Last fall, my son stood in the golden October sun, proudly wearing his Boy Scout shirt, next to a table overflowing with popcorn his troop was selling. Like many Scout groups, they were raising funds for their activities and essential gear for camping trips.
As we arrived at the local convenience store, my son joined his friends, eagerly awaiting customers. Their troop leader reminded them to be polite and courteous while avoiding being overly aggressive.
As the afternoon progressed, it became clear that many shoppers were less than thrilled to see a group of boys in tan uniforms asking if they’d like to support Scouting. Some hurried past, deliberately avoiding eye contact to sidestep the awkwardness of saying no. While this was disheartening, a few kind souls stopped to purchase popcorn or at least hear the boys out.
But then, a particularly grumpy man approached. He proclaimed loudly that he detested Boy Scouts and wouldn’t dream of giving his hard-earned cash to them. He scolded the boys for “begging” and suggested they engage in “real” activities like sports. Rude and gruff, he stomped away, leaving the boys stunned and hurt. To their credit, they didn’t retaliate with anger or snark. If it were up to me, I’d have given that unpleasant fellow a piece of my mind.
Here’s the truth: I despise fundraising, just like anyone else. I cringe when friends and family come to me with order forms for cookies, candles, or walk-a-thons. I hate having to pester my relatives to buy things they don’t want, wishing there was a better way for teams and clubs to fundraise without the hassle of selling cookie dough and wrapping paper.
However, what I can’t stand even more is when adults are rude to kids trying to raise money. There’s simply no reason for anyone to be nasty to a child selling cookies for their Girl Scout troop or candy bars for their sports team.
Today’s kids may lack the social skills we had, largely due to technology and social media. They spend less time face-to-face and often only communicate through texts. Public fundraising helps them conquer their fears of public speaking and teaches them vital social interaction skills. The kids at those tables are learning how to read body language, collaborate, and take pride in being active members of their group. When an adult acts like a jerk, it can be soul-crushing for a child trying to break out of their shell.
Moreover, it’s not the kids’ fault they have to fundraise. They don’t set their parents’ budgets or control the costs of the activities they want to join. Sports gear can be expensive, and camping trips can strain a family’s finances, but both are valuable for a child’s growth. That $10 you spend on popcorn or cookies can represent a chance for a city kid to experience a weekend in the woods learning survival skills. Adults should look at those eager faces and remember that crushing their spirits can have lasting consequences.
And let’s be real: when you belittle a kid for what they’re selling, you just come off as a huge jerk.
Right after the grouchy man stomped off, another gentleman approached the table. Before he was even close, he was reaching for his wallet. He greeted each boy with a smile and asked about their products, listening to their pitches and making eye contact. He pulled out $100 and bought a mountain of caramel popcorn, grinning as his wife teased him about his diet. He said, “I was a Scout once, and I was the kid who couldn’t afford to go on trips. I try to give back whenever I can.”
That’s right, sir! As he walked away with his bounty of popcorn, one of the boys remarked that he wanted to be like that man when he grew up, and tears welled in my eyes. Kindness matters, even when you’re racing through your grocery shopping.
For more heartwarming stories about parenting, check out our other posts on topics like artificial insemination at Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination techniques, visit Make a Mom. You can also find excellent resources on Wikipedia to help you on this journey.
In summary, while fundraising may not be fun for everyone, the least we can do is treat kids with respect. Remember, a little kindness goes a long way in nurturing the next generation.