Give Them The Boot!

    I got stopped in traffic again as we headed out for
a family luncheon at a popular Bar-B-Q stand.
    But this time I can't blame Penn Dot.
    It was my old nemesis.....the "Holiday Boot Drop!"
    We hit two within about 5 miles!
    That's more Toll Booths than I ever hit on the
Pennsylvania Turnpike in such a short distance.
    And none of these guys take "Easy Pass!"
    Good thing I took the "back roads!"
    I've blogged about these "boot" or "basket" or
"bucket drops" before. I didn't much like them then.
    That hasn't changed!
    Don't get me wrong. I have yet to see one of the
organizations involved that wasn't representing a
good cause.
    In fact I've donated to most of them through mail
solicitations or at specific events. I've even ignored
my own dislike and dropped some change in their
containers on occasion.
    But that hasn't changed my feelings about these
highway "roadblocks!"
    First, they're dangerous! Especially when kids,
like Little League players are the ones standing literally
in the center of the highway, then dashing from car
to car when the vehicles happen to be stopped for
a red light or a Stop sign.
   I don't think it's a heck of a lot better when adults
straddle the Center line with boots in hand looking
for a hand out.
   Second they are intimidating! You feel bad when
you aren't in a position to give something or when
the collector in the north lane gives you the "evil
eye" as you pass....even though you donated in
the south lane just a half hour before when you
were headed in that direction.
    Fire companies are notorious for conducting
these highway fund raisers around the holidays.
    And, again, I believe they deserve our support.
    I donate in the Township where I live and in
the one where we have a summer camper. These
volunteer companies do need all the help they
can get.
    I just wish they wouldn't get it in the middle
of an intersection!
    In a sense it's especially bad for me because
a lot of these collectors remember me from
television. When I can't give, for whatever
reason, I'm sure some of the casual conversation
gets around to "the TV guy who wouldn't give."
     I find myself praying the light will turn green
just in time for me to glide by as quickly and
quietly as possible!
    Hope you're supporting the good causes, in
a proper and safe way,and that all your NEWS
is good!