Door-to-door alert: Nonprofit solicitor after dark?

Cheryl suspects this solicitor was legit and is planning to check tomorrow, but wanted to share the story anyway:

Just wanted to report a door to door “salesgirl” who just came through Fauntlee Hills (SW Trenton @ 41st St. SW) [map] asking for donations to NARAL WA for support of pro-choice services in WA clinics, legislative efforts, etc. She *seemed* to have all the legitimate paperwork on her clipboard, but just want to give folks a heads up, especially since she asked to use my bathroom.

She had shoulder length curly dark brown hair, fair skin, attractive, approximately late 20’s or early 30’s, neatly dressed in dark blue jeans & a dark cardigan sweater with a pale rainbow striped scarf around her neck. Most notable descriptive item was that she only had one arm (her left arm was the missing limb).

I’m sure she’s fine, but it seems an odd hour to be out soliciting for donations to NARAL, rather dark & cold, especially since she’s female & alone. Most of my neighbors had signed the petition & also donated, so I’m not overly alarmed, but with all the crazy scams lately I just wanted to be certain others knew to keep an eye out too. Of course, I’ll call NARAL tomorrow to check.

casey October 8, 2009 (10:27 pm)

We had one yesterday as well.

Michael October 9, 2009 (12:15 am)

Some people just may not be as scared of Seattle than others.

Rob October 9, 2009 (6:53 am)

I have a no solicitor sign in plain view that avoids any confusion. The worst offenders are the Jehovah Witness people, they still leave crap on my porch with no contact info.

M October 9, 2009 (7:47 am)

We had one wednesday night quite late (like 9:00), wanted to talk about health care. I told him we weren’t interested and shut the door, he left.

Cheryl October 9, 2009 (8:38 am)

Hi WSB,

I just called the NARAL Seattle office & they confirmed that they have a team canvassing in West Seattle all this month. So, our visitor last night WAS legitimate & my donation will in fact go to NARAL, not to some check washing fraudulent scammer from who knows where.

Apologies to Rose C., the volunteer who came to my door, for my being a suspicious and cynical old lady. She was extremely friendly, polite, and in no way gave me a “bad vibe”… I guess I’ve just gotten jaded reading about all the crime and scams in West Seattle that I went a little overboard with my fear.

Sometimes, they really *aren’t* trying to scam us folks. I’m glad that was the case w/ the NARAL visit last night.

C ~