How the Grinch Stole Mom

It's that time of year when all the scout troops and schools start selling anything and everything in an effort to raise money for some various cause. Not for charity mind you, but for trips to Disney or other amusement parks. So, what's wrong with that?  The problem is these individuals are the same ones I see on Facebook at least once every couple of months pictured at the same theme park. So, obviously, these are not underprivileged kids who I would love to see go to a place like Disney for the first time. Nope, these are kids who feel the need to go AGAIN and have me pay for it. 

Go ahead, call me the Grinch!  But, in my opinion, fundraisers should be for legitimate causes: non-profits, school materials, things of that nature. Not trips to Disney for a group of kids that go all the time and, clearly, have the means to do so at their own (or their parent's) expense. 

What really irks me is how little involvement the children have in today's world of fundraising. They have their parents post a link or send emails out directing people to the convenient online catalog - no more going door-to-door and asking people face-to-face (which is now, understandably, considered unsafe.)   However, you can still bring your child to the homes of those neighbors you know.  At the very least, have THEM make the phone calls to grandparents and other relatives, a personal touch that I believe is a more successful approach. Why? It's difficult to say no to a cute, smiling kid. Online it is easy to just scroll right past the request for me to write a check.  Plus, by going tech, we're not teaching our kids important life skills like how to be salespeople, complete forms, collect money and give proper change - remember doing that?

A friend and I were talking the other day and he mentioned that, in lieu of actually performing school-required community service, there are non-profits that allow students to donate items in exchange for required hours. Is this right?  Sure, the organization needs the items and this is ONE way to reach those goals, but shouldn't kids actually be performing the volunteer work? Don't they gain more out of working than just opening their wallets, or, more likely, their parent's wallet?  I don't know.  It just seems like the easy way out.

Yesterday was Giving Tuesday and I hope many of you were able to give of your time or money to help make the holidays a little brighter for others.  If not, have no fear.  I'm thinking of starting a drive for funds to send yours truly to a spa in France - all proceeds will benefit me and would be greatly appreciated!