22 February 2008 One Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

In the past couple of days, several requests for donations have come my way. A cousin is running in some sort of marathon and needs sponsors, a friend is getting married and a mutual friend is putting together a group gift, and Girl Scout cookie sales have started — my two sisters are selling, my boyfriend’s sisters are selling and half a dozen other relatives’ and friends’ daughters are selling.

During my time in the corporate world, those sorts of requests come even faster — I’ve even been asked for donations when I was only a temp and would be gone from the company within the week. It’s not so bad if someone posts a note in the break room and tells people to come by if they’re interested, but I’ve had some pretty pushy mothers wanting to know why I didn’t want to buy gift wrap to support a local school. After all, doesn’t everyone need gift wrap?

I can’t afford to participate in all of these ‘opportunities,’ just like most people, even though most of them are very good causes. But there doesn’t seem to be a graceful way to opt out. I can’t even use the “I gave at the office” excuse anymore. There are a couple of ways that I’ve been trying to get these requests under control, though.

• For kids selling over-priced candy and other junk in order to raise money for a band trip (or whatever else is the cause du jour), I usually offer a few dollars as a straight out donation. Considering how little money a school actually receives from those sorts of fundraisers, actual cash is usually a better deal for them — and less expensive for me.
• I also keep a stock of small gifts appropriate for weddings and birthdays. Then, when someone is attempting to take up a collection for a gift, I can explain that I already have something for the recipient. Sorry. Maybe next time.
• If it’s a sale for something that actually sells pretty well — I’m looking at you, Girl Scout Cookies! — I’ll often offer to pass the word around if I can’t afford to purchase them myself. I think most of my floor in college wound up placing their cookie orders with my little sisters.

I’ve also been practicing saying no to causes that I just can’t afford to support. I know it won’t make me the most popular girl in the crowd, but I don’t want to become a cause myself by handing out my hard earned cash. I’ve found that being able to point to a cause that I already support can make things a little easier, although there are some individuals who will still try to guilt you into a donation with a “What’s another $5 bucks?” I have to say that I’d rather that $5 goes into my savings account.

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