Children Selling at shopping centers in light of Sniper attacks. (long)

[mom2boys]

I am the co-chair of our school's Candy Drive. This week, like the past 5, we have conducted "site sales". This is where we pre-arrange to sell outside of a store. Different families sign up for 2 hour shifts. We are just north of Montgomery County MD where the sniper shootings started & were concentrated. However, this evil creature has branched out & we are within close proximity. The delimna is do we carry on with our lives as usual, for the sake of normality. Or do we cancel the site sales in the interest of safety? Obviously, we are not forcing any family to sell. We have already been approached by two families who aren't comfortable with this. We have thanked them for the advanced notice of the cancellation & empathized with their decision. I could care less about our numbers - it will not add more than a dozen or so boxes of candy to our sale. (Each box contains 52 $1 candy bars.) I will sit out there myself. However, I am not sure about placing my children in that position. I really want my children experience childhood.

P.S. There cub scout pack is also selling popcorn at shopping center sites over the next couple of weekends.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Personally, I would not let my kids sit out there and sell anything. I am also certain that our school would not allow us to do so on their behalf.

I'm our school's committee chair for the annual Help the Homeless Walk-a-thon, and we were supposed to hold our mini-walk this Thursday during recess. Needless to say, the event has been moved inside, and the kids will have a lesson on homelessness, poverty, etc. instead of the walk.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

Law enforcement has changed it's position as of the last shooting. We are not in "business as usual" mode. They have encouraged adults to combine errands and whatnot to limit their exposure. I would absolutely cancel the sale for the time being.

 

[tiggerlover]

Given the circumstances, I would postpone any "site" selling of candy, children and adults. Once this lunatic is caught then I would say business as usual.

 

[wovenwonder]

Under the circumstances -- would the store allow you to move your stand inside? If not -- I would cancel the selling.

 

[Lanshark]

I would postpone

 

[snoopy]

I'd definately postpone until they catch this nut.

 

[mom2boys]

Have thought about asking to sell inside. However, we would have to be way inside, not just inside the glass enclosures - his rifle penetrates glass. I'm thinking of moving checking on another time at the Mall. At least then the kids wouldn't be exposed for prolonged periods. We have the candy. It will keep. Our profit is over 50% per box, so we have more than covered our costs with our current sales figures. We can sell it at functions throughout the year. There is no amount of fundraising $ that can replace a child or parent or one of our supporters. I think we will wait until Thurs or Fri and cancel - unless the police have him in custody by then.

 

[ckr]

Since many people will be staying at home, would your time at the site be fruitful anyways? If people are not out and about, you won't have anyone to sell to.

I'd cancel, unless the sniper is caught by then. Once he's caught, people will be out in large numbers having been cooped up for a time. (And of course craving a nice $1 chocolate bar! )

Good Luck! And STAY SAFE!!

 

[ckr]

Since many people will be staying at home, would your time at the site be fruitful anyways? If people are not out and about, you won't have anyone to sell to.

I'd cancel, unless the sniper is caught by then. Once he's caught, people will be out in large numbers having been cooped up for a time. (And of course craving a nice $1 chocolate bar! )

Good Luck! And STAY SAFE!!

 

[Beauty]

I would ask if perhaps you could set up at the back of the store, perhaps by the customer service desk or something. If not then I would definatly postpone. Its just simply not worth the risk. {{HUGS}} and prayers continuing for all of you in that area. I am praying this madman is caught soon.