DEAR ABBY: I recently received an email from the grade school-aged son of a close friend, which included a link requesting funding to support his school sports program. My friend told me to expect such an email.
I'm not certain how to respond, as I always encouraged my children to communicate face-to-face when soliciting funds for their school programs, but that was years ago, and I realize this is a new era. It just seems so impersonal to ask for money electronically, especially when I barely know the young man. Are my expectations wrong? How would you handle this? -- CHECK'S IN THE E-MAIL
DEAR CHECK'S IN: Despite how the request was made, if you want to support the program, do so. If not, then don't. Personally, I would ignore the email, and if I was asked about it, I would politely decline.