I get that feeling, as well, Annette. But don't know why I should.

I don't always give but will always smile and acknowledge them. I am sure they don't always give to every one collecting at every store doorway either.

That I have it better than someone else.

I see so many organizations and individuals -  but I do not feel guilty.  I do what I can.  I volunteer -- we are planning on more times helping feed the needy and handing out clothing.  I know where it goes because I can see and visit with the people who receive things.

I also pick two or three causes to help.  I have always felt good about the Salvation Army, Shriner's Childrens Hospitals, KIVA and deported US Veteranas

You should not feel guilt. You do what you can within your budget and owe no one an explanation nor apology.

I only carry plastic and they typically don't have a method to accept plastic - so I can't "contribute"...

Wrong choices are the core. If you become a person of conscience, then guilt has no claim on you. To get to that level, change or repentance is required sort of like cleaning house. Heavenly help takes the reins after that. Begin when ready....

Worthy Note: failure to correct guilt leads to complications known simply as compound guilt which makes it harder for people to see what is ordinarily/easily see-able

That is part of the allure, but I give a large amount and done

We can only do so much.  You should not feel guilty.

I hardly ever carry cash.  I do contribute, but I have a set amount and when its gone that's it.

I walked past the bellringer and then turned around to drop $ money in.

I did feel guilty which is why I turned around.  I had a cartload of food that I did not even check the prices on...I thought of all the people that cannot afford even any food.

Eve

 Good morning Annette. We can only give so much. If he dropped a dollar in every time we passed a bellringer, you'd drop in a lot.  No need to feel guilty.

Good morning Annette. It would be very hard for me not to leave something, no matter how many time I was there, but is no reason the think badly of anyone that doesn't.

I don't feel guilty. I give generously once and whenever I see another bell ringer I smile and hope others are giving generously too.

No guilt here, I know that I give plenty in my community so for the greeters, I just say hello and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Are we giving out of a sincere desire to give?  Or feeling guilty that we should and do not most of the time?

This reminds me of the way the nuns could make us feel in Catholic schools.

Boy I feel the quilt if I do not drop in something.

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041  I give as much as I can to the bell ringer. Excellent post.

Salvation Army is perhaps THE BEST charity- management lowest salaries, many volunteer. 

Let yourself free of guilt. When you give pat yourself on the back and smile.

I do support the Salvation Army, and three other causes. However, I do not donate every time I go to the grocer store during the holidays. I have considered giving a smaller amount so each time I go to the grocery store I do donate, maybe next year. 

Annette,
I give a money and time year round to specific people or causes I know about first hand. Very few people do that to any extent. I consider the bell ringers are to give those who don’t give during the year the chance to help.

One source: that most of us would cut off an arm before we would disappoint someone.

I support St. Judes Children's Hospital when I can. 100 % of anything I contribute will go to the kids and their families not to administrators. If I have a few extra bucks I will give it to the bell ringer. If not, I just keep walking and have no guilt what so ever.

Wow, that is a very good question. Do you not want to disappoint people?
I don't think you should feel guilty at all. My favorite saying is 'Give till it feels good, not till it hurts'. And if that doesn't help, look up the CEO salaries of some of these charities, and the percentage of donations that actually make it to the needy. At this time of year, the ASPCA and Humane Society commercials drive me nuts. I do not want a DIME of my donations to make tote bags, T-shirts or calendars! So I donate needed items to our local shelters instead . . .

You have no reason to feel guilty as you did give.

Remember a nickel giver here and there soon adds up to do;;ars.

You should feel blessed to have the ability to help others who are less fortunate.

I carry a bunch of quarters this time of year. It's the thought that counts. If you give generously through the year to other charities there would be no reason for guilt. Could that be the source?

I have similar feelings in those circumstances.  I suppose it comes from knowing the bell ringer doesn't know the extent of giving in other places, times, ways.  

I don't geel guilty as I support a number of other organizations

Though Salvation Army is a good organization I prefer to give to other causes. I have zero guilt passing them.

Unworthiness.  

If I got change at the store I'll help, I don't feel guilty if I can't due to not having change.

You feel guilty because you do not contribute on a regular basis?

I gave at road intersection to homeless cash. Even I know many are fake but they can use the money....

By policy I don't donate to street people (for charity or not).  I want a donation receipt, to make sure it is a 501c3 company and to know where the money goes.

Guilt because we don't give enough or because that is the intention of those asking and they are good at it?

I commend your attempts at self awareness here, it's hard to face down feelings.

My twinge of guilt in similar situations is that I could do more, but I choose not to. I choose vacations and expensive dinners out, when I could instead give more to the less fortunate.

I give money and time to a number of different causes throughout the year, but the holidays and bell ringers make me think of cold, hungry children. I do think some of that is vestigial of my upbringing and some of it is just reminding myself to reverse the negative guilt thought to a positive gratitude thought. Sometimes you just have to retrain your brainwaves.

No guilt, give at my preference and make it count!