Charity drives and time share presentations

I got a call from a charity drive this morning. "Hello, this is a Breast Cancer Society. We know you gave donations to us before and we appreciate that. Would you be kind enough to donate this year? We'll send you a card with the pledge. Would you prefer $100 or $200?"

It's actually my son who is very interested in helping people with cancer, so he gives donations every now and then from his own money to cancer charities. That's how they have my number. My son is at camp right now, and I am sure he would be happy to help again, but $100 sounds way too steep for an 11-year-old. "We can't afford to give this much" - I replied. "We understand" - the lady on the other end says - "how about a card for $30?" That sounds more reasonable. However, I feel strange that a donation drive actually bargains with you. Regardless, I say: "ok, we can do that." "Great" - the lady replies - "let me put my supervisor on the phone so she can verify your information." The supervisor comes on. "Would you like to use your Visa today?" - she asks, instead of verifying my information. What happened to the card with the pledge? It's my son who will be giving the donation, and I want him to see what it's for and feel good about the good thing he is doing. "I would prefer to receive a card and send a check" - I say. "This would be very inconvenient. Is there a reason you don't want to use your Visa?" What business is it of yours? Shouldn't you be grateful for the donation no matter how I give it? "I'd prefer to receive a card and send a check" - I insist. I hear the disappointment on the other side. "Ok, but when you receive your card, would you please send your donation within 2 days?"

Since when charity drives turned into timeshare presentations? "I have a wonderful 3-bedroom house for you for only $10,000 a month. You can't afford it? It's ok, I have a much better deal - a 1-bedroom for $2,000. You still refuse? Ok, you can go, but you need to talk to my supervisor first." Sounds familiar? This is exactly how I felt today talking on the phone. What happened to receiving an envelope in the mail with a letter describing what the charity does, asking for whatever you can give and thanking you for your generosity and your time? When did charity drives start pushing and bargaining? What did I miss? I feel very uncomfortable about this whole thing and I am sure this is the last time I (or any of my family members) gives a donation to charity that behaves this way.

In 10 minutes the phone rings again.
- "Hello, this is a Cancer Society. Would you be comfortable with a $100 donation?"
- "I am sorry, I just got off the phone with another Cancer Society and I already pledged a donation."
- "And we appreciate that. Would you be comfortable with a $15 donation?"
- "No, I am sorry, I am afraid we already donated all that we could this year. Good bye." - I don't want to waste my time talking to a supervisor.