Dear Heloise: Many years ago, I discovered that when I donated, I would receive requests from a number of other groups several weeks later — some that even advocated for the same kind of “causes.” Sometimes I could follow the progression because a mistake had been made in my name and continued to be made throughout these requests. There are some causes I support once a year in December, so I know I did not donate to them more than once.
For several years, I kept a list of causes and requests on lined paper. I changed the paper every 8-10 days each week before Christmastime. It also included political requests. Most I had never even donated to! (This did not include telephone requests, however.)
A neighbor was briefly hospitalized several times, and I took in her mail. I noticed that the “gimme” letters increased at an alarming rate. When her daughter was finally able to get in her house, she found that her mother had tried to keep up with these letters, but the kitchen table literally could not hold all the requests. Most weren’t scams. (It’s important to check on elderly neighbors who have no family or people who can check in frequently.)
Now, for several causes, we have the bank automatically send a monthly donation. (For example, St. Jude.) For other causes, I occasionally take an envelope and enclose a $20 bill without a way to identify us. If it goes astray, it’s only $20, and we don’t get on more lists.
Hope some of this is helpful! — Staying Off Lists, in Kingston, New York Dear Heloise: One reader said that placing plastic bags over daylilies protects them from deer. Well, I use an animal- repellent light to keep coyotes off my property. I put up the lights after they were destroying my newspapers. After I did this, there were no more ruined newspapers. I assume you aren’t allowed to mention brand names, but there are a number of products that can help. — Grace Hampton, Burbank, California Dear Heloise: I found a way to organize plastic containers and lids. I nest the containers, then stand the lids on end in a container beside the bowls. This makes it easy to pick the right size. — Lois Paul, Port Republic, Virginia Dear Heloise: My son is only 5 years old, and while we’re out doing things, he’ll sometimes get hungry and want a snack. But I don’t want him eating junk food or energy bars, which are basically just candy bars. So, I bought a small makeup bag that I carry in my purse and fill it with a bag of almonds, grapes or raisins. It takes care of his hunger without too much sugar and almost zero fat. — T.M., in Maine Dear Heloise: Whenever I prepare chili, stews, soups, lasagna or eggplant Parmesan, I always make a huge batch. We eat the first batch, and I freeze the rest in freezer- safe plastic bags. When I’ve had a long day, and I don’t feel like cooking when I get home from work, either my husband or I will get out a frozen dish and microwave it.
This is also great for when company unexpectedly drops in during dinnertime. There’s always enough for everyone. — L.S., in Oregon
