Oh, that partially explains it. When people involve churches then donations or expected donations abound, and they do seem to think it's allright whatever the situation.

I remember when I used to belong to several e-lists for adoptive parents, I would sometimes read stories about people who wanted to raise funds for their international adoption and approached their church community about organizing 'fundraisers' or 'donations' to help raise $$$ for the fees and expenses. Some people even thought it was ok to solicit donations via the web, not by selling any homemade items (which many people do and I think is a wonderful way to raise funds), but just asking other people for money!!

I suppose the thinking was that you're doing such a wonderful thing, why wouldn't people want to help chip in any way they can. Personally, I found it appalling.

Anyway, back to this girl...sounds rather hopeless, I guess she really thinks this is ok, that everyone would be delighted to assist and doesn't see why people would be put off by such a thing.

Even still...I probably wouldn't blatantly send a gift when she specifically asked for donations. I'd either send some really small amount of $10-20 ($25 is too much) just to be polite & wish them well...or ignore the letter completely.

Apple