To hate charity bag packers at supermarket checkout

[DameEdnasBridesmaid]

I want to pack my own bag.
I want to choose who I give my charity donations to not feel obliged.
I think they are a bloody nuisance.

Always say no (main reason is when I had a budget of £20 for the week on food I didn't have a spare penny). They always smiled and been very nice about it. None story. Now have slightly more money I still say no as like yo pack bags and choose our charities to support.

Mickey... I would rather they didn't quite honestly and whilst nobody holds a gun to your head to donate, it is expected and it puts pressure on people.

This activity (charity collections excepted) doesn't benefit everybody it benefits specific selected groups/individuals. There is no need for them to be at the checkout at all.

'Generally frowned on'?

Is it really?

Where I come from, it's 'generally frowned on' to guilt people out of money, mickey.

Yes, it's a very nice idea to try to raise money. But the guilt-tripping is unpleasant. If you are so concerned, try offering something people genuinely want, or backing off if they say no. If you're actually being helpful, you'll make money. If you're relying on guilt, you won't.

(God, I sound like a wanker with 'where I come from'. Prissy my-way-is-best idioms must be catching, eh?)

My children do it for a sports club. Do you think they want to? Of course they'd rather not. And yes, it's frowned upon not to take part, because it's bloody boring. My children do it because we are part if a team and it's been decided for us by the committee. Actually everyone has been very nice when I have witnessed customers at the checkout.

I always give because I know what it's like. As Zammo says: "Just say no".

So, what, sorry ... we should pay because you encourage your children to feel the world owes them something for the time they volunteer getting bored?

Sorry, don't think so.

Why not just be satisfied with the people who genuinely need the help? Many do, and are pleased to give you money.

I don't care if you give or not. It clearly riles you. Have you thought of online shopping? It's the next big thing.

They make enough without the likes of you - but thanks anyway

Dont see the problem with it,if a child is doing something to fundraise to me thats great and even though we usually pack our own we always put a coin or two in the bucket. The only time i got a bit miffed was when some kids were meant to be packing bags but they were messing about and it took me a while to work out why they were stood there until i saw the bucket and clicked.so i didnt donate that time because i dont think it wouldve given the right message

Ok, then.

I'm not sure what 'the likes of me' is, exactly.

I don't generally go for online shopping, not sure why I should just because a very, very small proportion of people have no manners. Thankfully, it's rare.

I always give because I know if I was one of these young people I'd be hurt if somebody said no thanks. But I can see why people object. Especially if the cause is donating to the Head's new porsche fund or school trip to Barbados.

I don't mind being politely asked, provided that when I say no 9which I will always do) they back away from the checkout and don't hover and get in my way. I also have one of the 'granny' shopping trolleys - so they are probably relieved they don't have to work out how it needs to be packed.

I'd get irritated if they hovered, or I was required to donate regardless.

I love having my bags packed and I actually enjoy going with my kids to help with the charity bag pack - I love being out and about, chatting to people, some of you lot sound so miserable - what's so hard about a bit of small talk .

And if you don't want your bags packed, just say 'no thanks' it's really not that hard to do .

I find it more intimidating when it's a member of staff asking if I want help, especially when they stand and rustle bags making less space for my own bags.
Mostly I get a delivery now though, all avoided.

YABU. I volunteer for a small local charity that does these approximately twice a year, and they're by far and away the most lucrative fundraising activities that we do.

I've done it a few times, and have always been respectful to anyone who doesn't want help with packing. I appreciate it could be annoying if someone was hassling you or trying to guilt-trip, but I don't get why some find their mere presence objectionable!

I am generally fine with it. most of the ones I've used seem to have been drilled in vaguely sensible packing technique before they start.

however one time it was a ££££independent school netball team raising money for a netball tour to China. I chose not to use the service that day.

Mickey... It's attitudes like yours that make people want to either stop shopping at certain supermarkets, or ask them to veto all bag packers except charity ones. It's not going to be long before that happens, I think.

I'm not struggling for money but I've seen an elderly person in front of me rifile through her purse and handbag looking for coins for expectant bag packers.

At least acknowledge that your bag packing is of limited benefit and that it IS difficult for some people to ignore buckets and children standing by. Let's face it, that's why children are brought in to do it, no?

And what is with your patronising Zammo (drugs) analogy?

I like them.

I enjoy not having to pack my bags, but as I am able bodied I would never ask for help or agree to it when the shop assistant asks if I want any. Therefore having someone else to pack them is a nice bonus.

I also think it's good for the DCs involved as it's usually DCs. It teaches them how to work to earn funds, helps them to understand that their activity is dependant on others generosity and also hopefully teaches them to not take it personally if someone says no.

I can see why people may feel nervous about saying no to them, but I feel at least they are offering a service. I always feel guilty saying No to the Big Issue sellers but I don't want the magazine and don't actually want to pay that much for something I don't want but have to take - so I say hello and scuttle past.

I can't see the problem- they ask first, so just politely refuse. I let them help and organise them a bit.

I hate it too. It's not really up to anyone to tell me if I am being reasonable or not as it's how I feel. I don't always feel like interacting with strangers and I've never been asked if I want my bags packed they just automatically start doing it and once they have you feel as if you have to give.

I can't go for a sandwich at work without being 'chugged' three or four times, I get asked if I want my car washed as I get out of my car, offered RA bloody C before I walk in and now they've started having someone ask if you want to buy a charity raffle ticket as you walk into the shop - normally some poor downtrodden looking pensioner. Then you get to the till and some kid who avoids eye contact starts shoving all your stuff into bags. It's too much.

I give to charities by direct debit every month. I also don't want to give to the local rugby club for the kids to go on tour (my friends kids bag pack for this reason). If your kids want hobbies then pay for them yourself.

I have no problem with collections by the entrance but think this checkout practice should stop.

I don't like collections at the door. I not want the checkout collections stopped. I'm not involved in any bag packing charities by the way.