Why?

Why is it...

That I run an After Christmas Sale every year and every year it gets harder and harder to get people to participate in the paying it forward aspect of my sale. 

I give an overly generous discount if you bring things for the local food pantry.  I honestly have people coming through the door and are put out with me when I won't give them the discount without a contribution to the food pantry.  

If you buy Christmas Items you don't have to bring anything to get the discount on those items but I always say that it would be greatly appreciated if you did.  Nope, Nada, Nothing.... People walk through the door, buy Christmas Items, and don't care that they could help someone less fortunate then them... It is always the same... What can you do for me?  It bothers me to no end.  Seriously, you cannot bring anything, not one thing.  And then you can be pissed off at me when I won't give you a discount on your non Christmas Items if you don't have a donation... Smarten Up Idiots!!!!  I don't have to give to you if you cannot follow the rules.  One canned good, bigger discounts if you bring more.... these are not hard things.... 

When did this world of ours become so self centered?  When did we all become so all about what we want that we can't see the reward in helping others?  When did we decide that we would take full advantage of going out of business sales when we never set foot in the door while they were in business? 

Christmas will be leaving my store quickly so that I can get back to not doing anything extra for the people that treat me bad.  I am generous to a fault.  It will probably put me out of business some day, but at least I will go down doing for the people that shop locally, that support my small business and helping the people that are LOYAL to my business. 

If I ever have to have a going out of business sale....don't worry, I will be calling all of my loyal customers first to get the best deals for they are the ones that deserve them.  

Don't get me wrong, if you can't afford to bring things for the food pantry I understand.... but when you can spend $30, $60, or hundreds of dollars on Christmas things, you should be able to bring a couple of cans of vegtables for the food pantry.