Anonymous – Thank you for sharing your story. That is so nice of you to help some kids like that. A kindness of a stranger can be very a very beautiful thing. When I was in high school, we had to raise money or pay for a band trip. One of the kids didn’t have enough, but someone helped. They didn’t know who, but they really appreciated it.

Happy holidays to you as well

Also every year, there would be some kids who never went to summer camp, citing various reasons. What I didn’t realize at the time is that a number of those kids weren’t going simply because their families couldn’t afford it. Our scoutmasters would usually chip in what they could and send a few boys that wouldn’t be able to go. In addition, we had a “popcorn fundraiser” every year that provided most of our funds. There was sometimes enough left over to pay the tab for a boy or two — sometimes not.

Now, years later, I can look back and realize the life lessons that I learned while attending summer camp as a member of the Boy Scouts. I remember, as well, the boys who never got to experience that.

While I no longer live in the town that I grew up in, around March of each here I find out the names of those in charge of the Boy Scout troops there. A single phone call is usually all it takes. I like to go and attend a meeting or two, as it reminds me so much of being young and carefree. As I write out a check, it makes me feel so good to know that a few of those kids that wouldn’t have otherwise gotten to experience summer camp will get to go. In this holiday season, it also reminds me that giving really is so much better than receiving.

For this particular Boy Scout troop, summer camp occurs during the first week of July. It is held perhaps a half hour’s drive from where I reside and it follows roughly the same itinerary that it did when I was there (funny how I can remember it). There are certain events that the families are invited to and, while I’m not family, I like to just show up, take a walk around, and watch the kids really enjoying themselves.

Let me say that I am far from “rich”. I make enough to pay my bills and have some left over each month. I’m not as frugal or as much of a tightwad as I’d like to be. There are things that I want that I’m saving towards and the money that I spend for those kids is not “extra” money. There are times when I could really use that several hundred dollars to pay bills. All I have to do, however, is wait until summer camp rolls around and see those kids enjoying themselves to know that I couldn’t have spent the money on anything better.

I give to various other organizations throughout the year and, of course, especially at Christmas time. I know that my money is being used to help people out, but there’s nothing like being able to experience it firsthand.

I’m sure that the music program will be very appreciative of your donations, Tricia. And, thank *YOU* for taking me away from all the stress of the world for a few moments and sending me back to my childhood.

I wish you the best of luck in your continuing financial endeavors and the happiest of holidays to your family.

-j