Based on conversations and other anecdotal evidence, my assumption is most Americans feel we spend too much on “foreign aid.” It seems the recession has only deepened the feeling that we need to take care of “our own” before we send more money overseas. This is why the crowd at a recent high school basketball game caught my attention.
The game was being played at Amity Regional High School a couple of weeks ago. Most high schools don’t charge those who show up early for the freshman and JV games. About halfway through the JV game the fans in the stands noticed a table was being set up outside the main entrance to collect admission. Many started discussing whether they would voluntarily go over to the table and pay the admission price. Most decided that the Amity school system was not hurting for funding and could get by without their contribution. It also spurred a lot of discussions about school budgets in general. Many felt they could not afford to pay one dime more for education.
About the same time, about a half dozen students started canvassing the growing crowd for contributions. I can’t recall what school club they were collecting for, but no one in my vicinity contributed. As I looked over to other sections, I saw almost no one was responding.
As the varsity game was about to start the crowd grew to almost 200. A young woman came to our section and announced the Key Club was collecting to help earthquake victims in Haiti. Everyone stood in unison, reaching for their wallets and purses. No one complained at all. The half dozen students left the gym, each with a coffee can stuffed with bills.
Let me know what you think.
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2 comments:
I attended a youth football game at Falcon Field and they were charging $5. I was sad to see several youths standing outside trying to watch. They obviously did not have the money. I believe that when collecting money for youth games,they should be able to ask for a donation but allow everyone in. Especially in a public area such as Falcon Field or public schools.
As far as donations and which ones the public wants to support, that changes depending on publicity and political whims. Asking for donations is okay as long as it isn't pushy and obnoxious (who's standards? mine! Just kidding). Of course the most recent and most publicized cause will produce more donations. That's okay with me but everyone should donate to their own personal causes or charities on a fairly regular basis. Good citizen stuff.
I would agree that public and private school games should not require an admission fee but rather gently encourage a small donation. I think the comments regarding Amity not hurting for funding are simply perception. I could be wrong, but I don't know of any school district that is rolling in cash at this time.
While it is admirable that many people donated so readily to Haiti, especially with the recession and unemployment not improving, we still need to remember causes here at home, too. Bottom line: Everyone is entitled to contribute to the causes he/she feels are appropriate based on individual choice and personal budgets.
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