Unworthy, rude representative mars impression of worthy charity

Dear Heloise: I received a call from a charitable organization that said it would be in my area on the next Tuesday, and asked if I would leave a bag of clothes or household items on my front porch for a donation.

I explained that I had just donated a tub of clothing to a local women’s shelter, but that I was sure I could gather up some things.

On the scheduled day of pickup, I had to call four times looking for the driver, as it was getting late. I had been given the wrong information on the day before the pickup.

The driver finally arrived, and the first thing he asked as he was grabbing bags was, “Why aren’t those books in bags?” I explained that no one had told me books needed to be in bags. I had put out a whole set of encyclopedias. He refused the books. He was yelling at me on my front porch!

Sadly, I will not be donating to that organization again. What a shame that one driver with a bad attitude can ruin things for such a worthy organization! Sophie in Texas

Please don’t let one person’s foul mood affect how you feel about a worthy organization. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have to put my 2 cents in on doctor’s offices and scheduling. I have worked in a physician’s office for many years. We try our best to stay on schedule, and we do let the patient know if we are running behind. The biggest problem is with patients who schedule a routine follow-up appointment, but mention several new problems that they want the doctor to address. There also are patients who schedule one child for an appointment and then bring in all three children, expecting them all to be seen. This puts the doctor in an awkward position, having to explain that there wasn’t enough time scheduled and that they will need to come back for another visit. Kentucky Reader, via e-mail

There are always two sides (or more) to a story. Thanks for sharing this viewpoint. Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are hints to make your appliances last as long as possible:

•Always unplug appliances when cleaning or repairing.

•Never immerse the entire appliance in water.

•Clean the appliance correctly, following the manufacturer’s directions.

•Some appliances don’t work well if an extension cord is used, so make sure to check the owner’s manual. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Forever Stamps are not to be used for foreign mail. Mail sent out of the United States must have postage that displays a monetary amount. I enjoy reading your column in the Houston Chronicle. Patricia Roberts, Bellaire, Texas

We checked with the U.S. Postal Service, which said, “Customers can use Forever Stamps for international mail, but since international prices are higher than domestic prices, customers will need to attach additional postage.” Heloise

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate