Each year I make a list of ten charities which I wish to support, and send a set amount to each one of them. Each year nearly all of them send me a gazillion dollars worth (much more than my donation) of mail asking me for more money. They also send unsolicited items such as calendars, address stickers, etc. for which I have no use. It ticks me off to no end.
This year instead of donating on-line I am going to send checks stapled to the following letter. It is my dearest hope that it will put a stop to some of it, if not all of it. I'm also going to follow up on my "threat" of stopping donations to the biggest offenders. It pains me to do it, but what is the point of donating to groups that encourage such waste?
Dear Charity X:
Enclosed please find a check for $xx.00. I give to my chosen charities once a year, and occasionally donate additional amounts as gifts to friends and family. Please do not send me written or printed correspondence asking me to donate more. Please do not send me calendars, address stickers, or other items, except for any necessary membership cards or tax receipts. Please use this donation in whatever way you see fit, but do not contact me except by email. Next year when I make up my list of chosen charities I will be removing any who have buried me in unsolicited correspondence. Thank you for your understanding.
Yours,
My Name Here
My Email Here
