Jordan Essay

Although offering incentives for charitable acts would allow people to feel rewarded for doing something good for society, it provokes children to be egotistical and to expect something in return when it is unnecessary. Taking the initiative to participate in a charity organization should be out of the kindness of your heart rather than a way to receive an almost unearned gift. I agree with the parents when they say the exchange of donations for grades "sends a morally wrong message". Children shouldn't grow up assuming every kind action they show needs a reward. When one holds the door open for another should they earn a gold star? Or when a student picks up a dropped pencil for another do they deserve a cookie? While these cases are minor compared to such of recycling or donating to the homeless, every generous deed cannot be rewarded all the time. A simple thank you should be enough. Admittedly, kids and teens are harder to influence when it comes to volunteering with a charitable act, so teachers turn to bonus points, ect., rather than explaining to them the purpose and how it could really help out someone. A few years ago, my mom decided to take me with her to offer cinnamon rolls to the elderly at the nursing home. At first, the idea seemed atrocious to me. I thought, wow, I'm going to spend my free time doing this? After disputing with my mom about it for half an hour, she finally explained to me that I would really make a difference to every person's life that I meet there. Afterwards, I really felt good about myself and realized that the gift of giving is a reward itself. The main point is that while our minds should be focused on the good we are doing for society, it is turned to the attention that we will receive something in return. In schools they have a competition between the freshman through senior class to see how much money they can donate to a certain charity. It turns into a race rather than a way to give back to our community. None