What are your thoughts on sunshine/staff dues?

I don't know how to feel about being asked to pay $40 each year for staff dues. I know the money is used to buy cards and food and small gifts, but I still feel like I am being asked to fund my own "rewards".

I go to work to earn money not give it back to my employer. I am not sure how many people don't contribute, but I know that most do. Just seems like another way they we are exploited. "We want to celebrate you, so please give us money so we can buy you pizza and soda."

The other part that I hate is that if you don't pay you are made to feel like you aren't a part of the "family".

Do you pay? Why or why not?