Thank you to those of you who expressed concern, I appreciate the support. I picked up for about two dozen different people, all of whom have different personalities and character traits, so it was practically a statistical certainty that I would run into one or two "bad apples" (for lack of a better term) and therein lies the risks of volunteering. I was very careful to inventory and check each person's purchase and distribute accordingly (not rocket science) but what I didn't do is monitor carefully what they were carrying out of my home after we talked reef talk and the usual pleasantries. This was the weak link.
Would I volunteer again? YES, without hesitation. As a matter of fact I spent at least two hours with one of the group-buy participants helping to put together his plumbing manifold project. It was spur of the moment but it was something that I love to do.
In the bigger scheme of things, I would not want to see anyone easily discouraged or Jaded by experiences like this....it is all simply part of life. Does it sadden me that this particular person's dignity is worth less than $58 to him? Of course. But on the flip side, what gives me the right to judge a person 20-30+ years on this Earth within the context of a mere group buy experience? Maybe he justified his actions thinking I am rich and can afford the loss? (LOL, I wish) At the end of the day, it is still merely a $58 pump. I'm already over it.