Originally Posted by YolandaW
I have had this happen to me before, but not with quilts. The best way I believe to stop it is to tell them that by paying you then they deny you the joy of giving. Which is really what it's about. I told my neighbor this and she understood. I asked her if it made her feel good to give or do something for someone else "just because", and she said yes..and I said "if you insist on paying me then you take MY joy away. I really appreciate the offer but a simple thank you and a hug is more than enough".
I don't like the donate instead thing because then you still don't get the joy of just doing something for them for no reason.
I agree. By accepting the money your neighbor gets a blessing but robbs you of yours. I've had to explain that to some of my friends more than once. I know it's hard to be on the receiving end but we must, must learn to receive blessings graciously. Ask them how they would feel if no one would allow them to do something for free.