Fundraising? Don’t Call Me, I’ll Call You

My household receives a constant stream of phone calls from the likes of Telefund, The Share Group, and other similar entities. At least, that’s what my Caller-ID says. They serve as the middlemen for charities and non-profits trying to get donations. To all of them I say, “Stop it!”

I don’t know who the frak you are. I’m sure as my weed-lawn has some blades of grass in it that I’m not going to be sending you any money. Why? I told you: I don’t know who the frak you are. When I give donations, I give directly to those I want to give to. Nothing you say will change that. Not that I know what you plan to say because when the call goes to voicemail you never leave a message.

As long as you are going to be permitted to harass me like this, I insist that you leave a message. Not that it will help you, but at least you will respect my time by having to donate some of yours. Who knows, maybe you’ll say something that touches my heart and leads me to call an agency that addresses the cause you are shilling for. After all, that is the point of this exercise, isn’t it? I won’t be calling you, however. I don’t reward annoying behavior.

To the charities who employ these goon squads, I don’t blame you. Call centers are expensive, and they take away from the mission you are trying to accomplish. I get that. (Besides…your direct calls annoyed me as well.) Still, I don’t give money to those who cold-call me. If I don’t call, you don’t get. I try to stay well-informed on the issues of the day. If it touches me, I’ll find you. I always have.