Some people might be wondering what to buy with their stimulus checks, but many religious groups have a better idea — donate it.
Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison, Wisconsin, has a “Share the Windfall Fund.” The idea came about after one member decided to donate part of his check to help the youth group. This weekend members of the church will present their checks at a potluck and help decide which missions, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters, they’ll support.The senior pastor at the church says if all 900 members give 10 percent of their rebates, the congregation could raise $40,000. He says “We’re using it as a teaching moment for us, an opportunity to think about our wealth and our resources and our responsibility.”
Elsewhere, the co-pastor at the Circle of Mercy church in Asheville, North Carolina, says his congregation of about 50 adults voted to give at least 10 percent of their checks to charities.
And a Quaker lobby group spokesman says their “Tax Rebate for Peace” effort has received more than 30 donations so far, averaging $100 each.
Religious groups traditionally receive the most donations in the United States.