6 Things You Should Know About Donating to Charity

No, says Miniutti, who believes a scattershot approach to giving can be personally unsatisfying. "If you come up with a thoughtful plan of how much, how often, and to whom you'll give, you shouldn't feel guilty saying no to any other group," she advises. Of course, if you genuinely want to support the (preferably well-known) charity the store is promoting, even your lone dollar will help. In 2012, 63 campaigns across the country took in more than $358 million total at checkouts. And stores and restaurants often waive administrative fees, so your entire dollar will help those in need.