I Give and You Sell Me Out?

[Joe Gensle]

The question on the form seemed innocuous enough, words to the effect, "Would you like to release your [identity, name, or contact information] to the United Way recipient(s) of your contributions?," and I thought, 'Sure, and I'll get updates from them without having to do research online.'

The phone rang last night, the caller-ID revealing a local number but no name.

"Hello, is this Joe?," and after I answered, "Yes, who's this?," the woman launched into a practiced pitch identifying herself as a fundraiser for something other than Wounded Warrior and the local food bank to whom my payroll deductions go.

So one of the two is selling their contributors' information, or contracted to turn over their list in exchange for solicitations to be made on each's/either's respective behalf--and I could be way wrong.

As irritating... annoying... reprehensible as I find being part of a sold 'suckers' list, it's just the additional price I... that we pay, taking lumps along the way for the greater good.

Even if it wasn't Wounded Warrior or the food bank who sold me out, they each nourish in different ways, providing  sustenance to go on another step, another day, a next meal, maybe the last ray of hope, and I need to remember that when the next call comes in.