Scrooge!

Marty learned about the plight of homeless veterans when he went on the John P Scapes Memorial Toy Run and saw the items being collected. He offered to help a local charity collect funds to make sure all veterans had stable housing. The charity had been in business many years, though this was a relatively new project for them. The director gave Marty a list of businesspeople who had never donated to the charity and suggested he try them first. Perhaps this new initiative would be something they would support.

Marty started with the lawyer at the top of the list. According to the charity’s record, he made hundreds of thousands a year.

Marty said, “I’m calling with an opportunity for you to give back to the community. Your donation…”

The lawyer interrupted, “My mother is dying after a long and painful illness. Her medical bills, even after insurance, are many times her annual income.”

Marty was taken aback. “Uh, no, I didn’t.”

“Well then, did you know that my own brother is disabled, blind and in a wheelchair.”

Marty began to stammer an apology, but the lawyer was still talking. “My sister’s husband died in a car accident and left her without a dime and with three children to raise.”

Marty said, “I am so sorry…”

The lawyer cut him off, saying, “I don’t give money to any of them, so why would I give it to you?”