Yesterday, we received a returned check from our bank. The check had originally been made as a memorial donation and this person has never donated before, probably will never donate again. I'd like to send a letter to the donor, basically asking them to replace the funds and to cover the returned check fee assessed by our bank. We have no formal procedure for this as it doesn't happen very often. I'd hate to sound too abrasive in the letter - after all, the person certainly didn't "owe" us the money, but now they did cause us to not only lose their donation, but an additional service charge. Does anyone have a standard letter used for this purpose and, if so, would you be willing to share it with me? How do you handle this type of situation - do you go after the funds or do just write it off? Thanks so much for your help! Lori Del Nero Administrative Assistant VNA/Hospice of Monroe County East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania [Email Removed]

Hi Lori, I have encountered this situation at another organization. I created a simply letter one paragraph stating that it may have been an oversite on their part and that we appreciated them think of our organization.....enclosed is a copy of the return check and a return envelope for you to resubmit your donation along with the fees. Donor responded immediately. I actually went online an found sample return check letters and went from there. Adrienne L. Rowe Development Associate Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 1720 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 600 (404)870-6553 Direct Line (404)870-6541 Fax [Email Removed]

Had this last year. Was lucky enough to find a phone number & spoke with person who was very apologetic. I worked for years in Customer Service and found the personal touch instead of a letter usually worked better with problem situations. Good Luck! Donna Pahl - Athens Regional Foundation