It's a Sign of the Times

I hope the USPS is never put out of business. Don't get me wrong, I am all for saving trees, but I love to come home to the mail. I could do without the flyers, mailers and recyler/penny saver/coupon inserts each week, but I would rather be able to toss them then to not receive them. First, what would life be like without dog bites man stories or could you live without the term "going postal"?
Not likely...

But in today's mail, something unusual, unseasonal occured.

We received seven pieces of mail and four were appeal or solicitation letters. It's mid August, times are tough for most everyone but especially difficult are these times for nonprofit organizations.

A local charity sent us an emergency letter with an SASE marked RUSH URGENT! And the letter told of slashing programs, cutting staff and reduction in salaries.

A letter from a countywide agency was marked U R G E N T A P P E A L!
And throughout the letter crises one after another were highlighted.

An appeal came in today from a national organization about critical care for children with a response card URGENT APPEAL RESPONSE REQUESTED.

The final solicitation came from a global organization preparing to have to close its doors without my help. YES, You can count on my financial support.

These are all signs of the times.

What's a donor to do?

And if I had $100... would I split it four ways... would I give locally... would my money be wasted to a NPO about to close its doors with no reserves...
or would I save the money for a rainy day?