Money Moral Dilemma: Should I accept payment for doing my vulnerable neighbours' shopping?

DPS-2016

If it was a lot of money, I wouldn't.  It seems a fairly nominal amount, and although you've offered for free, they're insisting on giving the equivalent they would pay to a provider to do it. In all likelihood, you're probably giving them a much more personalised service that they are obviously appreciating - otherwise, they possibly wouldn't bother to give anything.  I don't see anything wrong with you accepting, particularly as you've already made clear you would do for free.  Often, people will feel better and don't want to seem like their taking advantage - so you could be making them feel better about things at such a strange time also.  

Stevet1961

As others have said - you could give to charity OR why not save the money and buy them something really nice for Christmas with the money saved

sundanceski

I would accept and give to a local charity, thanking them for their kind donation. I feel this would enable the neighbours to be able to ask me to do it again without it making them feel they were putting me out.

Polarpenguin

As others have said accept graciously, then use the money do either give directly to charity, buy extra for a food bank. Alternatively save it up to buy a nice treat and invite them around once this is all over.

Sianieb1980

Offering you money is perhaps their way of still feeling some element of independence at a terrible time. Perhaps save the money and when this is over invite them round for dinner or a bbq to celebrate and use the money saved. 

Tom994

I would say absolutely not! If they really insist then I would ask them to donate the money to a charity of their choice or do pay the favour on by helping somebody else if possible in the future.

suesaunders

I would point out to these generous folk that you’re doing their shopping out of love.  Explain that if they really want to ‘pass on the good deed’ - you can buy ‘extra’ each time you shop with their £3.50 and donate the goods to a food bank.  

Binnie001

As you are doing their shopping I would use the money to double up on an item that you know that they like.

jameslawtonhome

If I were the vulnerable person, I would feel better for paying you to allay my own guilt for feeling like I’m putting on you. Accept the money, bearing in mind your car doesn’t pay for itself, and use it for something nice. You could even tell them you bought something nice for yourself with it. They would love that. 

paul2louise

Maybe suggest that you dont want paying but maybe treat yourself once a month instead with their consent to a little luxury. My MIL before she passed used to offer when I did her shopping to get a bottle of wine on my  next trip. I don't drink expensive wine so once a month or so that's what I would do. Then u are not talking about cash but just adding an extra item to the shopping list.