Taking change from a collection plate?

[Starisonthetree]

What would you do if you were handed a collection plate, or there was one at the exit, after a Children's performance.

You only have a £10 note in your bag and need £5 for later.

Would you take change of £5 from the bowl, not give, or give all and find a way round the lack of money later?

I thought one was acceptable but have been told otherwise by family....

See if someone else could change the £10 note for me. :)

But no, you can't take change from a collection plate.

I think I'd try and get the change from someone else first.

No, sorry you really can't take change! I know it's not logical but there it is

I would have popped to the shop before hand about something very small and inconsequential and got change before I went.

failing that I'd try and find change from somewhere there, failing that I wouldn't give at all.

I wouldn't take change from the collection plate

Seems like I have a minority view on this one, but its good to know what to do next time I'm faced with this, thanks for your replies

No, I don't think you should take change. I would give nothing and then make a donation to the cause later. It's about the giving itself, not the show of giving.

Oh see I would take change. Very loudly so everyone knew what I was doing. You're still giving money. As long as it's clear for all to see, I don't think it'd be a problem.

Agree with Wiki

But how polite is it to be "very loud" with anything relating to collection plates?

Aren't collection plates usually supervised by someone? Couldn't you have a discreet, apologetic word with them about needing to change the note?

I think a recipient would prefer to have some amount of money rather than nothing.

Obviously there could be sensitive situations when it would be very bad manners, but I can't see the offence in it generally if it's done in an apologetic way.

I think by being 'very loud' - I meant very obvious. So it's very clear to any onlookers what you're doing.