ArcaMax

What do you think? I've tried to look up some of these places on charity watchdog websites, but most don't even show up on them (which should maybe tell us something)!

Any advice?

– Worried

Dear Worried: Some “charities” (and I use that term loosely) seem to exist mainly to hook generous and concerned older people into the cycle you describe.

I use Charitynavigator.org to look into any nonprofit I’m interested in. This organization uses many different metrics to assess a charity, and its rating system has a reliable reputation.

I hope you will continue to keep a close eye on your mother-in-law’s giving. Go over these solicitations with her and, as you do – look up the organization to learn more about them, and show her the results.

She has the right to do whatever she chooses with her money, but she may be the victim of exploitation – or a scam.

I urge all of you to keep your giving local! Your local animal shelter, cultural institutions, library, and children’s after-school programs would all appreciate a boost. Your mother-in-law’s donation would go much farther, and she would have a personal connection to the institution receiving it.

Dear Amy: Thank you for your reply to “Casual?” who was dating a dad, but didn’t enjoy spending time with the man’s son.

I was so glad that you stood up for this boy. A child should always be the parent’s priority, and anyone dating a parent should understand this.

– Single Parent

Dear Single Parent: I appreciated “Casual’s” honesty regarding this situation.

========

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)

©2022 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.