Patchogue, N.Y. (AP) – A New York charity says it has turned down a share of a $3 million lottery jackpot because accepting the money could send a wrong message to gambling addicts.

The Lighthouse Mission, which helps feed 3,000 hungry Long Island residents a week, had been chosen to share an anonymous donor’s jackpot last month. The donor gave the winning ticket to the True North Community Church, which said it would share the money with other charities.

The mission’s pastor, James Ryan, says he appreciates the offer but had to turn it down because his organization counsels against addictions, including gambling. He did not say what the mission’s share of the prize would have been.

So I was wondering, if you happened to run a church, shelter, or any ministry driven non-profit organization, would you accept the money? Why or why not?