It is a Letter Addressed to me asking for a Donation. Let me Read it to You.
For years, Mom has sent donations to different charities. Once your name is on that list, it ends up on other lists. Most of the mail we receive in our household is addressed to Mom. Except for an occasional bill, the mail is from solicitors, asking for donations. When my husband and I receive solicitous mail, we dispose of it immediately. Not Mom.
Each solicitation comes with an emotionally written letter, describing the sad story of a child or destitute person(s). As she opens and reads each one, she frequently calls upon me to listen to this one (it is a good one) and begins to read it aloud. I guess, I too, should be as moved by this story as she. All I can think is “Well written but is it true?” Not to mention the fact that I am standing at attention, acting interested and engaged (it is usually at a time when I am in the middle of doing something). After completing the reading, she usually poses a question and looks to me for a response. I am never sure how to respond. I have told her that this may not be true or legitimate (she could look it up online if she did not refuse to use a computer), and she should be careful to whom she donates money. So, I nod and do not say a word, for alas, it falls upon naïve ears.
One hears many stories about senior scams and how organizations take advantage of the elderly. How could they believe? Haven’t they ever heard of marketing? I was not as aware just how gullible the elderly can be, until I witnessed Mom opening the mail and believing in every story.
Since we moved, she does not receive as many. When she does receive one, and it is not a cause she cares about, I usually shred it.
Questions for you:
What organizations does the person you care for care about and contribute to?
Has the person you care for been the target of a scam?
What do you do with the solicitations received?
Helpful Resources:
14 Scams Targeting Senior Citizens (And How to Avoid Being a Victim) | Safer Senior Care