DAYTON, OH — Gary Felton, 47, of Dayton, confirmed Tuesday that a $25 monthly automatic transfer he believed he cancelled in November 2019 has been quietly donating to a wildlife conservation nonprofit for the past seven years, totaling $2,100 in contributions he describes as “completely accidental” and his bank describes as “fully authorized.”

Felton said he originally signed up for the donation after watching a documentary about migratory birds, felt “pretty moved,” and entered his bank information before the credits finished rolling. The cancellation attempt, he now believes, may have only unsubscribed him from the organization’s email list.

“I thought I stopped it,” Felton said. “I definitely clicked something. I remember clicking something.”

His accountant, Renee Ochoa, 54, reviewed seven years of statements before delivering her assessment.

“Technically, Gary has been one of the most consistent charitable givers I’ve seen in fifteen years of practice. He just didn’t know about it.”

The wildlife organization, reached for comment, confirmed Felton is listed in their donor database as a “Sustaining Patron” and was recognized in their 2023 annual report. A framed certificate of appreciation was mailed to his address in February of that year. Felton has no memory of receiving it.

Ochoa said the donations qualify as a charitable deduction for tax years 2019 through 2025, which Felton has not claimed on any return. She has scheduled a follow-up appointment.

At press time, Felton had decided not to cancel the donation, reasoning that the birds “clearly need it more than he does,” and had begun watching the documentary again.