Donating with Paypal

September 7, 2005 1:09 PM

I'd like to donate to the Katrina relief effort. I don't have a credit card, but am set up with Paypal. Paypal seems to want me to donate to the United Way.

I somehow think, I don't know why, that I should give directly to the Red Cross instead of the UW. Would my money go further with the Red Cross, because otherwise I'll have no problem donating to the UW.
One of the first google hits for red-cross paypal is this one from 'Liberal Blogs for Hurricane Relief' through Drop Cash. Is this safe? I just don't know who can set up a drop cash donation page, and whatnot. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks

posted by jikel_morten to Human Relations (13 answers total)

If you get the Paypal debit card, you can use your balance as you wish with any vendor that takes normal debit/credit cards. Bonus is being able to take $$ out of your paypal account the SECOND you get paid from an auction or something.
posted by ernie at 1:14 PM on September 7, 2005

Not Red Cross but you can use Pay Pal to donate directly to the Katrina effert (to the displaced people OR to those caring for the displaced people) at Modest Needs

More about Modest Needs hurricane relief efforts

I have often donated to this charity. They investigate each individual request.
posted by LadyBonita at 1:18 PM on September 7, 2005

(sorry for the spelling error, my accent came out)
posted by LadyBonita at 1:19 PM on September 7, 2005

Just to let you know that we also have a MeFi member hurricane support fund. It is going to help both MeFites who were directly affected, as well as helping those who are hosting displaced people. It is showing about $1000 but we have raised about $2000 in pledges, plus the donation of other goods to be sent directly to those in need. I'm not trying to only shill for us, as obviously the Red Cross does great work too.

But, if you should wish to do so, the MeFi Hurricane Fund is here. More info in Meta Talk.
posted by fionab at 1:28 PM on September 7, 2005

If you're "set up" with Paypal, I presume this means you have a bank account. There's no rule that you must donate online. You can mail a check to your local Red Cross chapter.
posted by briank at 1:30 PM on September 7, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks fionab, I may just do that.

briank, I know, but I just prefer handling the funds instantly instead of dealing with cheques and worrying about coverage/bouncing etc.
posted by jikel_morten at 1:36 PM on September 7, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks LadyBonita, I'll take a look.
posted by jikel_morten at 1:37 PM on September 7, 2005

Check and see if there are any businesses offering donation matching. I was at Best Buy the other day and donated to the Red Cross there, because I knew (from fliers posted around the store) that my donation would be matched by the corporation. Double your money!
posted by Faint of Butt at 1:44 PM on September 7, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks Faint of Butt. Looks like Canada's Best Buy is matching too:


From now through September 30, visit any Best Buy store and make a donation at the register. Best Buy Canada Ltd. will match all in-store and online contributions up to $100,000.

Thanks all.
posted by jikel_morten at 1:52 PM on September 7, 2005

I'm all for donation matching but pay attention to their limits; Best Buy, for example, is matching up to 1M. Not that I don't appreciate that, but that means once they hit that 1M it's no different than donating directly except for the possibility of screwups and probably not getting a receipt (though I did not donate that way so perhaps you do get one - someone else can weigh in on that).
posted by phearlez at 1:52 PM on September 7, 2005

We discussed United Way donations this afternoon at work, so it's interesting to see this question come up. The Red Cross is there for immediate needs, but the United Way will be around to help people out for a long time afterward with their ongoing needs. It's human nature to want to Do Something Right This Minute to help, but in the long run, I think a donation to the United Way earmarked for Katriana relief is an excellent choice.
posted by Joleta at 6:22 PM on September 7, 2005

Not sure where you can find it (another ask.mefi perhaps?), but before donating to United Way, or even the Red Cross I suppose, you should investigate what percent of your donation will go to administrative fees. In the 90's, I know United Way was not particularly good at passing the bulk of your money along and they had that embezzlement scandal with their President. Not trying to bad mouth UW, but caveat emptor.
posted by qwip at 7:08 PM on September 7, 2005

Lake Providence Help is a small local group in northern LA that is accepting Paypal donations. I sent a few bucks their way.
posted by jacobsee at 10:35 AM on September 8, 2005