DEAR ABBY: Many of us in our office are wondering about something that happened at our office Christmas luncheon. All the employees were given a $35 gift certificate for food from a local grocery store. We were then encouraged to give it to a local charity (no pressure, of course). A box was provided at the door for us to drop off our gift certificates for those less fortunate than ourselves.
We think it is inappropriate to give a gift and then suggest that it be donated. What do you think? -- THE OFFICE GANG
DEAR OFFICE GANG: I agree with you. Once a gift is given, it belongs to the recipient to do with as he or she pleases. Regardless of how gently it was done, for a boss to "encourage" the employees to forgo the gift and make a donation was still arm-twisting. I'm all for charity -- but not when it's done in that manner.