Just a couple thoughts:

I surely understand the intended generousity of people who leave things for maids an others. I think it is very kind and well intentioned, certainly. I think, also, that we must be careful of cultural differences.

At the USA hotels that I have worked at (low end AND high end), no employee is allowed to take property out of the hotel, ever. Notes from guests are no proof as they can be faked, we are told. An item given to a manager is no good as it still MUST be "processed". Anything left by a guest is turned in to "lost and found" and then the employee can claim it after a certain length of time. (My current hotel: 30 days. The last hotel, a Marriott: six months.) On a rare occasion, an executive committee memeber can sign a "pass" for us to take something home. It is very hard to track someone down, get the pass and then go back and get the item. Especially after 5:00!

No housekeeper that I work with or have ever worked with would take someone's used clothing. We would smile and say, "Thank you so much!" That is polite. But we wouldn't take it home. These are very proud ladies. I sometimes shop at Goodwill where the clothes are clean and repaired. I imagine some of these ladies do, too, but most of them scrimp, save, work two jobs and shop at "new" stores, albeit Target and Old Navy.

I think that in other parts of the world, and even in certain parts of the USA (for example mom and pop motels in small towns), these clothes and other things would be greatly welcomed, especially when offered with the compassion and caring that FTers so frequently have.

FWIW, I do bring along old clothing, sometimes, but I throw them out. (These are old, holey socks, etc.) I also leave my old magazines and books in the airports and hotel lobbys.


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Just trying to keep up with the gals in the trailer park next door.