I WOULD like to respond to Barbara Bolder’s letter (March 27).

I certainly do not require Barbara Bolder to insinuate that I do not know how hard the helpers work. I am fully aware of the hard work involved raising money for charity as I have done so many, many times in the past.

Unfortunately I am no longer able to participate in the collection and selling of articles, as I am now 76 years old and disabled. My contribution to the charity is to donate goods. This I do often, willingly and generously.

My dismay at the Wiitney Sobell House warehouse had nothing to do with not receiving enough gratitude, as Barbara Bolder suggests, but the absence of any gratitude and the bad manners.

I did not claim in my letter I would not be donating again. I most certainly will, but not to Sobell House.

There are a number of charities that will welcome my donations.

I am very aware most fundraising organisations are now very selective in items they will accept. This appears to be the criteria these days.

I notice Barbara Bolder made no mention of the letter David Miles (March 8) sent to the paper. He was of the same opinion as myself, quoting the lack of any gratitude and the bad manners. It was his letter that motivated me to write about my experience.

We have made so many donations to Sobell House over the years. On one occasion a gentleman helper wanted to know if we had to pay tax on the goods we took there. My husband was quick to advise him that we do not pay tax, because it was his wife’s fault, she is a hoarder.

Perhaps Sobell House would consider listing good saleable items they do not wish to accept.

This would eliminate any misunderstandings in the future.

Eileen Benfield (Mrs), Shipton Road, Ascott-under-Wychwood