DEAR HELOISE: I have enjoyed your (and your mother’s) column for decades and currently read it in the Colorado Springs Gazette. I was recently upset by the person who recommended not giving to charities because the money all went to administration costs. This is simply not true.

There are thousands of charities in the United States, and many depend on volunteers only. However, there are scammers, and it is easy to check out a charity at CharityNavigator.org. They study each charity’s work and their financial statements, and they rate them according to their impact and efficiency with contributions.

At this critical time in our country when so many people are finding themselves without paychecks or public assistance programs, it is especially important for those who can give to support others. I have met many people who at some time in their lives needed help to support themselves or their children, and with this help, they were able to become self-supporting contributors to our society.

It’s not just the wise thing to do; it’s the right thing to do.

— M. Arnold, via email

DEAR HELOISE: Several years ago, my husband and I made a list of dinners that I normally prepare, such as spaghetti, pot roast, tacos, etc. Then whenever we are stuck on what we want for dinner, we look at the list and pick one that matches the ingredients we have on hand. We’ve added to this list as we think of something we forgot or if I find a new favorite meal.

I read you in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

— Joan A., in West Covina, California

DEAR HELOISE: I have read both your mother’s and your hints for many years and thank you for all of your wonderful hints. Many of these hints saved me time and money!

Now I have a hint to share: If you like to wash a comforter and duvet at home rather than taking it to a dry cleaners, you can place it in a dryer for 1 hour, then finish drying it by placing a clean sheet over a clothesline or fence and placing the comforter over the sheet.

This allows fresh air to circulate through the comforter, and it usually dries rather fluffy without a chemical scent to it.

It works well for me, and perhaps it will work for some of your other readers.

— Connie S.,

in Clawson, Michigan

Send a helpful hint for possible publication to Heloise@Heloise.com.