Today I spent about two and a half hours volunteering at a local toy and food drive. It was actually a coworker's idea. It was my first time and I wasn't too sure what to expect. What I didn't want to see was someone complaining about what they were being given for free. My wife had such an experience when she volunteered a long time ago and she never went back.
It's going to sound like a cliche but I have to say, it felt good to help those who are less fortunate. However, what took a bit away from the experience was seeing people going through the bags to see what they received and asking to exchange for other items. For example, I handed a lady bags of food and toys for her two daughters, and right away she went through it. Before I could walk away, she asked to exchange one of the Barbie dolls for a Brat doll. I told her I would and then she pulled out the other Barbie and asked for another Brat doll. I went in the back and picked out two Brat dolls. After I handed them to her, she immediately asked if we had pyjamas and a makeup set. I felt a little disappointed by this point and told her we didn't. I'm not sure if we did or not but I didn't feel like searching for one. Her kids were receiving at least four toys each and she didn't seem fully satisfied. I grew up receiving a single gift worth no more than $20 because money was tight but I never felt deprived because I understood.
I feel like some people should be more grateful for what they are being given for free. Don't get me wrong. There were many grateful faces that I saw and they made the overall experience fulfilling. But I can't help wondering if people receiving donated goods should be allowed to ask to exchange for something else?
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