Fund raisers for kids

WatchPot · March 2011

I need some bumpie input, am I being overly critical? Sorry this is so long.

My neice is 10 and is doing jump rope for heart. She sent me a form email, which I read and intended to donate to, just didn't get around it to it. So she calls me, which actually I'd prefer if you are asking me for money.

Thing is she knew nothing about the event. She asked me if I got her email and if I'd "Give her money" , so I kept probing her: What are you doing to raise money? What's the money go to? How do I donate, per hour, per jump? How much are you asking everyone to donate? What's your goal? Who all have you asked? How are you going to reach your goal? She knew answers to none of it. I said can I give you some questions to ask your teacher and when you find out let me know and I'll give you and your sister each $20 (their goal is $100). She said "here talk to my mom". So then my sister gets on and lectures me for being too hard on her and "always trying to put a lesson in it".

Should I just buck up and donate? Or should I expect her to use this an an opportuinty to learn how fund raise?

Side note: NO ONE else has donted, not 1 person, not $1. So I'm not sure if they were hoping I'd cover all of it, or if I'm the only one she asked.

StellaZ · March 2011

You are 100% in the right....a 10 year old should be able, just as any girl scout should be able to tell you what the cookie $$ goes towards. Asking for $ should not be taken lightly - it has to have meaning. The same goes for kids who ask and get everything they want - it starts to become meaningless. And yes, shame on your sister for missing a vital learning opportunity about helping those less fortunate.

Surfinbride · March 2011

You are doing the right thing. She should be able to articulate what the funds provide. Unless she has a learning issue, I would expect a 10 year old to be able to get the details from her teacher and come back to you with answers. My daughter is 9 and is able to talk about her school's service learning and charity projects. Granted, she isn't perfect... but, she is able to express how the funds will help people.

ckmommy · March 2011

I agree with Stella. You have every right to know all of the details about where your donation is going, and if she is actively seeking donations she should know the information. I was a girl scout and at one point were collecting donations of funds and items for the soldiers stationed in Bosnia. My mom was our leader and took us around to gather the donations, but we had to do the work, answer the questions, etc. it's awesome if you can support her in her endeavors, but you shouldn't be the only one, or be put in the situation to bail her out. Sorry for the formatting, I an on my phone.

tst1998 · March 2011

I completely agree with you. My 9 year old nephew also does the Jump Rope for Heart thing each year, and asks for money, but is also able to explain that the money goes towards helping people with heart disease, like his grandpa. And he always sends a very nice thank you note (a real letter--not an email!) afterwards. I think these are important things for kids to learn and understand.

On a side note, I hate when I buy GS cookies from kids who are clearly old enough to figure out how much change you should get from a $10 bill and their parents just do it for them. Let your kids figure it out! But that's probably just me... I'm kind of a math geek.

JRS72206 · March 2011

StellaZ:
You are 100% in the right....a 10 year old should be able, just as any girl scout should be able to tell you what the cookie $$ goes towards. Asking for $ should not be taken lightly - it has to have meaning. The same goes for kids who ask and get everything they want - it starts to become meaningless. And yes, shame on your sister for missing a vital learning opportunity about helping those less fortunate.

This!

skenyon · March 2011

You did the rigth thing. If they are asking people for $ they should know what its for. And your sister as their mother should be using this opportunity to teach.

Octoberlove · March 2011

StellaZ:
You are 100% in the right....a 10 year old should be able, just as any girl scout should be able to tell you what the cookie $$ goes towards. Asking for $ should not be taken lightly - it has to have meaning. The same goes for kids who ask and get everything they want - it starts to become meaningless. And yes, shame on your sister for missing a vital learning opportunity about helping those less fortunate.

This! I don't think you are being overly critical at all. Teaching kids about giving is always a good idea.

theresab · March 2011

I'm with you. My rule is the nieces/nephews have to call themselves and be able to answer those types of questions.

I also ask when approached by girl scouts/ camp fire kids at the grocery store. (I get eye rolls from my husband for "picking on the kids" ) They should know why they are doing it, and be able to talk to adults about it.

mishquiche · March 2011

skenyon:
You did the rigth thing. If they are asking people for $ they should know what its for. And your sister as their mother should be using this opportunity to teach.

I completely agree.

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