An older aunt of mine recently said that from now on, instead of buying gifts for her nieces and nephews, she would be donating money in our names to charity. I thought this sounded like a great idea and even E-mailed her the names and addresses of several charitable organizations that I support, including the Alzheimer's Association, a local homeless shelter, and Saint Jude's Hospital for Children. We found out the other day that our aunt gave several sizable donations in our names to her local humane society. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against helping needy animals. I just think that if the donation is in MY name then it should go to a charity I support, preferably one that helps children in need. If someone donates money to charity in someone else's name, then shouldn't it go to a charity that person supports?

no. giving away stuff isn't a "gift", and doing it under someone's name who doesn't want to donate is nothing short of taking their money and doing what they want with it.

no. giving away stuff isn't a "gift", and doing it under someone's name who doesn't want to donate is nothing short of taking their money and doing what they want with it.
I agree. I think a better idea is for the person to tell their loved ones that instead of buying them gifts...to please donate it to their favorite charity.

It's not a "gift", it's rude. The only way I can see it as acceptable is if someone says to you "Is it okay if I donate money to a charity in your name? If so, what charity would you prefer?" but to donate money under someone's name and then tell the person what you did, it's rude and shows a lack of respect for that person and their belongings. yes, money is a belonging.

I don't think it's necessarily rude to donate the money as a gift, but I do think you should have a say in where the money goes.

I don't think it's necessarily rude to donate the money as a gift, but I do think you should have a say in where the money goes.

I agree! My grandmother and aunt both just send me a list of charities they they support, and I choose how much to each as their presents.

I agree. I think a better idea is for the person to tell their loved ones that instead of buying them gifts...to please donate it to their favorite charity.

So do I. Since I could only think of a handful of items I wanted for Christmas I sent my parents a list of several organizations whose missions I strongly support.

My Grandmother was extremely religious and her gift to all of her children and great/grandchildren was sponsoring a child for Christians Children Fund. As a kid I did not really appreciate the sentiment but as I grew older I looked forward to our Christmas dinners where she would update us on all of the children our family sponsored.

My Grandmothers last Christmas was 2 years ago and at that time we sponsored 59 families(one for every child, grand/greatgrandchild). All of our family have continued the tradition and we still sponsor 50 families a year.

It is not something that I would write down on my Christmas list as a gift but I do still believe it is a gift.

It depends on the person really. If someone gave to charity in my name as a gift, I'd be as happy as a clam!! Heck, you don't even have to do it in my name for me to be happy. Some people wouldn't care for that though, so it's an individual thing.

I'd be as happy as a clam!!

Why exactally are clams happy anyway? lol

One crucial thing I forgot to mention. I'd only like it if they gave it to a good charity. Not one of those charities that gives 5 percent to the actual charity, and 95 percent to the charitie's founder. So, if they checked with me about the charity first, then It would be a good gift.

Why exactally are clams happy anyway? lol

:lol: Hmmm, I never thought about that. I guess it's because I don't like clams, and so they know I won't be eating them anytime soon. LOL!!

Another reason they might be happy, is because I gave about $100.00 to the save a clam fund of America a couple years ago. :lol: