When I was directing a church camp years ago, this experience with a girl who came from a poor family occurred. I hope it points out the joy of giving.

She came from a small country church to camp
although she couldn’t afford to pay
her church had paid for everything
plus some money for her to play.
In that same camp were girls of wealth
to whom money was only a toy
and in the mix was one girl-hating boy.
The girls of wealth devised a fun scheme
when they went to canteen the next day.
“Let’s all buy T-shirts that are made alike
and we’ll all look exactly the same way.”
The counselor spoke with wisdom and care
“maybe it’s something not all can afford.”
They never gave thought to the poor little girl
as they made their choice in one accord.
After swimming they got candy and a coke
and a beautiful T-shirt from camp
while the poor girl stood alone back under a tree
feeling the shame of a tramp.
The counselor said to the clerk in the shop
“See that girl out under that tree?
when she comes in to get her a drink
give her a T-shirt and don’t say it’s from me.”
It may have been cloudy on that afternoon
but the clouds all left for a while
as that sweet little girl was given a shirt
and sunlight burst out through her smile.