How do I stop my elderly mother from donating to every charity that asks for money?

My mother’s phone number and address have spread throughout the “non” profit world over the years, and she receives a constant flow of pleas or money. She lives alone, so I can’t intercept the mail or phone calls.

They all pretend to represent sympathetic causes – fireman, the policeman, the children of wives of policemen and firemen, wildlife, veterans, cancer fighters, etc.

They are almost all virtually criminals, but running a charity which spends all its money on “administrative fees” is not illegal.

I explain this every time I see her. But if someone asks for money, she feels obligated and sends a check. She can’t bear to say no.

She has the same problem with people selling things like lawn service and (unnecessary) home repairs,

One idea is closing her checking account and paying all her bills online. But then they’d probably take her debit card number and clean out the account.

Anyone have similar experience? Also feel free to brainstorm, I welcome full-baked and half-baked ideas.