Friends, I’m afraid it’s group fundraiser season again. The kiddos are bringing music booster fundraiser kits home, with visions of incentive prizes dancing in their heads. The Cub Scouts are at the gas station, hawking delicious caramel popcorn. Before long, the Girl Scouts will have their cookies at your grocery store.
But as I have sat with my children at booths selling group fundraiser yummies for the past few years, I have come to a conclusion:
People have forgotten common courtesy.
So, in case you are one of the people who have waved off or interrupted a child at the supermarket, don’t despair! I have a foolproof action plan for you when encountered with the group fundraiser.
I know I have been guilty of it, myself. Especially before I had children. When I’ve already bought all the Thin Mints my house can physically hold, and the Scouts are at Kroger again. Instead of being a decent human being, I smiled and kept walking or pretended not to hear their spiels.
Here’s the thing: that child might be cripplingly shy. It might take everything she has to speak up and say, “Would you like to buy some popcorn or make a donation to support local Scouts?” So…
Step 1: Pay attention. Let her finish her memorized pitch.
You can take one minute out of your time to not interrupt a child who has been told over and over not to interrupt grown-ups. This does not oblige you to buy her entire group fundraiser inventory. Remember: this is a child. Be kind.
Step 2: Don’t want to buy? Say “No, thank you” and compliment her on how well she’s doing.
There are several ways you can let her down easy. “I’m so sorry, I already bought some this year!” “I’m afraid I can’t right now. But you did a great job!” “You said that so well, but I don’t need any cookies today. Thank you!”
Side note: You’re diabetic? You can’t have popcorn because you have braces? Your budget doesn’t allow impulse purchases? I completely understand. But that elementary school child won’t. So a generic “No thank you” should suffice.
Step 3: Want to buy? If you have time, ask her what she recommends.
“What kind of popcorn would you buy?” “What’s your favorite cookie?”
Step 4: Donations are always welcome.
If you can’t or don’t want to buy but you wish you could help, ask if they take donations. Just a couple of bucks in their coffee can will go a long way! As an added bonus, donations go 100% to the local troop.
Side note: Don’t have cash? Ask if they accept credit cards. I was surprised to find the popcorn sales app accepts cards. Some industrious troops might have Square reader capabilities.
Have you participated in a group fundraiser? What tips would you add?
