The recent news of a young person’s life being taken while selling candy door to door is a tragedy with a message. For years, I have believed that as a society we are wrong to force small children to “peddle” candy, candles, gift wrap or whatever to raise a few dollars for some trip or cause.
I thought child labor laws have been in effect for some time! Too many organizations have come to depend on these efforts, and parents have been pressured into going along with this.
I recently witnessed the manager of a Jewel store in Park Ridge running off a mother and two scouts for trying to peddle candy at his doorstep. He is rightfully thinking of his customers being harassed by young peddlers and perhaps a safety issue. Doesn’t anyone remember the little girl crushed by a car while performing a similar duty in Des Plaines?
Why should anyone force young children to become peddlers, thus humbling themselves and putting themselves in apparent danger? Our communities should consider passing legislation forbidding anyone under age 16 to solicit. This is the only way we will eventually stop this disgraceful practice.
