I love the idea of Colorado Gives Day, one day for designating year-end donations to hundreds of in-state charities. It seems pretty straightforward to go through the lengthy list of organizations, click on those you wish to support with whatever amount you choose and then charge it all on one credit card. In return, you get one emailed receipt. Cuts down on paperwork, or so I thought.
That good idea seems to have deteriorated into a grab-fest. I have been inundated with mail solicitations from every organization I’ve ever supported and some I haven’t. I’ve put endless envelopes, solicitation letters, contribution forms and other detritus into the recycling bin. I am annoyed. I feel that too much of my donation goes to fund trying to wrestle more money out of me, rather than to the programs themselves.
Also, this avalanche of paper defeats a big part of the purpose of Colorado Gives Day. So far, I’m continuing to support those I wish to, but I am not writing checks, using envelopes, putting on stamps, etc. For 2018, stop it. Just stop it.
²ٱ, Boulder
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