Originally Posted by
Granpooba
Just a couple of weeks ago my best friend told me a story about his Co-Pilot. It seems that his child was born ill and would need constant attention for the rest of his life. This fellow became a Single Parent, only because his wife did not want to deal with the situation.
Thru, the years this fellow had to purchase equipment as in wheel chairs, lifts, etc., just to move his son around.
With his son's 12 th birthday approaching he decided to purchase a new lift for his son, which totaled out to the sum of $12,000.00 and he paid for it in full. But, before his son reached 12, the child died. Now this father was stuck with a paid for $12,000.00 lift. Knowing that he had no more use for it, he thought what can I do with it ? He thought about it for a while and decided to call " Wounded Warrior Project " in his area, of which I believe was the Jacksonville, FL area. He was sure that Wounded Warrior's could use the lift for our soldiers and offered it to them FREE as in absolutely no charges.
Do you know want to know how the Wounded Warrior Project replied to his offering. Well here it is from the mouth of the Wounded Warrior Project representative. QUOTE: WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT ONLY ACCEPTS MONETARY / CASH DONATIONS AND NO WE DO NOT WANT THE LIFT !
This fellow was stunned ! Could not believe the reply that he received ! He eventually called some local hospitals and they put him in touch with some rehab institutions and he offered one the lift, whom were overwhelmed and grateful to receive such a generous donation.
I can only say, that after I heard this story and now that you have read it, that all you folks out there will have to decide on your own and make up your own minds as for donations to Wounded Warriors Project.
Let me PERSONALLY say now that I am a VET ! I know many Vet's and have seen the horrors that wars have brought to our soldiers. I believe that as Wounded Soldiers they all deserve our respect and support. BUT !! Until the Wounded Warrior Project cleans up their act and proves that they have to the general public , that no more monies should be given to them.
Like I said, this is how this VET " Personally " feels and thinks.
To me this is about preparation and messaging.
I can actually understand why they would not want to take possession of an actual item, even more so one of this size. They aren't geared for this, nor set up for this at a national level. After my grandmother died we were shocked to see how many organizations would not take her $5,000 motorized wheelchair. Most said the same thing, they didn't have a way to get it, were afraid of the liability issues etc etc. Couldn't sell it as most people who needed it could have it for next to nothing through insurance. We ended up donating it to Goodwill.
Now given the WW's size and scope of operation, I can't imagine it would be difficult to set up some type of system to deal with these types of generous offers such as yours. They don't know all the agencies out there at local levels with these types of needs? Why take a potential donation (either now or the future) and say no, we want cash only, rather than say in a more polished and appreciative way...We want to thank you for this however we are not able to pick this up, however we have sent your information on to XXX Company who will be in touch, or "we can't take this, however here are 3 agencies in your local area that you can contact, they might be able to use this.
Perhaps the organization, with their prior leadership, became to focused on growing the donations rather than looking at other ways they could be helpful. The new leadership team has their work cut out for themselves.
Thanks for your thoughts/comments, and your service as well.