Agghh! I'm being stalked by the local chapter of CFF

[Ratatosk]

When they first started the great strides walk in our area a few years ago, we signed up to help and ended up being on the organizational committee. I'm not comfortable contacting businesses for donations of food, beverages or money, but we've helped out with other stuff.

Well this year some of the major volunteers/organizers had conflicts -- health issues, out of town... So we're a bit shorthanded. Then one of the CF foundation workers got a better job offer and we thought we were going to be left hanging. CFF stepped up to the plate, said, we're going to be there to help, don't worry about it.

Well last minute, down to the wire I'm getting a zillion emails from the CF person they're sending up to help with the walk --- did I!!!! find anyone to donate fruit, granola bars, pizzas? Could I pick up the donuts, rolls, sandwiches, coffee, ice. How 'bout doorprizes -- any ideas about that? Eeek! Okay, I'm getting up at the crack of dawn to place arrows and markers along the walk route, I've lined up registration & t-shirt table volunteers, as well as someone to drive the refreshments to the rest stop. So I'm terrified to check my email for fear of receiving yet another email sucking the LIFE OUT OF ME!

 

[LouLou]

Liza, Thank you for the help you do offer. Without volunteers we wouldn't be able to brag that donations to CF have $0.90 on each dollar going to research. It's best to send her an email that explains your level of responsibility and then she'll know she needs to get help elsewhere. Maybe you could even suggest someone for her to contact or maybe you even want to ask a friend to do some of these tasks. A lot of people don't have money to give to support your cause but wouldn't mind making a few phone calls. Best of luck and thanks again!

 

[Ratatosk]

My husband told me to just email her back and tell her it's not convenient. The latest request was going to a local store and asking them to donate some food items. I have given her a list of names businesses who donated food in the past, so I emailed her back with those again.

I just hate saying no when people ask me to do things because I know how hard it is to get people to donate their time and services. It's just getting to be a bit much.

 

[NoExcuses]

Be honest - tell them that it's too much for you and you just can't handle it. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

[Ratatosk]

I know, I just feel funny saying that I can't do something. Think the most recent request was the one that drove me nuts -- go to the grocery and ask the owner to donate snacks. Err, first of all, it's a CHAIN grocery store -- there are about 10 to choose from -- it'd be like walking into a King Leo's, Ralphs... in a major city and asking to talk to Leo or Ralph.

 

[LisaV]

Frankly, that's why I don't volunteer for anything. I have absolutely no confidence that I'll be able to identify, specify, and set clear boundaries about what things I will or will not do and how much time I have to spend on the effort. Always seems to me that it's way too vague and once you say you'll do anything they want you to do everything.

I will bring a casserole to a potluck.

 

[anonymous]

Maybe just email them and tell them not only were you not aware you were supposed to do these things, but that with a toddler and all, you're swamped as it is?? I know it gets a little overwhelming (esp. with our little ones) and they SHOULD understand. It could be that they are swamped they just haven't thought about it? I know it's completely crazy at our chapter right now!

Hang in there! You're doing an awesome job!


Amanda
Mommy to Kenzie (5, wocf) and Ethan (2, wcf)