Guilty Perks Of The Job

[nailit]

Done another 5 hour stint at the foodbank distribution centre today. Talking to my manageress this morning when she casually asked how I managed on benefits. Told her that generally I got by ok and was fortunate enough that if I had a bad week money wise that my mum would help me out...food wise...and that I was fairly good at budgeting anyway (always shopping for the 2 for 1 offers etc)
She said that she would give me a foodbank voucher, (for the church that was literally across the road from where I live and was open tonight for collection). I actually felt a bit embarrassed and stressed that I hadn't come to work for the foodbank with the intention of taking its food from those that needed it more than myself. She insisted that I have it and insinuated that as a volunteer it was an occasional 'perk' as most, if not all, of the volunteers are on benefits and struggling anyway.
Ive just collected 3 bags of shopping (some of which I'm sure that ive 'marked up' previously as it looks like my hand writing...)
Its nice to have a perk for ur work but should I feel guilty? (because I do)
Either way it feels good to be a little bit appreciated....with or without the food voucher.
Just curious as to how others would view this little 'perk'?
Thanks

[Mamyalynne]

I don't believe you should feel guilty, though I can understand why you might.

They want their volunteers as healthy and fit as possible.

[ethandron]

I don’t think you should have accepted it. Everyone else has to be referred to a food bank so it does seem not quite right that youve been given a voucher as a ‘perk’ of your volunteering.

[nailit]

//They want their volunteers as healthy and fit as possible//
Yes Mamy I can see that after today. Another lorry load of pallets to unload and stock nearly killed me ;-)

[kvalidir]

I think it's fine, as since you're on benefits you'd be eligible anyway and I also think it's a great thing you are doing volunteering, so no need to feel guilty x

[nailit]

Fair enough ethandron, I did feel a little bit embarrassed about it, but appreciative nevertheless.

[naomi24]

I wouldn't take it. I know quite a bit about charities and the way they work and have been heavily involved with two major organisations. I resigned from both - directly as a result of 'perks' given - and often expected. My feeling is that people don't put money into charity boxes to provide perks for administrators or for volunteers.

[mallyh]

she sounds a nice person ,and no you shouldn't feel guilty you are working hard to help others xx

[nailit]

//I think it's fine, as since you're on benefits you'd be eligible anyway//
I was offered a foodbank voucher some years ago by my probation officer at the time as I was struggling but turned it down. Pride I guess???

[ethandron]

I once volunteered at a children’s hospice. Every year around Christmas, a huge party with three course meal was held for the volunteers at a local swish hotel, to thank them. I only went once as I felt very uncomfortable as it must have cost a fortune and I’d rather the money went to the hospice.
If you’re eligible for a food bank voucher then I’d go through the proper channels to get one rather than accepting it as a ‘perk’ of volunteering. ‘Perks’ for volunteering seems wrong.

[Rockrose]

I agree with eth and Naomi, just because you are on benefits doesn’t automatically mean you are entitled to access the food bank, sorry

[Hopkirk]

If that's alright you get for 5 hours hard labour, don't feel guilty!

[Hopkirk]

I hate autocorrect

[naomi24]

ethandron, //I once volunteered at a children’s hospice. Every year around Christmas, a huge party with three course meal was held for the volunteers at a local swish hotel//

That's exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about. Absolutely wrong.

[pastafreak]

When we have too much of something...either because it's fresh and we don't have storage or cannot use immediately, or it's a tinned item that we are swimming in, I may then offer it to those volunteers who I know could do with a bit of help. I doubt those who donate would mind, as part of our job is to provide for those who need. We even do it for co-workers having a rough time. Don't feel guilty nailit. If you do, donate in kind or a bit of cash when you can. ;-)

[margarettom]

I don't see a problem. If I had donated food I wouldn't mind you having a voucher after all your hard work. Just hope you enjoy the sardines and baked beans!

[pastafreak]

Naomi...not all volunteers are sweet, church going, salt of the earth, older middle England types. ( ok...thats a bit ott, but you know what I mean). The majority of ours have been thtough some pretty rough times, and may still be recovering. Sometimes volunteering is a stepping stone to eventually working. They still need help...so it's given. Its not a perk in those situations.
We thank the volunteers at Christmas with a meal we cook for them.

[nailit]

This is a difficult one for me. A few tins of beans and packets of pasta isn't equal to a swanky 3 course meal in a swanky hotel. But neither did I ask for it anyway.
Ive also worked for several other charities where the volunteers never had any perks and were frankly used as cheap labour while the 'top brass' paid employees had jollies galore.

[murraymints]

absolutely take it..you've worked very hard and on a restricted budget..it's not a perk...it's earned , merited and deserved

[Mamyalynne]

Without doubt some charitable concerns do take the biscuit, I don't think this is one of them.

[ethandron]

Volunteering is very different from being a paid employee though.
I’m not really criticising you for accepting the food, more the person who saw fit to give it to you. If I’d have donated to the food bank hopper at the supermarket then I’d want to be sure it went to those who I expected it to go to, not someone randomly selected by someone in charge at the food bank.
You’re doing a good job regardless, nailit.