Metal Detecting for Charity

[West Jersey Detecting]

Each year I save all of my "non-keepers" (clad, Lincoln cents, etc). At the end of each year I have been dumping anywhere between $200 and $400 into the coinstar machine. It is nice to have a little extra cash around for a weekend trip, but I began to think about what an impact I can have on a less fortunate family. Then I began to wonder about how many others there are just like me and what an impact 100, or even 1000 or more metal detecting enthusiasts can have.

I think it would be a huge lift to the image of the hobby and even more importantly it would put food on the tables of those less fortunate than ourselves.

maybe events can be set up around the idea, like a detectorthon.

Is there anyone who has experience in the legal aspects of setting up such a charity?

How many people would be willing to part with their clad for a good cause?

 

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[MichiganJason]

That is a noble sentiment, But I feel if people are aginst mding, Nothing is going to change the way they feel about people "digging up" landscape, Where I am located people act like we are going to be using spades to dig holes.

 

[artemis moon]

My baby nephew was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. My plan was to save up all of my clad and at the end of the year donate it to the SMA Foundation. I think that detecting for charity is a fantastic idea!! My brother and sister-in-law are in desparate need of a specially modified stroller for their son at a cost of $6,000. I had the idea of trying to organize some kind of hunt for him as a fundraiser. Have any ideas??

 

[West Jersey Detecting]

That is a noble sentiment, But I feel if people are aginst mding, Nothing is going to change the way they feel about people "digging up" landscape, Where I am located people act like we are going to be using spades to dig holes.

The primary purpose would be to give to a worthy cause. If we change the way people feel, that is a by-product. A little positive publicity can never hurt.

Lets see what kind of reponse we get. I am runnning the poll for 90 days, and then we can investigate the logistics.

 

[Kiros32]

I think its a great idea. For those interested, we won't need to set up a charity per se. You know what would be cool, is for the next 6 months, everyone saves their clad, pools it, then sends it somewhere for Christmas...maybe a children's shelter or needy family. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

 

[N.J.THer]

Neil,
My metal detecting club already does this where each month people that don't want their clad bring it in and add it to the charity jar. They also collect the pull tabs for charity. It is a great idea and adds up very quickly...good luck with it.

A suggestion about cashing it in I think those Coinstar machines take 10% off the top which according to your numbers would be an extra $20 - $40. If you have a Commerce Bank by you they have a coin machine that does not charge anything.
NJ

 

[halfdime]

I already have a cause that gets my clad; each July, a check equalling my clad for the last year (rounded up to 5 dollars) goes to Mahaffey Camp. This year, it will be $90 or $95. One year, it was $105; that's a lot of money, a few coins at a time. I do like your proposal, however.

 

[BuckleBoy]

I like this idea a lot. It is true that we wouldn't need a charity per se. I'd love to see this type of thing become a reality. It would be great to get a detectathon going. Excellent positive publicity for this hobby, and that type of publicity never hurts.

Regards,

Buckleboy

 

[Colonial KirkPA]

It is a good idea. I would donate my clad coins...but, it would only be around $3. That can't get much.

 

[Steve in Michigan]

Its a good idea, but would need to figure out what charity it would be going to, which state, etc. etc. Just to let you know if you haven't read it already, Jimmy Sierra's granddaughter was involved in an accident and has spinal column injury. She is only 15 years old. Now you want to talk about someone who has given to this hobby, there you go. This news was in the new Eastern and Western Treasure magazine.

Your Friend,

Steve in Michigan

 

[Kut2TheChase]

I'm not sure any amount of charity work or positive publicity would change the way people view MD'ing.
Sorry.

 

[savant365]

My daughter was born with a bracheal cleft (a small hole in her neck/throat). At 6 months old she had to have surgery at Childrens Mercy hospital in Kansas City. At the time things were very tight for us and we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house near the hospital. The night we stayed there our car was stolen from the parking lot (as if my daughter having a major surgery wasn't enough stress). The staff there were so kind and helpful I will never forget them. So I have no problem at all dropping the change from my order in their collection box at McDonalds. I would never presume to tell people what to do with their money but this is one charity that I know for a fact is worthwhile and all those coins add up and do alot of good for alot of people. HH Charlie

 

[Ricardo_NY1]

Hey Neil,
I was thinking about doing that a few weeks ago, problem is I did not fully agree with where the money was going to go. I'm glad to hear the story Charlie had to share about the R' McDonald house. Gives me an idea. On a serious note, there is no way I'd part with my hard dug clad........I would have to count it, and whatever it sums to I would pull some backed up by clad paper money and donate that instead

 

[piggman1]

The idea is good and noble, but I have a problem with charities. Most of the money is spent on other things and very little goes to the actual cause. Second, I don't think it would change peoples veiw of our hobby. I wouldn't mind donating to a detectorist lobbiest who was fighting legislation, to keep our hobby alive, if there was such a person as that.

 

[N.J.THer]

I agree with Piggman on this one. Although I do give to charities each year the bulk that I give is to local people that really need the help.

My favorite is getting information about a needy family then buying them Christmas presents. Through work I get the first names and ages of the parents and kids with their wish list. It really makes you thankful for what you have. The parents usually ask for gift certificates at the food stores and clothes. The kids usually ask for clothes, school supplies and a few toys. We make it a family effort and are usually able to fill the entire wish list. It helps out a family during a hard time and makes you really feel good inside.

NJ

 

[garrettman64]

Metal Detecting for charity is totally awsome.
I spent $45.00 for a doo wop ticket to see many groups 6 acts will attend at least one orinal mabe more to a group.

I Love helping a good cause

 

[bclark]

I like the idea a lot and I think that most places have a metal detecting club and maybe if the club raises the money and then writes a check from the account at a specific deadline the word will get out. All you need to then is get in contact with a reporter to print or air the donation. While in the Marines as a recruiter I participated in the Marine Corps program, Toys for Tots and all I did was ask a news station or the newspaper for some coverage. Granted I was in my dress blue uniform. You will find that most places like newpapers and small radio stations are looking for some "filler" for their program, especialy in small town where not a lot happens. I started saving all of my pull tabs I find and give them to the Ronald McDonald house. Since I find many tabs my contributions are large. I dont even have to go anywhere since there is a large number of Officers that raise finds for the Ronald McDonald house.

 

[outraged]

I love this idea...I would donate my clad....Heck....If we can get DFXGregg to donate his we could buy a needy kid a new house and car...lol. I think we should collectivly pick a cause and 2 weeks before christmas make a group donation in the name of T-net. I always love toys for tots.....1 because I am a marine...and 2 because KIDS can not help themselves ... It is up to kind hearted people like us to help them. Let me know...My clad bucket is getting full....I do not find alot of clad...however I have 7 or so years of it.

 

[West Jersey Detecting]

I love this idea...I would donate my clad....

How bout donating that flowing half...To me!
JK

I like your ideas!

 

[mirage hunter]

Good Idea!! But to many charities! I think you would have a big problem getting every one on board from what I have already read from just these few post every one has there own thought on a deserving charity. If you named a good charity and then possibly got a sponser to donate a prize for the person who donated the most clad then you might get alot of people to commit to this idea!! And to make it worth while why make it a one day event! Make it over a period of time the rewards for the charity would be much greater!!