Being Uncharitable?

Like most folk who can afford to I give to charity.  I could probably give more but at least I try.  I run a Charities Aid Foundation account, paying in and 'saving up' monthly donations until I have decent if small donations to make to my favourite charities.   One favourite is IMPACT which is a 'blipper' -- hope you'll look them up!  National Trust, Historic Scotland and Maggie's Scotland, I give to separately.

In my CAF account I keep a list of about 15 favourite charities.  Some of them are so close to my heart, I send donations several times a year ...Alzheimer Scotland is top of my list. Further down the list is the British Red Cross to which I donate maybe only once a year.

I get lots of communication by post and electronically from my charities; annual reports; thank yous; newsletters and occasional news of special projects; These make interesting reading.

However, the British Red Cross is different.  It seems that their letters and uninvited free gifts of greetings cards, tea bags, bookmarks, lapel brooches plus letter requesting another donation, arrive every other week.  The template letter is addressed to someone who is already a donor, so doesn't need convincing that this is a reputable cause.

I wonder if I am the only person for whom their efforts are becoming counter productive?  I know it is a ferocious business and that the Red Cross does good work but it is the frequency of the requests and the unpleasant 'emotional blackmail' of the gifts that make me resist donating.  I could request the removal of my name from their database but I am not averse to receiving occasional communication and I will donate again.  But are people more likely to donate because they are given two tea bags?  I want my favourite charities to direct every last penny to their work here and across the globe.  I don't need to be stroked.

Uncharitable?