That's why, in my effort to downsize, I decided to donate THE BED to LOVE Inc (Love in the Name of Christ), who work to provide things for people in need. The flip side is good .... I get a rather large tax deduction instead of hauling it to the dump where it will take fifty years to disintegrate.
When LOVE Inc gave me the delivery address, I hesitated not once, but twice. It's in a bad part of town ... no surprise. I requested an early morning delivery time because I suspected any bad guys would be sound asleep. I was right!!
After pounding on the apartment door for five minutes, someone finally opened it ... someone who weighed in at probably 450 pounds and was having a hard time getting up off the floor. When I asked for Sandra, who knew the bed was to arrive at this time, they said she too was asleep. Well get her up please, THE BED is here.
I untied all my knots that thankfully held THE BED tight to the truck bed and waited as Sandra finally filled the door frame. I tried not to judge ... really I did, but I don't think this bed will support these people. No matter ... we began unloading, as she instructed them to lean it up against the apartment building .... OUTSIDE. Outside??
A fourth individual who had no family resemblance whatsoever, came to the door and said I was their new BEST friend. I felt a little better until he asked Sandra what she was going to do with THAT?? It will NEVER fit in here! She told him to hush up, in language I won't repeat. At this point, even if I DID have second thoughts about THE BED, there was no way I was going to try and get it loaded back on my truck. My life is worth more to me.
As I drove away, I had the distinct feeling that the bed would never make it into the tiny apartment. In fact, I'm almost positive it will simply garner them a few bucks when sold to someone else. I'm not happy about that at all because 1) it's a really nice bed in great condition and 2) I'm trying to do a nice thing here, to no avail. I tried to look on the bright side ... maybe someone in need will eventually get to sleep on the THE BED. I waved goodbye in the rear view mirror as they all went inside and shut the door, leaving THE BED propped up against the outside wall.
Monday, I'll report my delivery and request my donation letter. Guests are finally allowed to use the bathroom.
Such a shame when all we hear are so many in need. You did your best,time to let it go.
ReplyDeleteYou're right of course ... it just makes me mad to see people who are already scamming the system, try to pull one over on the very people who are helping them!!
DeleteIt's frustrating when you attempt to do the right thing & it back fires. Guess your first clue should have been was when "LOVE" never contacted you. If they had REALLY needed the bed, they would have been at your door right after you called. But as "On the Highway" said, time to let it go. Lesson learned.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a "cooler" day today, Boise is in the 90's....yuck!
Liz-Boise, ID
Yes, definitely lesson learned Liz!! It's been in the 100's here every day. Thank you for the Boise info ... I went ahead and made reservations at a park ... a 110 plug isn't going to keep the AC going for the puppies!! I'll give you a shout when I arrive!!
DeletePlease do! Though we are hopefully leaving in just over a week. We'll know more next Monday. We would love to meet you!
DeleteLiz-Boise, ID
I still think about the time we put a bunch of used computer equipment on FreeNet. Dave interviewed the respondents and picked the one he thought would best use it. The woman who picked it up obviously new nothing about computers. She said someone in their apartment complex was going to set up as many people as possible with the stuff but it sure felt to me like they were going to turn around and sell it. So I understand how you feel. And it is hard to let it go.
ReplyDeleteYup ... I think there's more scammers out there than you can shake a stick at!! Always looking for something FREE!!
Deletewe used to give a christmas to a needy family that we found on our own great lesson for our 6 kids. but we findaly went to a charity and were told what size tv to buy and sports team jackets for grown people we quit wwm
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea Wayne and a good lesson for kids. Unfortunately many aren't looking for help, but a big fat handout instead!!
DeleteI can see where it would be disheartening to not have your bed go where you thought it would be put to good use. But like you said, they may be passing it on to someone who needs it more than they do. At the end of the day, you did something kind from the heart, which is what matters.
ReplyDeleteDylan Lovell @ Mattress Sale Liquidators
What a hilarious story! I realize it is not nice to judge people in these types of situations but sometimes it is just too hard not to. Oh well, at least you do not have the encumbrance of the mattress taking up too much space in the house anymore. And you did a nice thing to boot!
ReplyDelete