DEAR ABBY: Please print this letter from someone who is tired of getting solicited for donations, especially those that specify how much one should give.
I live on a fixed income that barely pays for rent and food, not to mention my insurance and other obligations. I tithe at church and give to food projects and kitchen funds, so it's not as though I am stingy.
I have had requests to donate to several different causes and have been criticized when I do not respond. They have no way of knowing what my money situation is, so why can't they just accept whatever I offer and quit dunning me?
Abby, I'm doing well to support myself at age 78 without burdening my family.
I resent being made to feel guilty when I can't send money for cards and address stickers I did not order. I live in a senior citizens lodge, and most of the tenants feel the way I do, so please speak out for us. Thanks for letting me sound off. -- JANE W. IN BERKELEY, CALIF.
DEAR JANE: People are not obligated to pay for anything they did not order -- this includes stickers with your name and address printed on them. By the way, you are not obligated to return them either. Please share this information with your friends at the lodge.