those in need and anyone who wants can call such and such numbers. It will take a bit of more work than simply unloading all your donations to a local food bank and being done with it. Another more simpler route is finding another food bank especially if one exists that is inter-faith based instead of secular based. Also I have worked in a battered woman's shelter before and have known those who have worked in homeless shelters and I know they always welcome donations of any sort even things like detergent and toilet paper are welcome...really anything you can think of. I have also worked at places that after big company parties donate anything left down to paper plates to those very same shelters.

I know I have run into that. "sigh" Don't worry about it and be bigger about it than they are and work to get enough donations they look foolish. To bad we Pagans can't get together and start our own food bank, the question is there enough of us to raise that kind of cash?

We've done some of those things & being that this is the heart of the biblebelt we know that we have a uphill battle on our hands but we believe it's going to be worth it in the end. We have to get them to say that they are taking donations from out group meaning pagans.



Two days untill Ironman!

Well my post seemed to list the most difficult aspects first before the more simple. Not sure if you have not already tried but my first stop would be making an inquiry into various shelters and asking what they will and will not accept and then with that knowledge you will be able to definitely let anyone who donates know exactly where those items will be given to. Hopefully if that is an option you will look into that you would then find a shelter that will accept your donations. In my city I know for sure where you could deliver those items but every region is different. Good luck in your endeavors for they will help others.

I'm not sure if you know what we're doing excatly so I'll tell you. We are part of Pagan Pride National we are a chapter of that & we cover the state of South Carolina. Pagan National has some requrments that have to be met. As of right now all were doing is have meetings & talking about where to hold this event what we're going to have there & who is going to say openly that they are taking donations from us. Pagans.


1. We have to hold a public event in a public park or whatever. 2. The idea is to edcuate other about what we believe & do. 3. We have to have to take donations of sorts that support then them of the event, in this case it will be harvest sence this will be held on this last weekend in October so food will be what we taking as donations for whoever we can find to donate too.

3. Whoever takes the the donations from us will have to say openly that it came from us.

4. There has to be some sort of press release like in a newspaper.

5. We have to hold some type of ritual to show the public.

Hope this helps.


Two days untill Ironman!

Thats a good question we're trying to raise money but selling things at the local flea market it seems that we all have alot of things we need to get rid of.
I mean we're not going to sell junk but by doing this maybe we can raise some start up money for out group my wife makes candles as a hobby so I believe she going to try to sell some of them there as well.

I wonder how many non-Christian organizations are helping out there, and not getting credit for it. Truly sad.

We have a secular Food Bank here in my state, Northwest Harvest, and they happily accept donations from anyone, howevever, they'll never advertise who any of those donations came from. They don't care where it came from, and they won't advertise.

There's a Lutheran Church who's been running a Food Bank in my area as well for 30+ years (they're awesome), they also will NEVER say who their donations come from, they accept any help, but will not advertise where those contributions come from. Not from another Lutheran church, pagans or corporation. You can understand why they won't it could create a problem for them in a sense.

In fact, I don't know of a single food bank or mission that will. The people who go to Food Banks need help, they need food, they don't care, and mostly don't want to know where their meals are coming from. It's slightly demoralizing to them in a sense to be at a food bank in the first place, they're grateful, but they aren't happy about being there, and they don't want to know who the good people are who are helping them. They would prefer they remain anon, and that the people who help them remain anon. It's just more comfortatable that way.

I'm begining to wonder if your national organization has made an unreasonable request.

OR, did I misunderstand what your organization is asking for from you?

What you MIGHT try... and this is kind of an interesting thought... find a radio station that's doing a food drive, call in and say your group is willing to donate XYZ in food and cash. They won't turn you down. You will likely have to donate through a consolodated thrid party public drive, like a radio station or TV station, to get any recognition. The Food Banks or missions won't give that recognition (not even to a radio or TV station). They really almost can't. At least where I live they can't or rather won't.

Unfortunately, these drives generally happen in December.

Part of the idea is to show that Pagans do care about such issues just like everyone else, I for one have no problem with it. Lets face it what most people believe of Pagans is not pretty whats the harm in having it said that Pagans donated something? Most other religous groups want some credit for doing good so whats the big deal?

Here's the big deal, Norwood:

You have food. Hungry people need meals. Some third party will transfer your food to the hungry, at no cost to you or them.

You'll help if, but only if, you get free advertising for your religious views on top of the free transfer.

What does your getting credit have to do with anything in this situation? Do you want to help out or not?

I think the point is though, that they don't get it... unless they start their own food bank like the Lutheran church I mentioned OR mention it in their own Church Newsletter or send a press release to the media that they made a donation.

Now, I'm from "secular Seattle" ... and that's how churchs and even secular food banks work up here.

Personally? Our church just silently donates to Northwest Harvest occasionally, and typically in the summer time. We know that the banks are full during the holidays. We try to donate during the off-season because it's a little known fact that that that's when they're lowest on selection and donations. We don't particularly care what people think of us or know what we do, or what we're about, so we never announce it. But that's part of our faith as well, simple and quiet is a tenet and pillar, one we're serious about. We do graciously accept when someone wants to do a write up or give recognition, but we never expect it or seek it. But again, that's our operating procedure and it's certainly not right for everyone. It's a process I rather like, I think it adds a certain kind of sincerity and credibility to what we do. (Like Pagans, Friends aren't always respected, or are brushed off as nutballs. We don't really care. LOL... the label "Quaker" itself is derogatory! We embrace it.)

The other thing you might try is to pair up with a business, a pub, a bowling alley, anything with a name in your commuity and do a food drive night of your own... get your members together who are talented musically and provide live music for it! Or a raffle, or something of that nature. Popular or unique live music can draw people in if you market the night well. Sometimes Pubs are really good for that kind of thing. Pubs would probably welcome pagans too. Get your musical folks together, find a pub that will let them play, and do a public food drive. You might get the pub to charge a "cover" OR "donation" to get in--all proceeds benefit your charity. Post fliers and a small ad in a local paper, and voila! You've been publically recognized.

Just don't expect the food bank to officially recognize your group... they likely will have reservations about doing that whether you are a church, business or pagan group.

Read the post above you.... It's not about posting our religous views to anyone when we donate to whatever all it states is that we donated whatever items to said whatever. How can we show people that we're not a bunch of devil worshippers if we hide the good we're trying to do? Postive press makes everyone involved look good. I do not see the big deal myself but I guess others would. People in the real world are not so edcuated as some of those in here are..I'm sorry some of you have a problem with that.

I am not suggesting that you hide anything.

If your purpose for giving the food is to get press coverage, then so be it. As MMW suggested, you could send out a press release.

And yes, that comes with the risk that the headline will read "Devil Worshippers Feed the Hungry." Which serves your purpose, since then you get to write a letter to the editor and explain that you are not ... and so forth.

If, on the other hand, your purpose is to relieve avoidable suffering, then why not just do that? Last I heard, wasn't there was something about three-fold return?

My question is does this food bank give credit to Christian organizations for donations? If they do then they are guilty of prejudice.

Fair question, but as to the comment, so what if they are?

The point of this imitation of charity, according to the original post, is to educate Christians about Pagans. There would be little gained by teaching people who already know the lesson.

Two days untill Ironman!
[/quote]
I cant wait till IronMan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If they cover Blackmore's Night 'All For One' then they certainly would make the pub rock. God I can't help but love this song and several of their albums especially 'Ghost of a Rose'. Here is a link to the All For One video: linkage

do me a favour.. let me know if somebody claiming to be from a newspaper comes along taking photos/video for a supposed newspaper article that never eventuates...
hope you're all wearing your masks

We do a press release thats part of it below are some examples of what we're talking about. Um.. thats the Wiccan rede btw...



http://www.paganpride.org/what/releases.html




One day untill Ironman!

There is an Irish pub here that has some really good bands we might look into seeing if one of them can play. Alot of it depends on money too which we raise ourselves.

See... that's exactly what I'm talking about, but reverse it.

One, it's an Irish Pub, they'd probably welcome and partner with a Celtic/Druid group. These people could potentially be that business connection I was talking about.

See if they'll set aside an evening where you can do a food drive, YOUR group provides the music (you must have some musically talented people in your group), and charge a "cover" and/or donation at the door. Meaning, the person wanting to come into the bar, can either donate a can of food, OR pay $3 or something to get in.

Put signs up all over your town, advertise ahead of time that you're doing a big fund/food raiser.

You'll be driving business to the bar, you'll be accomplishing your goals, AND it would probably be a lot of fun too!

OK heres the problem with that idea one I'm not sure if the bar wants the press for having a bunch of Pagans holding thier event there. Remember this is the bible-belt it was a big deal to get the blue-law here passed. Second people are stupid I can see it now Pagans go on drinking benge at Irish pub while raising money for charties!

I think a park is the best way to go just because some people associate Pagans with nature.

it's not the venue that I'm so hip on, I get what you're saying... totally. It's a negative connotation. However, it's the general idea of getting a third party business involved that I'm pushing, that was just one example. A secular third party business. Focus LESS on the pagan aspect, focus more on the community aspect, with a "by the way, we're pagans"

You're clearly not trying to convert anyone, you're not trying to start a fight, you're just trying to say "Hey, we live here too, we're here to help this community as much as you are, so let's stop being leary of each other and let's get down to the business of making our town a better place to live."

Here's another idea... is there a Unitarian church in your town? Bet there is... THEY might be some stellar partners for your group. Unitarians by in large are SUPER tolerant and universal.

I just think you need help with this, a business, an individual, someone who supports you that isn't YOU.

That goes a long to changing public opinion and image.

I think doing it in a park is the place to do it. There are people out there who wish to become Pagans and want to join a group. Nobody is looking for converts, but it is nice to have people who are interested in finding other Pagans to know you are there. Another thing about doing it in a park is you are keeping it family friendly. In my community all of our public rituals and gatherings are family friendly, because most the Pagans I know have children.

Question Norwood. How is the food bank going to help with the donations?

I don't know what its like where you are, but I'm in BC. An example of how it might work here - just today, we went to my son's belt ceremony (taekwando) and we were all asked in the newsletter and verbally to bring a non perishable item for the Food Bank. So now we know that the Martial Arts school supports the Food Bank. Mightn't that be what you would do? On all of your flyers for whatever venue you hold, you just put a request for items for the Food Bank.

One thing I haven't said & maybe I should of is that one of the main reason why we need the charity to say we're giving the donations is because no one else can say that we're keeping the food or whatever for ourselves.





Ironman ROCKED!

[quote name='MissMelsWell' date='May 1 2008, 10:39 PM' post='2276613'

You're clearly not trying to convert anyone, you're not trying to start a fight, you're just trying to say "Hey, we live here too, we're here to help this community as much as you are, so let's stop being leary of each other and let's get down to the business of making our town a better place to live."
Here's another idea... is there a Unitarian church in your town? Bet there is... THEY might be some stellar partners for your group. Unitarians by in large are SUPER tolerant and universal.
[/quote]


The problem with the UU church is is that they have a sorted past which is too much to get into here, here they are called CUPPS & we want them involved but they are waiting to see if we make it past this first event before getting thier names involved.

I got to thinking the Harry Chapin food bank is non faith based. Do you have them near by. We usually donate to them, but then we don't usually advertise where the food is going. If somebody ask us we tell them. When you give the food get a receipt in the name of your organization.

No, I looked but thanks anyhow we'll just keep looking is all.

That could happen???? I would think that if you gave them bins of food, they wouldn't even question your religion.

What matters is the collection of the food. THAT is where you will get noticed as supporting the community. During the event! Not dropping off the food after. And to prevent people saying you're keeping it, get a receipt. (What's the matter with people that they would question this anyway? I'm shocked!)

Maybe I live in a more tolerant area but that's just awful!

I am still confused as to what the Food Bank would do for you the day of the event. You are hoping they will advertise for you? I've never heard the Food Bank here advertise for any particular business or other. Its the other way around. As I gave an example earlier. Maybe its different in the US, but that's not the impression I get from the other posters on this thread who say otherwise.

By law, the Food Bank MUST write you a tax receipt for the donation. No ifs, ands or buts. If the organization won't write a tax receipt, beware, they're not on the up and up.

They might not announce that you gave the donation, but they do have to write the receipt.

Like I said by the food bank openly saying that we donated to them then no one can say we kept it for ourselves. We do plan to have bis saying that this is where the food is going to, but I am not sure if there will be anyone there from the food bank. Once again please keep in mind that people do not always pratice religous tolerence in the real world. I am sure that we do live in the bible belt has something to do with that. Being that this will be in the newspaper we want it to say that we did donate said items to a food bank. I don't get why I'm getting slack... chruches make sure that they get press for doing things all the time so whats the big deal? You can not tell me that churches in areas where some of you live do not take credit for donating to charties.

How about the humane society they are all way looking for pet food or some other animal shelter. They are usually willing to send some one out to collect money, food and do adoptions. The guy that owns our ritual grounds had a fund raiser for a wolf sanctuary who takes in wolves, wolf dogs and some big cats whose owners can't and don't know how care for them. We did pretty good for them. I did tarot readings at the festival to help raise money. The lady who owns the the sanctuary brought out some wolves for people to pet. Later she brought one to our medicine wheel ritual. We all felt very honored to have him in our circle. We all got wolfie kisses too.

I do not think that they will be a problem do get or do get them to say that we dontate food to them either. Some in our group want to make sure that we have a food bank for humans as well. I don't like you anymore getting Wolf kisses & all......

I think you're missing the methodology here norwood.

Yes, churches, Girl Scouts, rotary clubs etc... get press for doing charity work. But not in the way that you're thinking. They get press because they market themselves. It's NOT the charity jumping up and down saying "Hey look what First Presbyterian gave us!" .... It's First Prebyterian jumping up and down saying "Hey look what we gave to Charity"

Pay very close attention to the messaging and who that messaging is coming from. Generally it's not the charity.

Aww wolfie kisses are nice. You just don't know how big they are until they put their big paws on your shoulders and give you a big wet one right in the face.


The MS society gives credit to companies who donate money to the MS walk and bike athon.

That's what I was trying to say. Thanks MissMels.

I'm on an Endowment for a local Children's Hospital. It's a charity for uninsured kids and their families (uncompensated care); we cover their medical bills. Now, we are officially a hospital charity. The Hospital itself won't even take direct donations. BUT people give to our endowment all the time; We recognize all our donators regardless of who they are, but the hospital recognizes none of them. Although, they DO recognize our endowment (kinda, it's pretty low key). We do however generate a LOT of press on our own though, it's what helps in keeping the donations rolling in. We have no paid staff, and the major yearly event we're involved in (which generates tons of national and international recognition) is paid for solely by good people who are interested in the cause. We've recruited some pretty high profile people as well... including some NASCAR personalities.

All this takes WORK. Hard work. Constant work. It's a labor of love.

I agree with MMW but sometimes some of us just want to be martyrs and claim how the majority is persecuting us. I know from experience because I used to have the same mindset before. The issue of Christians vs Neopagans vs Christians vs Neopagans vs Ironman should not even factor into someone simply donating

lol had to mention ironman mate but either way i hope it all works out for you and yours in the end. blessed be.

Awesome. Kudos to you! Nice that your group recognizes the donors too.