Dear Heloise: You recently had a comment from someone who was annoyed about nonprofits mailing appeals for donations. They were critical of this method of fundraising, since these nonprofits share names from their mailing lists, as well as the costs associated with these types of efforts.

I worked for a nonprofit children’s charity for many years and wanted to share what I learned. Direct mail appeals are a cost-effective way of fundraising, often costing 10 cents or less to raise $1. Charities use bulk mail rates so that the cost to send appeals is minimal.

Some charities may share their mailing lists with other organizations, but the one I worked for did not. If you don’t wish to receive mailings, let the charity know. It can take several mail cycles for all mail to cease. Most charities have a website if you wish to learn about their mission and donate that way instead. — Martha, in Richmond, Virginia

SENIOR SAFETY

Dear Heloise: I am in my 80s, and I had been really afraid every time I stepped into my walk-in shower. I was using the standard “suction cup” mat. However when the shower or tub base was soapy, the mat would still slip … until I found the perfect mat!

It’s like a loofah texture with a rubberized bottom and a soft loofah top. It does not slide in the shower or tub. I am no longer afraid to step into my shower. I have a shower chair as well, but can now stand without fear. It’s so safe! I also bought one for my in-laws. — Charmaine, in Virginia

VINEGAR CAN

CURE STINGS

Dear Heloise: I read with interest the hint from Loretta, in Colorado, about using vinegar to treat mosquito bites. I never heard of this, as my mother always did the proverbial “X” on the bite with her fingernail to stop the itch.

However, I would like to add that my family always kept a bottle of vinegar in the wale of our ski boat for jellyfish stings. We live on the Gulf Coast where there are definite seasons for the buggers! You can also pack a small bottle in your beach bag. — Renee, from the South

LEFTOVER LOTION SOLUTION

Dear Heloise: After reading several readers’ solutions on getting leftover lotion out of a pump lotion container (I’ve tried all their solutions), I have a winner! I used a flip top off of my soy sauce bottle. After cleaning it and screwing it on (it was a perfect fit), I turned the lotion container upside down, and voila, lotion to the last drop! — Marge S., in Decatur, Illinois

BEDSHEET HINT

Dear Heloise: This may seem like an odd hint, but I like it: I only sleep on half of my bed, so after one week, I swing the bottom sheet 180 degrees so that the bottom right corner is now on the top left of the bed. Then I flip the top sheet. It saves time you’d normally spend washing! — Nancy Powlas, in San Antonio