Even more popcorn info

Hi Tiger Den parents!

Hope everyone's popcorn selling is going great!

I have some more great popcorn info for everyone : )

First, please find instructions for setting up your scout's online selling account. I have done this for both my sons without any complications. If you have any questions or run into problems, please feel free to contact John E (our Popcorn Kernel) or me.

Second, please find a PDF of the popcorn information and order form. If you've lost yours -- or if you're already in need of a second page : ) -- you may find this helpful.

A HUGE thank-you to John E for putting these together for us!

Finally, please see the message appended below concerning the solicitation (not allowed) and acceptance (allowed) of straight donations to the Pack. It just provides some food for thought.

Cheers,

Your Den Leaders

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Hi All. I hope everyone is experiencing a booming popcorn business! As you know, this is a great opportunity to raise money not only for your units, but for Occoneechee Council as well. I saw Scouts out everywhere peddling their wares this weekend and it looked like everyone was having fun and being productive.

I did want to mention one experience I had and to remind everyone of some important BSA guidelines.

As I was leaving a local retail facility on Saturday, I was approached by a Cub Scouts who came up to me with a can labeled "Donations" and asked if I wanted to make one. I told him I had already bought my popcorn, to which he responded by pointing to the can and saying, "No, a donation." The problem with this is that BSA guidelines prohibit units soliciting donations!

Here are a couple of excerpts from the BSA fundraising guidelines FAQ section:

We can't solicit gifts for our unit? No. Simply put, units are not permitted to solicit any gifts. Both the Charter and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations of the BSA make this very clear – only local councils may solicit individuals, corporations,United Ways, or foundations for gifts in support of Scouting. Units, unit leaders, and youth members may not solicit gifts in the name of Scouting or in support of unit needs and activities (except in unusual circumstances where the unit has received permission to do so from the local council). Units are also prohibited from soliciting gifts on their Websites.

Does that mean people can't make gifts to our troop? Units are not supposed to solicit gifts, but they can receive gifts. Anyone can contribute to a Scout pack, troop, or unit – and many donors don't need or care about charitable deductions. Obviously, defining a "solicited gift" is not always easy. But we rely on our unit leaders to set good examples and honor the intent and spirit of these important guidelines. We know it's hard to stop people from being generous, especially towards Scouting.

I interpret this as saying that you can have a can out on the table so that people CAN donate if they WANT, but you shouldn't actively seek those contributions. One of the main reasons I have always given kids (and adults) for getting out and selling popcorn is that there ARE people out there who would really like to support Scouting if given a chance, and this is a golden opportunity to do just that. We have to be careful, however, to not be seen as a bunch of panhandlers in uniform! JJJ In keeping with the idea that "A Scout is Thrifty", we want the boys to learn the importance of working to support themselves. Selling popcorn certainly does that. Accosting folks with a "Donations" can? Not so much.

Good luck to everyone with your fundraising. Keep those boys hopping and that popcorn popping!

YIS,

David