That might sound harsh, but I’m at the end of my rope. I spoke about this on my podcast (CQ 286) and the day after recording I saw this post on Reddit complaining about charity spam. It is a nightmare and I’m not alone.
I don’t know if they sell your data or other charities get your data from some public reporting, but it is not worth it. I’ve donated small amounts without issue previously, but my partner made the huge mistake of donating $100 to Smile Train via a friend’s fundraiser and ever since them my mailbox is full every single day. We are fully on the “These suckers are willing to give us money list” of every charity on Earth now.
There is no spam folder. There is no way to stop it. And it’s not just the volume, you’ll be getting pictures of birth defects, medical issues, and injured animals on these envelopes. It’s psychological warfare.
Some of their websites have a contact or opt-out page. It won’t stop them.
Catalog Choice and DMAChoice will not stop it. Did they cut back on the spam? I can’t even tell.
You can use their return mail envelopes to send messages requesting opt outs. Of course that won’t stop them. Many of these companies make you use your own postage on the reply mail now as well.
Never let any charity have your information!
Out of all the evil, big tech data-harvesting operations out there charities are among those driving me the most insane.
Donate cash. Donate time. Donate items. Volunteer. I will never give a charity my name, digital payment, or address again. I don’t think church collections or Salvation Army Santas are a good use of charitable donations but do that if it makes you feel better. Be honest, the primary reason people donate is just to feel good about themselves.