Last autumn, my son stood under the warm October sun in his scouting uniform, next to a table filled with an assortment of popcorn that his troop was selling. This fundraising effort aimed to support their various scouting activities and camping gear. When we arrived at the local convenience store, he positioned himself alongside his friends, ready to engage with customers. Their troop leader had advised them to be polite and courteous while avoiding being overly aggressive.
As the hours passed, it became clear that many shoppers were annoyed by the group of boys in tan uniforms asking if they would support their troop. A number of people ignored them or deliberately avoided eye contact to sidestep the awkwardness of declining. While this was disheartening, there were still a few who paused to purchase popcorn or at least listen to their pitches.
However, one man’s harsh words nearly sent me over the edge. As he approached the table, he loudly proclaimed his disdain for Boy Scouts, declaring he would not give any of his hard-earned money to them. He berated the boys for “begging” and suggested they engage in “real” activities, like sports. His rudeness left the boys stunned and disheartened. To their credit, they remained composed and didn’t retaliate. If it were up to me, I would have confronted that rude individual.
Here’s the truth: I share the common frustration with fundraising. I dread being approached by friends and family with requests for cookie dough or candles, and I often find myself wishing for a more convenient way to support sports teams and clubs without the hassle of selling items. However, what I find even more intolerable is the way some adults treat children engaged in fundraising.
There’s absolutely no reason for an adult to be disrespectful to a child selling cookies for their Girl Scout troop or candy bars for their team. Today’s kids often lack the social skills that previous generations developed, primarily due to technology and social media. They spend less time interacting face-to-face, and texting has largely replaced phone conversations. Fundraising in public settings helps these children confront their fears of public speaking and teaches them valuable social skills. The kids at the tables in grocery store vestibules learn to interpret body language, collaborate as a team, and take pride in being part of a group. When an adult acts rudely toward a child trying to step out of their comfort zone, it can be profoundly damaging.
Moreover, it’s not the children’s fault that they need to fundraise. They have no control over their parents’ financial situations or the costs associated with the activities they want to partake in. The expenses for football gear or camping trips can be significant, but both are essential for a child’s growth and development. Sometimes that $10 you spend on a box of popcorn or cookies means an urban child gets the chance to spend a weekend in nature, learning crucial skills like fire-building. Adults need to remember that those eager young faces deserve support, not scorn.
After the rude man left, another gentleman approached the table. Without hesitation, he reached for his wallet, smiling warmly as he asked each boy about their products. He listened attentively, made eye contact, and praised them for their maturity. Then he pulled out $100 and bought a large quantity of caramel popcorn while joking with his wife about his diet. He explained, “I was a Scout once, and I was the kid who couldn’t afford to go on any trips. I try to give back every time I see Boy Scouts because that’s what it’s all about.”
That’s exactly the spirit we need. As he walked away with his popcorn, one of the boys remarked that he aspired to be like that man when he grew up, which brought tears to my eyes. Kindness holds immense power, even when you’re busy with errands.
In a world where kindness can be scarce, let’s remember to uplift our youth instead of tearing them down. For those interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this helpful guide or learn about the importance of celebrating our environment at Awesome Blossoms. For further resources on pregnancy and home insemination, this blog is an excellent place to start.
Summary
In the realm of children’s fundraising, kindness is paramount. While many may find the fundraising process tedious, it’s essential to treat young fundraisers with respect and encouragement. Their efforts are not only beneficial for their activities but also provide them with invaluable social skills and life lessons. Uplifting these young individuals fosters their growth and inspires the next generation to be compassionate.