Would this bother you & would you participate?

[hegsag]

My dd's 3rd grade teacher's husband has been deployed to Afganistan for the past 18 months. He should be home within the next week or so. I would love to ask each person (whom wishes) to contribute $2 for a gift card for the couple to go out to dinner. If people contributed it would be right about $50.00. My only concern is that people will be annoyed with me since it's so close to Christmas. What are your thoughts?

 

[Ceila]

My dd's 3rd grade teacher's husband has been deployed to Afganistan for the past 18 months. He should be home within the next week or so. I would love to ask each person (whom wishes) to contribute $2 for a gift card for the couple to go out to dinner. If people contributed it would be right about $50.00. My only concern is that people will be annoyed with me since it's so close to Christmas. What are your thoughts?

I think it's a lovely idea, and if my child was in the class I would be more than happy to contribute.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

No it would not bother me, yes I would participate. I think it is very sweet.

 

[java]

I think it's a great idea! And come on it's $2. Welcome him home!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I think most people would be happy to support our service families, and teachers....

I wouldn't set an amount....
You might be surprised at how much you receive.

My only concern is how you will be able to present this to everyone, and how people would actually physically give you their donations???

Are you in the school, classroom....

I think it is a very nice idea!

 

[msmayor]

No matter how big or small the amount, I'm never a fan of asking folks to contribute a 'specific' amount of money for anything. You don't know their situation, and there may very well be families that simply can't spare the money at all.

And in this situation, what if there ARE kids whose parents don't contribute? Do their names get left out, or is it going to be just from "the class"?

Its a lovely gesture, but I personally think its got drawbacks.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

If I wanted to gift a couple a night out, I would do so. I wouldn't ask others to do likewise to lower my cost point.

But, if someone asked me to contribute, I would do so gladly.

 

[hegsag]

Being so close to Christmas and all, I don't anticipate each family would contribute. It would certainly be from the class as a whole though...I'm just nervous it may tick some people off which totally isn't my intention.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, I would not specify any amount...
But make sure to specify that this will be a nice "Welcome Home and Happy Holidays from Ms. Xxxxxxx Third Grade Class".

Perhaps you could have a nice card prepared so that everyone could see exactly what will be given, and how the 'FROM' will be worded.

This should not be the kind of thing where people expect the gratification of seeing their own name, or worried about their name being omitted if they don't feel like they can contribute for any reason.....

 

[LuLuO]

It would not bother me in the least and I would be thrilled to participate. If you really do think that people would be ticked off then maybe you could just do it yourself. If you want to be anonymous you could sign it "Thank you for your service. Merry Christmas." and leave it at that.

 

[hegsag]

If you want to be anonymous you could sign it "Thank you for your service. Merry Christmas." and leave it at that.

I love it! This is what I am going to do...I can just pop it in her mailbox in the front office.

The only reason why I thought it may tick people off is from reading other posts about teachers gifts BUT this solves my dilemna. Thank you...

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

Considering that I was asked to donate $20 to my boss's Christmas gift (which I will NOT be doing)... I think asking for a donation for something like this is a sweet idea.

I agree that maybe you shouldn't ask for a specific amount and make sure that everyone knows that it's from the whole class whether they donate or not.

 

[kirstenb1]

I'd raise it to $5. Just my experience that 1/2 the kids are able to contribute, and half not.

 

[Minnesota!]

I cannot imagine anyone would have an issue with that!!!! What a great idea!

 

[Magic Mom]

Lovely idea!

 

[mickyzzzzz05]

it is a great idea! What a nice thing to do. $2 is something everyone should be able to swing. Especially for this!

 

[Hannathy]

yes as long as you kept it at the $2 level. I people can or want to they will offer more but it is at a level that most can contribute easily. Even when my DH was out of work i could have rounded up $2 even if I had to find change around the house.

I also think you should put an amount down, because when you are counting pennies you always feel like you aren't sending in enough. It is nice to know what most people are giving so you don't either feel like you didn't send your fair share or that you sent in an extra dollar or two that you really didn't have but weren't sure and didn't want to be thought cheap.

 

[JennaTX]

I think it is a great idea! What a great way to show to the teacher that you care about her and her family.

 

[AustinTink]

Just have to ask... would anyone complain about $2, really??

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

This is a fabulous idea.
Its just me but I would put in the note that if everyone contributed the $2 the class could get them the $50 gc but feel free to send in whatever you are comfortable with.
Heck, even when money was at the tightest with me you still would have gotten the $2 even if it came in loose change.