Having a Overload Money Request for Donation day

[aka-mad4themouse]

I've got to agree with the majority of posters. There are way too many fundraisers for school. And most of the stuff is overpriced things that I wouldn't buy if it were not for the "good cause". Magazines, candy, wrapping paper, pizzas, coupon books...you name it, our HSA (Home & School Assoc.) has our kids selling it. School started in September and I've seen more than a dozen fundraisers from 2 kids. I'd rather just write a check for $20 every month for each child and be done with it rather than pester friends and family with the junk. Enough is enough!

 

[winniedapooh]

DH & I write a check to the school unless it is for Entertainment books and then we will buy them for ourselves and gifts. With 5 kids these fund raisers would suck us dry!

 

[Renysmom]

As the mom of a college student and a HS senior..one piece of advise.. Learn to say NO now cause it only gets worse... I finally just wrote the check at the beginning of the year, like some of you have and didn't feel any quilt..

As i mentioned my youngest is a HS senior and he brought home a note this year that stated that the school had implemented class dues for each grade with the funds going directly to the prom committee for their Jr year when their class must sponsor the prom (which ds class had already completed). His Sr class dues are $150, they say that they are so high because they never had them before and its a kickstart.. A kickstart to WHAT, they graduate in 6 months and all their sr activities are paid for already... But here is the kicker.. If you don't pay them, they are not going to allow your child to walk at graduation.. The parents are outraged and have gone to the School Board who are on the side of the school with this one.. They state that the graduation ceremony is not a given, nor a right to the student and they can bar anyone from attending for any reason they want... The school has refused to tell the parents where the money is going and more than a few are threatening to contact lawyers... This is going to be very interesting to watch and see what happens.. DS says don't pay, he doesn't care if he walks but its a milestone and I don't want him to miss it but I also don't like the fact that they are holding MY checkbook hostage on an emotional level... Not sure what we will do.. DH is lived to say the least..

 

[minmate]

please keep us updated on that situation! Sounds tumultuous! You could always "stage" your own graduation for the non-paying seniors, in someone's backyard! I do vaguely recall, however, having class dues I think when I was in school... but since my parents always took care of that stuff... I'm not really sure if that's what it was.

A little aside, here, the HS has a JR Prom every spring and holds it on a Thursday Night, because week nights are cheaper for rooms, etc. then the following day, I guess is an "unofficial" Skip Day as many of the Juniors don't show up for school that day... kind of offsets the value of trying to be budget-conscious when so many parents let their kids skip school in order to achieve it!

 

[disneychrista]

I understand that fundraiser are very important in this day and age of school buget cuts. BUT that said I would honestly rather be given a bill for what my children actual USE or participate in then to have to sell candy, wrapping paper etc. I have stoped participating in most of them. I did order Disney gifttags (that ended up being crap) and a disney calander (that was ended up being tacky) this year. I already told my kids that I would not be buying anything next year.

 

[swilshire]

The orchestra members, on the other hand, have to either pay a participation fee or fundraise to earn it.

We don't even HAVE an orchestra. Lots of money for football, though, as you mention.

There is a marching band (to play at the football games, of course) but they get very little money and the parents are constantly ask to shell out the cash and fundraise. After six years of this (two kids) I'm glad the next one coming up says he is not interested in the band!

Sheila

 

[shelly3girls]

Our school has one great fundraiser a year. They call it Race for Education. Each child sends in up to 15 names with addresses. The children write a personalized note that gets sent to each name asking each person to sponsor a student for the race. This way donations are anonymous and people don't feel bad saying no and the parents don't have to go around asking people.
The children then walk/run for an hour in a local park/ track. It turns into a fun day for kids and parents. This "race" brings in so much money we do not have to do fundraisers throughout the year. We would not even be able to come close to this amount of money by selling stuff and the kids really have much pride in the race.

 

[minkydog]

There are many children in the neighborhood and they are all selling teh same stuff--we're just passing our money around! We decided to give all the friends and neighbors a break this year. I sent a donation at the beginning of the year to each child's school. I will buy stuff if I want to, but I do not feel under any obligation to buy, nor will i "push" stuff at work for them.

I feel like it is the parent's obligation to pay for stuff like band, football, field trips, etc, not the school's. Therefore, we either work extra or save harder to allocate that money. Sometimes the kids have to get jobs (my 11yo earned $200 last year taking care of pets.) But I don't expect my neighbors to constantly pony up for my kids.

Cathy--mom to John, 18, Eleni, 11, & Christian, 9

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I have to agree with the OP, as a mother with 3 in school so far, I am sick to death of fundraisers. I understand that the school needs money for these things, but I don't have the time or inclination to sell their overpriced junk. And I HATE that they lure the kids into begging me to do it so they can win prizes! And the prizes are usually junky as well (just in my experience with what my kids have brought home). I honestly don't know how moms who work outside the home have time to deal with the fundraisers, delivering stuff, etc. I'm a SAHM of 5 and it wears me out so I don't do it anymore. I have to prioritize.

BTW, I don't know about anyone else, but I look forward to the Girl Scout cookie sales! YUM! On the other hand, my daughter was a Daisy and thought that was great so I was a scout leader when she started Brownies and we both hated it. Our area was all about fundraising. Cookies and calendars, that's all we heard about so she quit, it wasn't fun anymore. I'm sure that's not the case in all areas, but that was our experience.

Just because parents don't do the fundraising doesn't mean they don't care, I resent that implication. And some parents don't even have the money to donate after buying all of the kids school supplies (if they can even afford that). Donating time can be just as valuable, although some working parents can't do that either. People do what they have to do. Not to say that SOME parents don't care, but I don't think that it should be generalized to say "if you don't fundraise, donate money or go to PTA meetings you don't care about your child's education."
'
It seems more and more that our school is sending home order forms with no explanations at all as to what the money is being spent for. I'm not going to buy $30 t-shirt (not exaggerating, that was the latest order form) and not even know where the money is going. Why would I ask my friends and family to?

 

[CarolMN]

I know the schools need money. Even though my child is now grown, we still get requests to buy fundraiser items from nieces, nephews and neighborhood children. Most of the items are overpriced and not things I want anyway. Instead, I make a direct donation to the school or PTO. That way all my money goes to support he cause, not just a small percentage.

I used to do this in response to my daughter's fundraisers, too. I didn't like her selling overpriced junk to neighbors, relatives or strangers, and I didn't like how little of the proceeds ended up being used for the children's benefit. We contributed as we could.

Best wishes -

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I am curious -- it is clear many people hate the normal fundraising "tools" such as catalog sales, candy, etc. but how do you feel about attending PTA/PTO functions w/your children? I posted earlier that we have Bingo Nights. Cards are $1 each and our additional profit comes from food sales such as pizza, soda, etc. We also have a Sock Hop that costs $3 admission also w/the option of purchasing snacks. Are these types of activities in the same category as "take-home" fundraisers? As a PTA board member we thought we were doing great by shifting our focus...now I wonder.

 

[KimberAnn]

Reminds me of the bumper sticker

IT WILL BE A GREAT DAY WHEN OUR SCHOOLS GET ALL THE MONEY THEY NEED AND THE AIR FORCE HAS TO HOLD A BAKE SALE TO BUY A BOMBER.


sometimes I wonder where all of my school taxes go!

Do you attend the School Board budget meetings?

 

[kellyrgraham]

We used to do Market day but they stopped shipping to our state so we had to make up those funds in other places. One of the best ways to help your school is to join the PTA so you can help make decisions about what sort of fundraising your kids will be doing. Our PTA pays for all the field trips, parties, extra music, art, books and library supplies and many other expenses that are not covered by school budgets. So we want to raise plenty of money but we are all parents and understand that selling overpriced candles and wrapping paper is a pain. I like the idea of a yearly donation, it cuts out the middle man. We also have done some fundraisers where we picked out prizes for the kids ourselves out of the profits to reward them for their hard work.
IF you explain to your kids they usually understand. One of my favorite fundraisers is Book Fair because we love books. But our budget has not really allowed a lot of new book money so we have discovered the Scholastic Book Fair warehouse sales. Look on their website for listings and dates, everything is at least half price. I usually hit one before Christmas and get several bags of books for under $75. They are especially cheap on the kits and goodies that aren't really books but that my daughter loves.
We also have the kids make their own charitable donations out of their savings. It is a lot more real when it is their own money and it is nice when they decide that what they are contributing to is more important than disney souvenear money or a video game.
You aren't a scrooge, you are a real person with a real budget that only includes so much for charity.

 

[BettyCv]

how do you feel about attending PTA/PTO functions w/your children?

I don't see the events that you describe as being in the same category as the catalog sales. My kids start kindergarten this fall, so I may change my mind on this... But I think spending a few $s for an event that is both a way to raise funds AND an inexpensive outing for a family is a great idea! It costs my family of 5 a lot of money just to go to a movie, etc. Also, you are not obligating friends/family to contribute.

I think your events are a great compromise!

BettyCv

 

[crisi]

I am curious -- it is clear many people hate the normal fundraising "tools" such as catalog sales, candy, etc. but how do you feel about attending PTA/PTO functions w/your children? I posted earlier that we have Bingo Nights. Cards are $1 each and our additional profit comes from food sales such as pizza, soda, etc. We also have a Sock Hop that costs $3 admission also w/the option of purchasing snacks. Are these types of activities in the same category as "take-home" fundraisers? As a PTA board member we thought we were doing great by shifting our focus...now I wonder.

We are happy to participate in these things when we have time, but so frequently we have other committments and can't make it. Between swim lessons and my school and family obligations and dance class and karate and piano and golf and tball/soccer, we have few free nights to participate. My DH tends to get home late, kids go to bed early -- there is only so much time in each day. And I do like sitting on my back end on occation, too.

Honestly, I'd rather write a check.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

To the OP--it's a new calendar year---my suggestion would be to plan your donations for the year. We donate to our church and set aside money for various requests that come up throughout the year. And when that extra money is gone--well then, you just don't contribute anymore. Knowing what I do all year long makes me more comfortable in saying no when I have simply run out of money.

I always hated fundraisers as a kid b/c they always had contests and it would have been nice to win...but my parents didn't want to buy 50 boxes of chocolate.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am amazed at all of the negative comments about school fundraisers. I am just wondering if any of you attend the PTO meetings on a regular basis or volunteer at your child's school? I am not June Cleaver, but I feel my child's education is very important. Our schools have lack of funding for the extra items that they want our children to have (ie. new library books, field trips, computers, art literacy, cultural events, etc.) Folks that do not have children do not want to increase their taxes so our kids get a good education.

I have cut down to working 2 days per week so that I can be home on the days my child has off from school. I volunteer in my child's classroom 2 days every week, attend every PTO meeting, participate in our fundraisers, pop can drive (which the kids decided to donate for Tsunami relief), field trips, class parties, auction, girl scout leader, etc. etc. etc. I am there to make sure she gets the best education she can. The schools really need everything they get in addition to their federal and state funding. I do not pay for a private school. I still believe in public education, but that comes with a price too!

Sorry, I will get off of my soap box now!

We plan on homeschooling and I am quite involved in my daughters education. Asking children to sell items is just a cover for asking parents to take the junk into work to peddle it. My husband's company has a policy against this so if she had to sell anything she'd be out of luck.

I did fundraising for Team in Training and I did find a web-site of some wonderful NON-COMMERCIAL fundraisers...that call for a more active participation of the community and not just the checkbooks of the parents whose kids attend there.

I don't think anybody is complaining about fundraising per se--but rather the expensive, tacky choices the schools choose as their fundraisers. There is more ways to fundraise out there that are more than peddling wares, are much more fun, and don't seem to be desparate cries for help.

This is my favorite link for non-commercial ideas:
http://www.fundraising-ideas.org/DIY/index.html

Here is another one that I found:
http://www.freethechildren.org/youthinaction/101_fundraising_ideas.htm


What our church's parochial school does for their fundraisers:

Entertainment Book (the only direct sell the kids do a the beginning of year)

Carnival with rides, games, rummage sale, auction, and pasta dinner. Due to the hurricanes this year it was cancelled and our Hall had to be demolished. They are doing a modified carnival in the spring

Art Auction: It is done through some company that does fundraising auctions

Car Raffle: One of the families has a dad who owns a car dealership and they have been auctioning a car for a couple of years and last year they auctioned off two cars.

I think they also do a Golf Tourney for a scholarship fund

What I and other's did succesfully for Team In Training:
Yard Sales combined with raffles

Letter Campaign (akin to those who mentioned simply asking for money flat out at the beginning of the year)

Flamingo Flocking

Car Washes

Bake Sales

Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping at Christmas Time (something the PTO can schedule around August or so)

Wal-mart collections (begging for money...)

This year I will try to schedule a Coffee/Bake Sale on Black Friday at a major retailer.

Someone in PTO for a local elementary school arranged to sell coffee on election day (outside the voting "zone", but it was for the voters).

Church Fundraisers
Our Music Ministry produces annual musicals to raise money for the new organ. Sadly with the demolition of our hall--no more until we are rebuilt

Edited b/c I said daughter's graduation instead of education. She's only 4...don't know what I was thinking.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I am curious -- it is clear many people hate the normal fundraising "tools" such as catalog sales, candy, etc. but how do you feel about attending PTA/PTO functions w/your children? I posted earlier that we have Bingo Nights. Cards are $1 each and our additional profit comes from food sales such as pizza, soda, etc. We also have a Sock Hop that costs $3 admission also w/the option of purchasing snacks. Are these types of activities in the same category as "take-home" fundraisers? As a PTA board member we thought we were doing great by shifting our focus...now I wonder.

I think these are great ideas. I like how this combines an outing with the kids, that way they get something out of it and like someone else said, it's INEXPENSIVE compared to other family outings! It's also a great way for parents to meet other parents. I like helping out the school, but first of all I don't like the idea of paying to be a PTA member, and also I can't even go to the meetings because I don't have anyone to watch my kids. Those kinds of functions seem more like school activities than fundraisers and I think without any selling alot more parents would be open to them.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am curious -- it is clear many people hate the normal fundraising "tools" such as catalog sales, candy, etc. but how do you feel about attending PTA/PTO functions w/your children? I posted earlier that we have Bingo Nights. Cards are $1 each and our additional profit comes from food sales such as pizza, soda, etc. We also have a Sock Hop that costs $3 admission also w/the option of purchasing snacks. Are these types of activities in the same category as "take-home" fundraisers? As a PTA board member we thought we were doing great by shifting our focus...now I wonder.

I dont' have a problem with events. If the events were mandatory, I would have a problem.

Take home fundraisers were always a nuisance when I was growing up and from what I hear from other parents, that is all they are.

 

[Taja]

Okay, I'm admitting my age here!

When I was growing up in the fifties, most women were SAHM. My mother worked full time, and my father worked two jobs. Both were as active as possible in my schools. My father's full time job was as night foreman in an aerospace company (24/7 schedule), so he usually volunteered to chaperone school trips (about four per year) and man the barbeque at the carnival. My mother worked days, so she was involved with PTA and occasionally with our Girl Scout troop (she was on medical leave twice for several months when I was in elementary school and always participated in the weekend outings and helped sewing badges on sashes for other girls). Both always made time to be involved with making prizes for and setting up the carnival booths.

One of the things the PTA did was to have a baby sitting program in another building during the meetings for parents who didn't have sitters. One or two adults chaperoned, and the older students were responsbile for keeping the younger children under control. I think children had to be about age 2 and potty trained. Infants went into the meeting with parents, who stayed at the back of the auditorium in case they needed to make a hasty exit. They kept a roster of the parents who chaperoned, so the same ones wouldn't be stuck every time. Anyone who had children in the baby sitting program was required to chaperone at least once during the school year--and that included the PTA President!

Once children were old enough and mature enough to sit still through a meeting, they were included in the meeting if their parents were attending. It was great training for parliamentary proceedings!