Last week I went to the local grocery store to pick up just a few items. As a newly retired person, I try to be frugal and only spend what is necessary.
I try to use coupons and buy items that are on sale. I try to avoid the tempting items that are cleverly placed in strategic locations throughout the store.
As I was walking into the store, I noticed a table by the exit, with a young kid and who I assumed was his father, with wares to sell. I tried to avoid eye contact and made a plan for a hasty retreat from the store once I finished shopping. Using skills that would make any spy proud, I was ready. Or so I thought.
I walked as far away from that table as was humanly possible, trying to be inconspicuous and invisible. My plan was foiled by a very cute young man, who also had a plan.
He could not have been any more than 7 years old, in my estimation. His name was Henry. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him straightening out his little Cub Scout uniform. “Plan Henry” was in motion.
Henry happily approached me as I was passing by.
“Hi! Would you like to buy some popcorn to support me and the Boy Scouts?”
OK, no human being with compassion could pass by without responding to this cuteness.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash on me,” I answered honestly.
Dad immediately jumped in with “We take credit cards.”
Great. Foiled by cuteness and by cuteness’ dad.
“OK, tell me about what I would be supporting if I get some popcorn.”
Without missing a beat, he directed my attention to a collage which was placed on the nicely arranged table. This collage was surrounded by various popcorn products that were for sale. This collage showed the many activities in which the boy scouts participate, including camping, boating, activities to earn badges, etc.
“Wow,” I replied, “Are you in any of those pictures?”
The young lad beamed with pride.
“Yes! I’m in this one … and this one…and this one…and this one,” he said as he pointed to different pictures.
“Wow, they sure do keep you busy! Do you have any badges?” I queried, knowing full well he had a batch of them on his uniform.
With a lot of pride, this little guy proceeded to show me the many badges he had already earned. I had a feeling that there would be many more to come.
So the next logical step was to ask which popcorn product did he think was the best?
And with no hesitation he chose the white cheddar.
“OK,” I said. “You have sold me. How much is the white cheddar?”
“$20,” replied the dad.
And by the way, this was the cheapest item on that table!
I must have misheard — $20 for a bag of popcorn? Surely you jest!
Ah, but these are thoughts that I did not verbalize. I realized very quickly that I was not buying a random snack. I was helping to buy a future for a deserving kid. The look of joy on this bespectacled kid’s face said it all.
“OK, just one more thing,” I said. “If I buy this popcorn, will you make Eagle Scout one day?”
He smiled a big smile: “I’m sure going to try!”
Some might say that $20 was a lot to spend on a snack, and that might be true. But it was not too much to spend to support the future of a young kid with a good heart. Oh, and in case you’re curious, the popcorn was delicious!
