Guilt, guilt, guilt

We are changing banks. I won't go into all the details, but basically, my current bank is a jerk. If you want me to rant to you, please feel free to email me. My family is sick of hearing about it. I can also do a really good imitation of how stupid my bank sounds, if you want to call me.

Anyway. I am changing banks. And we get to choose our debit card design. So, what does this have to do with books? Bear with me. I'll get there.

So, as I was deciding between the tropical paradise scene and the bright sunflower, the gentleman helping me mentions that the ones on the back of the info card contribute to charity. Huh. Well, I am sure I will pay for it, so I tune him out.

I chose the sunflower.

But then I heard, "...and so it's totally free to you. This bank pays it to the charity of your choice."

Yep, that is a pretty sunflower. But then guilt set in. Totally free to me? Who wouldn't do that?

I looked over the charities. I'd need to read over them. Make a good choice. But I was hungry and it was almost time to pick up my kids. Plus, he was waiting for me. Yeah. I'll stick to the sunflower.

"I'm not a bad person! I give to charity. But...I'd need to check all these out. I am not a bad person. Really." He just smiled. I almost teared up.

Then, "Uh. Can I change my design?" Of course I could. "I feel so guilty. I should choose one."

I flipped the card info over. Uh...Now which one? They were all so noble: Curing cancer for children, March of Dimes, juvenile diabetes. Ugh. What a choice.

Hey! Reading is Fundamental. That's it. Yes. That one. If I couldn't choose between those three, I'll choose one I can relate to. (To which I can relate? That to which I can relate? I need to go get my handbook of Well English.)

"Ok, the reading one. But I still feel so guilty." I mean, if my little one had one of these diseases, I'd prefer a cure to books. But then, maybe if some underprivileged family got some books, maybe their child would grow up to be some brilliant scientist that discovered a cure. Because of books. Right?

My banker smiled. (I am beginning to think he thinks I am an idiot!) "That's the one I chose," he tells me.
Ah. Much better. I felt much better. Unless...
Well, when my dear hubby opens his business account, I will make him choose one of the other ones. Maybe I will just open accounts to assuage my guilt....

.........................................
I had never heard of this organization before. It sounds fantastic. Taken from their website:  

RIF is putting books in the hands of readers, nurturing youngsters hungry for knowledge and passionate about learning. RIF is everywhere you are—thanks to countless volunteers in schools, libraries, childcare centers, Head Start programs, parks, community centers, health clinics, migrant camps, and domestic shelters.

In fact, RIF’s passion for literacy creates a unique method of distribution: Dozens of books are displayed, allowing children to explore their interests and make their own choices. The books are free but the moments are priceless, as excited readers show off their selections, pose for pictures, and ask in wide-eyed amazement: “I really don’t have to bring this book back to the library?”


RIF makes a difference:

• A nation of readers become productive people who help create strong communities.
• Reading ignites the imagination and inspires learning—basic tools for success in school.
• Reading improves child development, leading to better grades and higher graduation rates.

Wherever, whenever, however you look at it—Reading Is Fundamental and always makes a difference. 

Wow. Impressive.