Paying It Forward

(I work as a secretary in a community center where children can attend day camps. They also have to pay in advance if they want to attend a special activity outside of the city. A mother calls.)

Me: “Community Center, how may I help you?”

Mother: “Hi! I know this must be difficult to do, since you have a lot to do with all the day camps, but I have a request.”

Me: “Yes?”

Mother: “Well, my daughter was registered for the activity that will be Friday on next week. I have already paid, but she won’t be able to go because we’re on vacation that week. I would like you to transfer her reservation to another child please.”

(I think that she wants to get her money back, like most of parents when they call.)

Me: “So you are asking me to give you back your money for this activity?”

Mother: “No, no! Of course not! I know it’s a bit complicated, but I would like you to transfer the reservation to another child that would like to go there, but doesn’t have the money for it.”

Me: “Oh, wow! Now I understand, and it’s very kind of you! May I have your name, your daughter’s name and your phone number so I can call you back—”

Mother: “Oh! I don’t need you to call me back; just to know another kid will be happy makes me happy! But my daughter’s name is [name], so you can remove the activity in her file. Thank you very much for doing this!”