An Oklahoma Charity Rejected an Atheist’s Donation, So He’s Raising More Until They Say Yes

[WillParkinson]

Matt Wilbourn, an atheist living in Muskogee, Oklahoma, tried donating $100 to a home for local children (many of whom are orphans), but his money was rejected by the organization after they learned his contribution was made on behalf of a local atheist organization.

It started on Monday when a staffer at the Murrow Indian Children’s Home came to Matt’s workplace in order to print up some programs for an upcoming charity drive. For the past few years, his company had been printing those programs for free as an act of goodwill, but Matt was told by his employer they wouldn’t be doing that again this year.

Matt felt bad because he thought the Children’s Home was an organization worth supporting, so he figured he would make a contribution on behalf of the atheist group he runs.

He filled out the form on the spot, giving the staffer $100, and wrote in “Muskogee Atheist Community” at the bottom of the donation sheet.

Matt told me the staffer took the money and form, said “God bless you,” and left.

An hour later, he received a phone call from her:

“She called my desk phone at work and told me that they would not be accepting our donation because it would go against everything they believe in,” Wilbourn said.

The employee told Wilbourn he would need to change the name on the donation in order for the home to accept the money, Wilbourn refused, and the employee said the money would be returned.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/08/23/an-oklahoma-charity-rejected-an-atheists-donation-so-hes-raising-more-until-they-say-yes