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Donations a concern

3 min read

Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint about how much money raised by a FUNDRAISER goes to the charity:

I got a call from a cancer fundraiser and asked what percentage of my donation would go to the actual cancer patient. They said the fundraisers get the top, and when everything is paid, the cancer patient would get about 5 to 5 1/2 percent of the total money raised.

In other words, my donation would be paying the callers for their work, but very little really helps those who are suffering. — Mary S., via email

Oh yes, the “never heard from them before” charity calls! My take? If you know the group, have donated to them and feel comfortable, then maybe yes, maybe no. Most “cold calls” you receive are just as you stated — you don’t really know us, but we know you and are asking for money.

Frankly, I’m shocked the person told you the real amount that actually goes to the charity! Good question to ask upfront. If you don’t get an answer, HANG UP!

Worthwhile charity groups will be honest. Donate to ones you know and can trust. They are the good guys. Hugs to THE GOOD GUYS and GALS! — Heloise

P.S.: Many charities have similar-sounding names, so be sure it’s the one you want to help. Tell them you need to call back — what number can they provide? Probably none!

PRODUCE BAGS

Dear Heloise: Those thin plastic bags at the grocery store can be impossible to open. My husband came up with a solution: Take a handy “wipe” provided at the store and wrap around the cart handle. When you need to open a bag, wet your fingers on the wipe, and the bag opens easily. — Nancy F., via email

GAS FILTER

Dear Heloise: My use for paper coffee filters: Form a cone and place inside a small funnel, holding it in place with clothespins. Use it to filter gas when filling up a small push-type lawn mower or any gas-powered item that does not have an inline gas filter. You’ll be surprised at the stuff that the filter removes. Carburetors on small gas-powered items have very small jets that are easily clogged. — R.P., via email

VACUUM LINT

Dear Heloise: I found an easy way to keep the clothes dryer filter clean. I use a small vacuum and put the narrow attachment on. I remove the screen and vacuum away. The attachment fits in the slot where the screen is inserted, so I vacuum that also. When doing towels, I vacuum halfway through the cycle so that there is no buildup. It is faster and easier than cleaning it manually. — Sally G. in San Antonio

SEED SCOOPER

Dear Heloise: I cut the bottom off a gallon plastic milk jug and use it to scoop birdseed. One scoop fills my bird feeder. To fill the thistle feeder, I take off the cap and use it as a funnel. — Joyce in Vienna, W.Va.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise @ Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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