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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Thank you, but No to Anonymous Donations

Anonymous donations came up the other day and it's not something I've blogged about in awhile, so thought it was time to discuss again.
**Isn't it nice when people donate anonymously, that means they don't need or want a public attention?**  Actually, no it's not nice in our setting for lots of reasons.
  • In the past when I would receive a donation without a note, I would spend hours, sometimes days trying to determine from whom the donation came.  Why?  Because I don't have a way of knowing if they just forgot a note, or if they want to be anonymous.  It's not uncommon to get a heads up something coming your way, forgot to put a note in the box.  Since I can't look into my crystal ball to know if they forgot or if they wanted to be anonymous, I always expended lots of time and energy tracking people down.  All those I tracked down were in fact people who'd forgotten...so I really never assumed someone wanted to be anonymous.  Luckily, that particular problem has really lessened.  THANK YOU
  • When a donation comes without a note, I'm not able to let the person know their items actually made it here.  Sadly, we have had a few situations with items lost in the mail, so it's best for everyone to know their items have been received...AND it saves them spending extra money to have it tracked.  (also less of a problem now with the changes in parcel post.
  • Obviously for my record keeping anonymous is a problem.  I need my records to be visible and without question.  You can be anonymous on the blog, but not with me. 
  • Sometimes I receive donations that aren't quite appropriate for our cause and it's important I have the ability to privately let the person know so they don't continue to send things that don't quite work.
  • Sometimes I have items that require repair by me before they can be donated, and it's very important to communicate that so changes can be made in the future
  • And..something I've never discussed here on line; but think perhaps it will help folks understand the magnitude of my being able to communicate with the individual, even if they wish to be anonymous on the blog. .. Bugs can nest in yarn and be transported from one house to another; bed bugs among them.  No, I've not had this happen; but I do know someone that has been unfortunate enough to be in that situation.  I did once, sometime back have a situation with yarn someone donated that I had to discard for related issues.  My apologies for feeling the need to post this; but as we grow it's sadly one negative by product of growth.
Some time back I indicated I could no longer spend the hours and days looking for people and therefore could not accept anonymous donations.  Thank you folks for understanding the ramifications.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

6 comments:

  1. Understand this now. In the beginning I thought that I just wanted to send in an occasional box to help out, no thanks needed. Always taught as a kid that you give from a caring heart and do not do it for thanks or praise.However in this situation I can see where it is definitely needed for many reasons. Think many people will understand better with this reminder.

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  2. I understand that one doesn't want to tout their giving, but I also understand from the viewpoint of the coordinator how important it is to be able to contact the giver. I am one who sometimes forgets to put a card in, but I generally do shoot off an e-mail or post letting the receiver know it's coming. I've been better about throwing a card in lately and will strive to continue to improve in that area. It's mostly when I'm in a hurry and packaging a multitude of items going to different places that I miss this crucial point but it IS important. I know you're grateful for each person who participates so kudos to you for taking time to help others understand the importance of this.

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  3. Thanks for this timely reminder. I also sometimes forget to put a note in my box but remember after the fact to send you an e-mail letting you know. I also am working on this.

    You are working SO HARD to make other lives a bit better Sandy. All the above facts should be something we ladies should accommodate you with to make your load a small bit lighter! Thank you Sandy for all you do!

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  4. I agree with your post completely Sandy. There are positive and negatives of being Anonymous.

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  5. Thank you Sally, Sandie, Sherry and Marjorie for your support. I need to use my time wisely and I need to protect my house and The Charity, Bridge and Beyond with so many good people involved.

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  6. Very good reminders Sandy.

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