Charity scams

Today’s Sound Off is a warning about Charity scams:

DEARHELOISE » In this colder weather, many charities will be asking for donations to help the homeless and the needy. Many are reputable agencies whose only goal is to help others. However, it’s also a time when some scam artists try to make their bogus phone calls and emails sound legitimate, but they’re really out to help only themselves. Don’t let them pressure you to give right now. It’s a warning sign that they are scammers. If they request payment in cash, gift card or wire transfer, it’s another sign of a scammer. Before you hand over a dime, check themout on www.charitynavigator.org or www

Heloise

Fast facts

Uses for old but still useful pillowcases:

From an outdoors man

DEARHELOISE » I very much enjoy your column. As an outdoors man I would like to submit the following hint: Clean out a thumb-release prescription medicine container, because they are great for storing fishhooks, sinkers and for holding peanuts, mixed nuts and candies to take on outdoor adventures. --Mike S., Laotto, Ind.

Cereal

DEARHELOISE » You may have boxes of unsweetened cereal with less than a bowl left to eat. One good way to use the remainder is to sprinkle it into a bowl of hot soup. It’s a delicious, crunchy way to use the remaining cereal. It peps up the soup!

— M.D., Colorado Springs, Colo. M.D., this is a clever way to use that small portion left in a cereal box. Some people also like to crumple it up and put it in a bird feeder with seeds.

Changing lanes

DEARHELOISE » Your recent hint concerning the use of turn signals for changing lanes was good. However, one important thing wasmissing. When changing lanes, you must first look to make sure there is no vehicle just to your rear in the next lane to which you wish to change.

Numerous times I have had to break quickly to miss the car ahead of me that is changing lanes without the driver first checking to make sure all is clear.

— Larry in Amarillo, Texas Larry, you bring up an excellent point. Most drivers do not use their side mirrors asmuch as they should. Many cars have a “blind spot,” and their side mirrors help them navigate the highways and avoid an accident.