Over the hedge: Why didn't I think of that?

Many years ago, I was asked to canvass our suburban neighborhood for a national campaign designed to help children. My little sister, Laura, who was 5 at the time, wanted to accompany me, so the two of us set off on our charitable mission.

Most of the people were very kind and made small contributions. At one house, though, the woman who answered the door seemed a little irritated at our intrusion. She said she was sorry but she didn't have any change. As we walked down the sidewalk from her house Laurie asked, "Why didn't you tell her she could give dollars?"

Carol Cummings

Polson, Mont.

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