Office Employees Asking for Money for Fundraisers - Opinions Wanted

[mom'sfolly]

My kid's school has gone to two fundraisers per year, and limited the number of charity solicitations. The two fundraisers are a direct donation drive in the fall and a carnival/silent auction in the spring. I LOVE the direct donation drive; all the money goes to the PTA, it is tax deductible and you don't have to buy a bunch of worthless junk. This year's fall fundraising is target for a shade pavilion for the PE area and track improvements. Our PTA in the past has also bought technology for the school; ie smart boards or slates for every classroom. The spring fundraiser funds the fall programs.

It had gotten really bad at our school, with the PTA fundraiser, March of Dimes, Jump Rope for Heart, Diabetes fundraisers, autism fundraisers, departmental fundraisers, and other charity fundraisers. The more focused charity and PTA fundraisers are appreciated by almost everybody.

Our PTA funds the literacy library, the regular library, science kits, technology, staff development, family science night, materials for classrooms, staff and parent appreciation programs, Reflections, field trips, virtual field trips (made possible with PTA purchased technology) and other programs.

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

Thankfully, the private school my kids are at is expensive enough, they don't bother with fundraisers. Tution covers everything.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I have to add, I've always hated the fundraisers at work. There just seems to be feeling of being obligated to buy, especially if it isn't a peer, but is a manager.

 

[kuntrygirl]

mom'sfolly :

I have to add, I've always hated the fundraisers at work. There just seems to be feeling of being obligated to buy, especially if it isn't a peer, but is a manager.

I think a lot of my co-workers feel the same way.​

 

[Baymule]

A-HEM! don't we pay school taxes? And yeah, my kids came home with stuff to sell too. I bought it and sent 'em back to school. I refused to turn them into peddlers or myself either, for that matter. Sometimes it was really annoying stuff, like wrapping paper. Really? Wrapping paper?

The only thing worse is running the begger's gauntlet at WalMart.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Yep. Wrapping paper, Christmas cards and Christmas tree decorations.

 

[Beekissed]

I never would participate in school fundraisers either. I think it's horrible to make kids go sell useless and overpriced items out of peer pressure. Why in the world do these schools need this money? Why not just concentrate on education for once and leave all the extra-curricular items where they belong....after school and by choice only.

When my kids would get anxious and say, "But I'll win this or that if I sell these!", I always replied, "That item cost about $10 at the store....I'll get it for you if you need it that badly."

My opinion is this: It shouldn't be allowed and it shouldn't be promoted....these parents need to band together and put their foot down and refuse this type of activity for their children.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I know what my school has per child from the district, and I know exactly what the money given to the PTA buys. I think it is worth it, and I'm grateful to all those who donate so that books can be replaced, kids can go on field trips, that there are curriculum enhancements and access to new technology. And grateful that those who donate this year will provide a shade structure for kids who do PE in the full sun of a 107* Texas day, and will make the track level enough that kids can use it without risk.

 

[Beekissed]

You know what? We had everything we needed to get an education when I was growing up and in school and there wasn't one fund raising event. Wonder how they did all that?

 

[mom'sfolly]

I guess your school didn't have car washes, PTA suppers, families paying for every sports trip, bake sales etc.