DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a member of a national organization that requires $90 annual dues to help with many very worthy projects. A few times a year I will be sent a "gift" from the current president and a letter asking for an extra donation toward her project of the year.
In the past, I always sent extra to help. This year we have experienced a lot of personal hardships, and my donation was smaller and slower being sent in.
I just received a letter informing me that I needed to pay for my "gift" as soon as possible. It is a cheaply made plastic tote bag. I think this is rude.
What should my response be? I would like to return it with a note.
GENTLE READER: By all means, do that. If you can explain to this organization that unethical business practices -- sending unsolicited merchandise and then demanding payment -- raise suspicions about the ethics of an organization, Miss Manners will consider that you have made a valuable contribution.