Why not take the money? People are throwing away some really big money on dumber things than this on EBay.
Sounds like the family is having some hard times, some folks out there seem to have more money than brains ("Hey, remember that ghost for sale on EBay?? I'm the one who bought it!!") and they want to feel good by doing something nice for somebody else and helping the kid (or so they think).
Hopefully, she'll take the money and pay down the mortagage, or pay off her credit cards or something else smart.
I wouldn't do it, but I don't have a problem with her doing it. Go for it, I say. If someone is dumb enough to offer her 14 grand for dad's cane and a good story, I say be smart enough to take it!
Happy Holidays!!
John
