Dear Heloise: I read with interest Julie G.’s letter, from Tucson, Arizona, about being overwhelmed with letters from charities. My mom, God rest her soul, received “begging letters” from every religious charity out there and, unfortunately, gave many of them money.

When she passed, I thought writing “deceased” on the envelope and putting it back in the mailbox would solve the problem. This was not the case. I asked my postal service carrier about it. He said unless the item is sent to you via first-class mail, it will not be returned to the sender. It will be discarded at your post office. Most solicitations are sent via bulk or third-class mail, so the post office is not obligated to return it to the sender.

If I receive something now (after three-and-a-half years) addressed to my mom, I open it to see if there’s a stamped envelope inside. If there is, I write a note on the return form and send it back to them: “Mrs. X passed away three years ago. Please update your records.” So far, it seems to have worked! — Kathie Hook, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

WOMEN PUSHING CARTS

Dear Heloise: I wanted to write in with another response to the reader who was outraged about women pushing their own shopping carts. Since his retirement, my husband is often at the market with me. But pushing the cart gives me support for my recently replaced knees and my wonky back. It lets me go up and down the aisles with my list, while he is off looking for the perfect hot sauce or a new imported beer.

Honestly, it reminds me of being in the market with my kids when they were young! (Except this one lifts the heavy stuff.) — Sally Miller, Belmont Shore, California