The 13-year-old Life Scout named Jonathan in Troop 506 is pioneering new ways to perform acts of kindness.
Like many troops, 506 sells popcorn each fall to raise money. In 2019, while still a Cub Scout, Jonathan watched as kids who’d made $1,800 or more in sales walked across a stage to receive a Lego set as a prize. “I really want that Lego set,” he said.
The next year, he successfully got his Legos. However, Troop 506 not only provides Lego sets but also contributes a percentage of their sales in the form of gift cards for Scouting-related activities. Encouraged, Jonathan spent the next few years developing a surprising sale skill.
The year 2021 saw him achieve impressive sales of $46,193.75, making him a top seller in the nation and bringing him $5,000 worth in Amazon cards, He might have spent it on himself, but he had other ideas. Popcorn season closes in late November, and the holidays were on his mind—particularly the stories his father had told him about his own days in foster care.
“They don’t really have Christmas,” Jonathan said. With $5,000, he could bring Christmas to a lot of kids. With the help of his mother, he made his way to the social services offices.
Anyone else might have simply sent in the money and felt they’d done enough. Not Jonathan. He requested information about each kid, including age, gender and interests. He changed from a big seller to a big spender, personally choosing gifts for dozens of kids, like a Santa.
“The most worthwhile thing,” he said, “is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”
4. What encouraged Jonathan to improve his selling techniques?
A.The Lego set to be received as a prize. | B.The money to be raised by selling popcorn. |
C.The cards that could be gained to buy goods. | D.The praise that a sales champion would win. |
5. Why is Jonathan’s father mentioned in paragraph 4?
A.To explain why Jonathan had other ideas. |
B.To show how his father’s story impressed him. |
C.To compare lifestyles of two different generations. |
D.To provide information about Jonathan’s childhood. |
6. Which of the following can best describe Jonathan?
A.Outgoing and selfless. | B.Brave and smart. |
C.Thoughtful and caring. | D.Gifted and honest. |
7. What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.A Scout Helps in Social Service Offices | B.A Scout Sells a Record Amount of Popcorn |
C.A Scout Changes from a Seller to a Spender | D.A Scout Plays Santa for Kids in Foster Care |