The annual stack grows larger and larger

The stack is growing. And it’s only August.

My annual pile of calendars sent to me from organizations hoping that I will send money to them is growing bit by bit, mail delivery by mail delivery.

Apparently, I supported a couple of organizations a few years ago that, it turns out, put out calendars, and I “bought” two or three as a way of giving to the cause. And I use them. I have two or three at home and three or four more in the office. Above my desk, I have three: the prior month, current month and following month.

And heck, I like the photos, which might feature wildlife, beautiful places, history, Masonic places, patriotic images or airplanes. It’s all good, and keeping track of dates is important in my profession.

So I started with a couple of calendars, giving, like 10 or 15 bucks each to National Geographic, the VFW, the Commemorative Air Force (yes, I like old airplanes) or whatever. But like rabbits, the calendar family grows and grows and grows as organizations sell off their list of donors to each other.

And now, as of the last week in August, I have received – drum roll, please – at least 21 calendars in the mail. I say at least because there could be more, and some envelopes that I haven’t opened clearly contain two calendars – just in case I would want to give double.

Then come the pleading follow-up letters. “Did you receive our calendar (sometimes “our free calendar”)?” Then, having unsuccessfully guilted me into buying the “stunning ocean wildlife calendar” they send the letter that says, “Have we done something wrong?”

Yes, you are filling my mailbox with fundraising crap that I didn’t ask for!

Now, all this being said, I will pick out two or three that I like and will use them at home or in my office. Yes, I can get free calendars at businesses in town, but if I use one with World War II fighters or the beauty of national parks, I will contribute something for them. As for the rest, maybe I should leave a stack down here at the office and folks can come by and take one. Then at least someone will get some use out of them. But I’m not coughing up any more dough than I need to.

So do you want a calendar from Easterseals? I’ve got one for ya.