A young man came to the home that I share with my sister and parents. It was around 8:00PM when we heard a knock on the door and a young man introduced himself claiming his name was James VanValkenberg and he was 18 years old joining the Marines and was doing a contest boys vs. Girls where he could earn points and go to Cancun before he ships off. He said by my sister purchasing children's books for a hospital she could help him accomplish this goal. The young man went on to tell us how he was bilingual in Spanish, fascinated by our working in the Medical field, and he 75% Native American and 25% German. He talked our ears off. However, the young man was very sweet and my sister invited him in. After about 30 minutes my sister explained to him that she did not have cash on her and he should come back tomorrow. The young man insisted it was the last day of the contest and he could not come back. I felt sorry for the young man as did my sister so I wrote him a check for $55.00. During the process of writing the check, I asked the young man how much, but I asked in Spanish. He looked at me puzzled and said he didn't understand and I immediately felt uncomfortable given the fact he said he was bilingual. Nonetheless, I wrote him a check and sent him on his way. He gave me a handwritten stick that said" bug off" that he wanted me to place on my door just in case the other gals came by to see. He also added that he would be back in the neighborhood the next day due to still needing more points, even though he just said he couldn't come back. After the young man left, I looked online and found some information such as this site that made me sick to my stomach. I feel like a fool. I immediately cancelled the check which cost $30.00, but at least I saved $25.00. However, I am done answering door to door sales. I will choose the charities I give my hard earned money to.
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