Shiny Nickel
Wednesday, October 25th, 2006Today I received a letter from the American Diabetes Association. The letter proudly proclaimed that it contained a nickel and showed the new shiny nickel in the envelopes address window. My first thought was someone should inform the ADA that should not send cash through the mail. Quickly followed by the thought maybe they believe I have diabetes and this is there support they are offering to sufferers of diabetes.
Upon opening the envelope and reading the accompanying letter, I discovered that a mere nickel is spend on Diabetes research per American per week (Math: .05 * 52 * 300 mil = 780 mil). Apparently the ADA thinks 780 mil is too much, since they are sending out nickels to people. On the other hand, maybe it is some new accounting rule or a way to embezzle money out of the non-for-profit organization (1 nickel at a time!). Either way it is silly. Stop wasting postage on sending a nickel. Keep the nickel in your coffers.
Now the question is, if I mail back the nickel can I claim the nickel as a tax deductible donation?