She Stole My Hard Work, Opinions Please

I would like others opinion on something that recently happened and caused quite an upset. Maybe someone can offer suggestions.

I volunteer at a food bank and we do give out other things also to those that can use it. About a month ago someone donated a raggedy looking doll and I thought I could do something with her so she could be given away. Cleaned up and with newly sewn clothes the ladies could hardly believe it was the same doll.

With Christmas approaching I asked if anyone had any more dolls would they consider bringing them in and I would do the work. Myrna brought me in 6 dolls and I spent a considerable amount of time and some expense on them. Each doll had two outfits, complete with hats and undies. The clothes were beautiful, ribbons and lace galore and I knew that little girls would love to find them from Santa.

I had wrongly assumed I guess that when Myrna gave me the dolls that they were intended for our food bank. She had gotten the dolls for free from another charity. I had bought quality fabric and trim. Long story short, I had laid the dolls down on a table, and then noticed they were gone. Someone had seen Myrna put them under her coat. I approached her and she told me that she was bringing them to another charity. The charity that she was bringing them to does not "screen for need" they put stuff out for anyone to take.

She said that since she had brought in the dolls they were hers to do with as she wished. I was not happy, told her so and went to the heads of our organization to whine about it. The three of us agreed that we should just let it go, let her take the dolls, but that any future dolls would stay with us.

I scouted the local thrift shops, some of the ladies also brought in dolls so I was once again back at the sewing machine. And just a tip here, fabric softener works wonders on unruly doll's hair

The next week I had completed more dolls, brought them in and put Sharon in charge. Sharon is a no nonsense lady that knows who deserves and I knew she would make sure of the dolls going to those that should get them. Myrna saw this and I refused to make eye contact. Myrna did not stick around, she hung up a few clothes and left abruptly.

Yesterday we got a message. Myrna is not coming back, she is saying that her health will not allow it. But we know the real reason.

I wonder if I should call her and attempt to get her to come back. She does have a good heart and it is usually in the right place.

Your thoughts please....lee

This may be hard to swallow but.......Life is sometimes unfair. People sometimes are unfair. Things do have their way of working out. You updated the dolls out of the kindness of your heart. Hopefully they will end up in a young girl's dream of owning a doll. You did the best you could and what happens after the dolls leave your possession try not to worry. Unless you are wanting recognition for your work.

After saying this:

"She does have a good heart and it is usually in the right place."

I think you should ask her to come back. If she doesn't want to, then let it go.

Glad E Olah wrote: You did the best you could and what happens after the dolls leave your possession try not to worry. Unless you are wanting recognition for your work.

Glad, actually this was brought up, not by me, by someone else. This lady can and will take the credit. I don't care, I am at times a behind the scenes type of person. I can pretty much guarantee it, she is head of other groups, she is queen bee, others are the worker bees. Charity groups trade resources, this is why Myrna appears from time to time.

My main concern is that those dolls will just be picked up by someone that can afford to buy one by going to this other charity and paying a nominal sum.

Originally I was going to send the dolls overseas, I am with a group that sends kits over but my new neighbor stressed this was not something I should do. He is a new immigrant and was part of the management of a relief organization in his country. Apparently theft is rampant and he said without a doubt the dolls would be stolen and then sold to the richer people. He said they would command at least $25 a doll, quite an amount in his country, reason being that nothing like that is available over there. The things we find out!

Maybe I will give Myrna a call, I should inquire as to her health...wink But I do think it would be fair to say that if dolls are bought by me, or if they are brought in by ladies of our organization then they stay with us.....lee

Wow, I consider that stealing, since you did the work on them with the expectation that your organization would be giving them out. I wouldn't bother calling her, who wants someone like that around. :)-

Since she was seen putting them under her coat it seems she knew it was
stealing. Ask her back if you wish but if she comes back, keep a close watch
on her.