Several times a year employees of local businesses are asked to donate a specific dollar amounts to fund a birthday/Christmas or other thoughtful gift for a fellow employee.
As this is a kind gesture, asking fellow employees for a specific dollar amount can be embarrassing, and put undo pressure on employees and friends.
This practice occurs at almost every place of business, several times a year. (and sometimes several times a month).
For those who are single parents barely making ends meet and trying to just pay their bills, this can be an embarrassing, and sometimes can turn into scoffs and cruel remarks from fellow employees.
I would like to ask all Southern Maryland business to put a new practice in place when employee’s solicit money for gifts. Instead of asking other employees for a specific dollar amount, I suggest something like this. “We are taking up a collection for a birthday/Christmas gift would you like to donate something?” (Please don’t put a face value on the donation).
Be considerate of those who might not be able to afford a few dollars for a thoughtful gift.