Most of us have nonprofits that we give to regularly — and they include food banks, medical researchers, animal groups and many others.

Sometimes, a bit of money comes directly out of our accounts, while some of us still send checks through the mail to support charities. And those are often the most comfortable methods.

But we’ve all been in line at the supermarket or a restaurant where either the cashier asks us verbally or the keypad asks us symbolically if we’d like to contribute to a cause.

How significant is this so-called checkout charity, and why do we give in those circumstances?

To learn more, I’m joined by Emily Barman, associate professor in Boston University’s Department of Sociology.

Part II: How Do Checkout Charities Work From A Business Point Of View?