My Nonprofit Reviews

Until recently I was an avid fan and supporter of Random Acts, the charity founded by actor Misha Collins. However, in more recent months I have seen a change in direction for this charity, one that I think shows a fundamental lack of compassion and interest in their supporter base. I (and several friends) have completed acts of kindness through Random Acts' funding program on different occasions in the past and been able to help many individuals. Those experiences were heartwarming and incredible and the staff that worked with us to complete those acts of kindness was helpful and enthusiastic, compelling us forward when we had questions or doubts and offering suggestions and cheerleading when we needed it. I was never afraid to ask a question or felt that i was being talked down to or being a bother. Answers were always prompt and clear and very kind.

Unfortunately it appears that Random Acts has restructured and replaced all of their staff and the new people are not of the same caliber or compassion as previously noted. After inquiring about funding for a new act of kindness, I was snippily informed that "policies have changed", that the former staff member I worked with before was "gone", and that I would not be able to carry out my planned act of kindness for a neighbor. You see, I wanted to purchase a gift card to a pharmacy and a local grocery supercenter, for an ailing woman who has fallen on hard times. I have completed similar acts in the past and it was a very rewarding and humbling experience. This woman is so deserving and sweet and I simply couldn't sit by while she couldn't afford adequate food for herself and her pets, and even went without her medications on occasion. As stated above, I was told "We don't do that. Our policy is not to pay for gift cards, sorry."

No. No you're not sorry XXXXX. You are condescending and rude and you seem to have the wrong idea about what exactly your role is in a charity I have personally supported and volunteered for, for several years. How would my purchasing and delivering food for an individual --not knowing their dietary restrictions or preferences--be as useful as giving them the autonomy to provide for themselves? How would I ever be allowed to purchase prescriptions for an individual (hint: I wouldn't)? Your new "policy" prevented me from helping a woman who is so very deserving and kind, but I suppose it made you feel better, to wield that veto power.

Due to these experiences, I now have serious reservations about the use of fan donations to Random Acts and I would not recommend this charity at this time.