One Way to Checkmate the ‘Deadbeat Donors’

I am not surprised that a lot of “Deadbeat Donors” (July 19) issue worthless checks or else stop payment the next day.

I read in a news story that the Girl Scouts of America have the same problem. They receive many thousands of dollars a year nationwide in worthless checks for boxes of cookies which retail for $2.50. Such practices hurt a lot of people.

At least in the case of charity affairs could organizers not insist on payment at least three or four days in advance from people who are not known to them? By using this practice checks would have time to clear before tickets are issued.

This system might cut down on attendance, but it would save a lot of aggravation after the fact. The same could also apply for checks issued for “auctioned” items given away during an event: the check clears, the item is delivered.

JOHN AUSTIN

Los Angeles