I was 16 years old the only time I ever dined and dashed.
It was at Terry’s Pizza on Governor’s Drive in Huntsville. It was either in the summer between my junior and senior years of high school, or early in my senior year. I was part of a group of four or five. When we got to the register, no one was there, and a member of my party waved us out, silently but urgently. I didn’t have the $50 or so it would have taken to cover everyone’s bill, so I had no choice but to go.
Honestly, I don’t remember how torn I was at the time. It was a practical reality that I couldn’t pay, no matter how much of a moral dilemma it was or wasn’t.
Nevertheless, it’s occasionally bugged me. When a Terry’s Pizza remembrance popped up on AL.com last week, I commented with a confession and offer to make things right, and heard from one of the children in the comments section shortly thereafter. She forgave me and asked me to pay it forward. And that became its own piece on AL.com. Very cool.
I figure my dinner bill was $10. Compounded quarterly at 5% for 29 years, that’s about $43.
What should I do with that $43? Let me hear from you.
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Donate to a food pantry.
I’ve worked with the folks at Bags of Blessing quite a bit. They can make a $1 go further than just about anyone. The woman who does the purchasing is real savvy about “gaming” the system of price matching and coupons. If any “food for the needy” organization can get the most bang for your $43, Bags of Blessing is certainly a contender.
It’s a really fun experience to go out and pack bags as well! Great service opportunity for church groups (who we usually work with)
I read about this on al.com and am proud to know you and your heart! When we have pizzas to give out at Manna House, where I volunteer, it brightens people’s day! You could buy $45 worth of pizzas and come hand them out. Bring your family and stay to volunteer together. What a great teaching moment for your boys! Plus, selfishly, if you came on the day I’m there, I could see you. : )
Next time you are in a restaurant, survey the dining room. You are bound to find a table for which the meal is clearly a budget stretcher. Perhaps Mom and Dad are splitting a meal so all 3 kids can have their own. Or, maybe there is an elderly couple whose order is limited by whatever choices enable them to use a coupon. Maybe there is a solo lady that reminds you of your Mom. Anonymously pick up the tab for that table.
Wow, there are several marvelous ideas here. I think I shall do them all. Tom, ‘seester, we have an active food pantry at church. That’s definitely a good thought.
MariBeth, I would love to see you and volunteer sometime. Let me get through with Upward basketball first. 🙂
Kara, when I do my sneak-into-drive-through-lines-and-pay thing, I try to hop in front of people I’ve similarly qualified. Great idea to do it in a sit-down place.
Fabulous! See you after bball.
Hey Bo! Let’s make a date for Manna House.