Would this bother you & would you participate?

[golfgal]

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

Yes, some people complain no matter what it is.

OP, I would not set an amount either and you could most likely get several gift cards or even put together a total night out-dinner/movie or dinner/hotel. We did a 'donate what you can' one year for Christmas for one of the kids' teachers and we ended up with over $300. We were NOT expecting that much but she is such a great teacher and person that people just gave. We didn't want to set an amount because we wanted people to give what they felt they could-we were expecting about $5/kid .

 

[BELLE1109]

I am going to go against the grain and say you should keep it at the $2.00. If someone asked me for a donation, I would feel obligated to give $20.00. I think asking for $2.00 won't be a burden to anyone. If people insist on giving you more, take it. I think the $2.00 limit is a good idea and won't make anyone feel put out.

 

[Rora]

That sounds like a great idea! If I was a parent, I'd have no problem contributing!

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I think asking for a small donation is a great idea.
I would definitely participate. It is the least I can do to thank someone who has been working hard to keep my freedom over the past 18 months.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Not only would I participate, I would probably give extra.

 

[daisyduck123]

I would definitely contribute, but would be sending in $10.00.

 

[happygirl]

I think it's a nice idea, I wouldn't ask for set amount

 

[luvmy3]

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

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

Yes, people would complain.

I would keep it at a $2 request but in the note say something like we are asking for $2 or whatever you may be comfortable donating". That way those who want/need to give less won't feel pressured to give more, and those who want to give more know its appreciated. I never ask for a specific amount, I always word it so everyone knows they are free to give whatever they want no matter how big or small, I also send a thank you note home to all the parents for contributing after the gift has been given.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I think it is a great idea! I'd definately contribute if this was my child's teacher. Heck...maybe even look at talking to someone in the front office about possibly opening it up to the whole grade or even school....I know if it was our school, lots of people would love to contribute, and we could probably get them a night away at a B&B or something.

 

[golfgal]

I am going to go against the grain and say you should keep it at the $2.00. If someone asked me for a donation, I would feel obligated to give $20.00. I think asking for $2.00 won't be a burden to anyone. If people insist on giving you more, take it. I think the $2.00 limit is a good idea and won't make anyone feel put out.

If you got a note home saying they were taking donations for a gift card for dinner out you would really send in $20??? I think most would probably send in $5.

 

[jen0610]

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.

If I were to get a note that said, with Mrs. T's husband returning from Afgan, after an 18 months tour, I thought it would be a nice gesture to say thank you for his service and wish them a Merry Chirtmas after a long period of seperation, by sending them out to dinner one night. If anybody would like to contribute, please let me know. Any contribute is welcome.

I would be more than happy to give and it would be more than the $2.00 you would have been asking for.

 

[Liberty Belle]

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 great idea. I'd definitely contribute. I think you should have an idea of what to do in case you get way more than $2 from some students. Maybe an extra gift card for the movie theatre or something?

 

[Bren's Mom]

I think it's a lovely idea.

If there is an official 'room mother' I'd have her send the note home in the kid's backpacks (in sealed envelopes).

And I'd be sure that it says it will be from 'the class', and that whatever anyone can donate (whether it's $1 or $5 or more) will be happily accepted and appreciated.