'When Fundraising Isn't Fun'

When Alix climbed into her mom's car she asked, "Will you buy some Chocolate Mumble cookies the Rabbit Rangers are selling as our fundraiser? The first prize is a trip to the Wild Wonders Amusement Park."

"Of course, honey," said her mother.

"But I have to warn you -- they don't taste so good."

"On second thought, I am on a diet."

"But maybe if you buy them, the rest of the family will eat them," said Alix.

"No, baby. This family will no longer fill themselves up with useless calories like we did when we ate all those Wheat Whizzies you won as second prize last year."

When Alix's father got home, she asked him, "Do you think you'll be able to sell my cookies at the office like you did last year?"

"I've got a new job, now, honey," said her Dad. "The boss only allows the sale of his kids' fundraisers at the office."

"Then I'll call Grandma. She'll buy some," Alix said. She got Grandma on the phone and explained how she really needed her help.

"Sure," said Grandma. "You know I'd do anything for you."

But when Alix said she needed her to buy something from her Rabbit Rangers troop, there was a long silence.

"I'm sorry, Alix. I can't buy your cookies. I still can't look at a Wheat Whizzies box without getting sick."

So Alix had some miserable-tasting Chocolate Mumble cookies to sell, none of her family was willing to buy or sell them, and her team was given the worst location to sell cookies, right in front of Frank's Greasy Spoon where all the truckers eat.

"We'll never be able to win first prize!" she wailed.

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Thursday: Is Alix right?

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This story and a color version of the illustration are at latimes.com/kids.