Right-wing children's charity drive privacy FAIL.

[tanyev]

I just got an email forwarded from the local GOP and I find it very disturbing, but I don't know what can be done about it now. This claims to be an effort spearheaded by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in conjunction with the Heidi Group, one of those crisis pregnancy centers whose primary mission seems to be evangelizing.

It's your standard drive for warm coats and gifts for poor children which is great, but the thing that appalls me is that they included a link to a pdf which gives each child's full name, gender, DOB, school grade, and school they attend. It looks like the Heidi Group compiled the list and I can't believe they didn't make a separate list for public distribution. If this isn't in violation of any laws, it shows a callous disregard for the dignity and safety of these children.

Here's the text, with offending links omitted.

Opportunity to Bless a Needy Child at Christmas

Looking for ways to make a memory and have a very meaningful family project to be the answer to a needy child’s Christmas prayer? Here it is. Great for children of all ages, including teens, college students, grown children and grandchildren OR even your neighborhood club, church or synagogue.


Lt.Gov. David Dewhurst is once again working to feed and provide warm coats and clothing for some of the poorest children in Texas. The area surrounding Fair Park is considered to be poorer than the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans or the poorest area in the nation. Just over 40% of these children are living with elderly grandmothers. Many of the houses are in such disrepair, they are impossible to heat.

In cooperation with this effort the Collin County GOP, County Judge Keith Self, and the Golden Corridor Republican Women’s Club are working to collect gifts.

The Collin County Republican Party invites you to participate, and here’s how:
1. Click on link omitted to see the list of 1,333 children in need which gives their name, age, sex, clothing sizes, etc.

2. Choose a child (or children) from the list,

3. Then send an e-mail to omitted or call omitted to report your selection of the child(ren) you chose from the list. All donations are tax deductible and appropriate IRS documentation will be provided upon request.

The greatest need is for coats, gloves, a pair of sweats and shoe boxes with an assortment of toiletries & gift items. Please bring your gift(s) for a needy child(ren) by Dec. 20th by 1:00 pm to one of the following locations:


· McKinney: Collin County GOP Office

· 4 other locations omitted because they give the full name and address of what appear to be private residences


Please bring all gifts wrapped (in a box or large gift bags) with the child’s name, age and clothing size. Please include return receipts in case of size error.

We also invite you to join Lt. Governor Dewhurst at the Christmas distribution party...(at a church)....to personally deliver your gifts and/or help with the distribution. Lt. Gov Dewhurst will be there from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm. We encourage participation as this will be a heartwarming activity.

*If you are wondering where to start, the huge list is located at link omitted We suggest going to the first letter of your last name. You may even find a child with the same last name! (WTF?)

It is very touching as you look over the names and view all the different ages and schools to realize how much love we can show to these children at the distribution party where the children receive their gifts.

Carol Everett, Founder & CEO of the Heidi Group, has really presented an excellent opportunity to be a part of a very meaningful Christmas in providing for the needs of the children in very distressed times.

[hobbit709]

1. Potential pedophile database is what that is.

[sonias]

2. Very good point

This is very insensitive. Shouldn't this be reported to the A.G.'s office. Or at the very least contacting the local newspaper and describing why this information being made public is wrong.

:banghead: Stupid idiots!

[tanyev]

3. I posted it here to get some feedback.

You think it's worth notifying the AG? Stupid as it is, I don't know if it really breaks any laws. I don't want to do anything that keeps the kids from getting Christmas gifts.

[sonias]

4. I would just tell them you are concerned

At the very least the organization, can take the name of the child off the list. They can keep the age, gender etc - but the name is not necessary right?

If not the A.G.'s office - how about your local school district office?

Good luck!