My son's school just did a 'fun run'. They do this every year. You can donate a flat rate or a per lap rate. The goal was 25k. My husband and I donated on our son's part. The school reached its goal, which is great. But every year I am completely bothered by their motivational techniques. Kids 'earn' these cheap toys based on how much they donate. They get these toys in class, in front of peers. I HATE THAT. what about the kids whose families cannot donate? The program that runs the fun run also continuously reminds the kids to tell their parents to donate. My son said we needed to donate more (after I and his dad had already separately donated and told him about this). I noticed during the fun run there was a shout out to the top earner in the class. Like seriously? Congratulations, your family sent the most money? Am I overly sensitive? I grew up poor so my heart goes out to those who might be feeling bad about themselves, in a situation that is out of their control.
I LOVE that our school is supported by so many of its families. I support our school and I love our school. I am however not a fan of the whole 'celebrating top donors' trend. Celebrating how much a child's family/support system can donate is out of children's control. this is something that has continued to bother me over the years. The pressure put on children to have their families donate and even after donating, the pressure that it's not enough or that their worth is somewhat tied to this. I hate it. I will gladly donate what I can. Don't make my kid feel bad/stressed/pressure, don't flaunt the 'top earners', and keep the schemey cheap toys out of it. Ugh.
If you think I'm overreacting, maybe I am. Maybe I am still that poor girl in elementary school who knows what it's like to have little.