When I donated blood yesterday the receptionist cheerily informed me that this pint would make a gallon so I would get a "gift".  At first I was excited about the gift but as they checked my iron and blood pressure I began to think.  I went in to donate blood and I don't expect anything in return.  Well, I do appreciate the cookies and juice but that's just a way to keep donors from jumping up out of the chair, heading outside and subsequently passing out on the sidewalk, I suppose.  Anyway, it's a very nice gesture to give donors gifts at every gallon but how much money would they save if they just stuck with a sincere "thank you" after tugging out the needle?  When they handed me my gift it felt like I was being paid.  I don't want to exaggerate here; I took the gift and I'm not plagued with self-loathing or anything but I can't quite shake the feeling that I was selling my blood, not donating it. 

At a fundraiser I worked for my second job, a faith-based organization hosted an elaborate dinner with entertainment...and a nice little gift for each attendee.  Obviously, the attendees had to pay a hefty sum to attend and I won't get into the appropriateness of hosting such fundraising dinners and how much money is used to pay for it and how much is actually kept for the organization, but my point is the gift.  Those attendees willingly paid the money knowing it was for a cause they championed (and my paycheck and the venue's...).  Did they really need or want the "gift", to which another portion of their donation probably went? 

Similarly, a few people I have supported for mission trips recently have either returned with a pretty souvenir (from a long-term mission) or included a little trinket with the thank-you note (from a short-term mission).  I am always delighted but then quickly feel guilty.  Do these missionaries feel like I need to be rewarded for giving to God?  Keeping me updated and/or meeting with me after to show pictures would be more than sufficient.  Is it a good thing to do this because it expresses gratitude that the supporter is partnering with them to forward God's Kingdom?  Or should I feel cheated of a blessing?  Sort of like, "Yeah, I'll write you a check if you bring me something nice."  I'm just as grateful for their willingness to go but I'm not buying them anything because we're partners.  Equals. 

I should note that I do not think these missionaries feel that supporters have to be recognized in such a way.  More likely, they have been made to feel indebted to supporters or something like that, which is unfortunate.  Also, I'm not referring to those who bring gifts back to friends and family who also happened to be supporters.  That is a little different.  Still unnecessary, but it's what friends and family sometimes do. 

What do you think?  Should donors, supporters, and such be compensated?  How can one tell the difference between an "I like you and wanted to bring you something" gift and an "I feel like I need to give you something more than a thank-you note" gift?