How Much Does That Paper Cost?

Stop sending me junkmail.

You do some really good things at your place, and that’s why I gave you a little bit of money last year. But every time you send me those envelopes stuffed with paper, the odds of me giving you anything else are greatly decreased.

I remember when I donated to you last year. You sent me a typed thank you note and included with it a form that asked for even more money. Since then, I’ve received something from you soliciting donations almost every single week.

Sending me envelopes stuffed with paper every week does not seem fiscally responsible. How many more people could you help if you limited your mailings to 4 – 6 times a year? How much money are you wasting asking for more money?

Today you sent me another letter asking for money, along with a packet of soup. Why do I need a packet of soup? Use the soup you sent me to feed people who have no other food, please.

In contrast, let’s look at the example of Magdalene House. After making a small contribution to Magdalene House, I received a thank you note personally signed by some of the residents. No asking for more money, just a thank you note. I now receive quarterly newsletters from them detailing the work they are doing and the way the organization is growing. And guess what. They still don’t ask for more of my money. I feel like they just want me to know what’s going on with them. And if I can give, that’s great. And if not, that’s great, too.

I don’t know, Nashville Rescue Mission. Maybe your snail mail campaigns work well for you. I hope so, because I’m worried that your bombardment of donor’s mailboxes may be distracting people from your primary aim of helping the homeless. Please don’t let your quest for more money be the downfall of your ministry.

Thanks for listening.