I dislike the many fundraisers our schools do, but I totally understand the necessity. I do not want my kids soliciting door to door so we usually buy things to give as gifts and ask our relatives if there is anything they'd like to order. Last year the PTO did a large fundraiser, and there was absolutely nothing I wanted to order. Usually there are things I can give as gifts or use as stocking stuffers, etc. but this particular sale had nothing I wanted to waste my money on. I noticed there was a cash donation option that went directly to the school. I thankfully took that option and felt better knowing the school would get 100% of my donation instead of a percentage of sales. Fast forward to this year.... DS just started at the Intermediate school and brought home the paperwork for a new fundraiser on Friday - Cookie dough and cheesecakes. Well, that's fine and dandy but it says in bold letters on the front of the catalog that all items contain nuts or were processed on the same equipment as nut products. Both my kids have severe nut allergies so obviously nothing in this catalog can be purchased for our household. I also don't want my kids selling this stuff as the photos look YUMMY and are only a tease for my kids. I didn't notice a cash donation option but am considering doing one anyway, including a note explaining the situation. WWYD? Bottom line, a cash donation would be more profitable for the school so why do I feel guilty? Another concern of mine are the prizes. Students are awarded prizes for selling these items. The more items sold the better the prizes. I feel bad that my kids won't get any prizes because they didn't sell anything. Argh! Just thinking out loud. I always feel pressured into these darn fund raisers. Dealing with my DK's severe food allergies are hard enough. Now they are also an issue concerning school fund raisers.

Anyway, now that I've rambled... What do you think of this situation?? TIA

By Eve on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 12:08 pm:

It has gotten crazy with all the fundraising. When I was younger, we never did anything like this. It sounds like a lot of work for the parents! I wouldn't go door to door either. I would most likely ask a few friends and then send it to work with DH. Is that an option? I know my DH often buys pies and such from people selling for their kids.

As for the allergies and them seeing the yummy items, I wouldn't concern yourself too much. Unfortunately, it's a fact that they'll have to get used to. (I know that doesn't make it much easier though!) I'm sure they see many yummy things on tv or in a friends lunch box, or things brought to school for a Holiday party or Birthday. I wouldn't worry about feelings getting hurt until they mention something about it to you. Then, I would opt out of selling that food item.

I would love to order something if it's candles or wrapping paper or food items. Feel free to call us! I don't think we've ever purchased anything from them, and would love to help.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 12:37 pm:

Thanks, Eve! We'll keep you in mind. You may not have bought stuff from the kids in the past but you have recieved fundraiser items as gifts. LOL!

DH's company frowns upon soliciting. At least that's what DH says. Regardless, he's very busy at work and I certainly wouldn't ask or expect him to sell stuff to his coworkers. He has bigger concerns and simply doesn't have the time. Honestly, I don't think anyone should be expected to solicit at work. Many employers prohibit it.

Oh yes, I'm well aware Ty & B's allergies are a fact of life they have to live with. It's an issue they deal with on a daily basis, so whenever possible, such as this fundraiser, we try to avoid teasing them with yummy foods they CAN'T have.

By Sunny on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 12:52 pm:

If you did a search, I'm sure you've find an article titled Fundraisers: a Necessary Evil.

I don't feel guilty anymore about not participating in all the fundraisers the schools hold. I'll go so far as to say that I was overjoyed when my oldest started high school and cash donations were preferred! I'm usually hit with 3 or 4 throughout the year and I find that a lot of the items are overpriced and I would just rather donate the cash. I don't let the kids sell door-to-door and all our trusted neighbors either have school-age kids or aren't interested. Dh has sold at work, but when you've got 3 or 4 people selling the same items for their kids, who wants to buy it? Besides, that's not really the kids raising the money, it's the parents. For me, with 4 kids in school, all the money I put out for uniforms/clothes, school supplies, pictures, lunches, money to join the Home and School, yearbooks, field trips, and this year my oldest is a junior so I'm not sure what other expenses I'll be dealing with, it really adds up!

If you are involved in the PTO, suggest other alternatives. Bingo night, car washes, raffles, etc. They may have changed the offered items because it was successful in the past or they feel it will bring in more money than previous fundraisers. If you're not as involved, skip this one and wait for the next one.

By Marcia on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 01:14 pm:

Our school is thinking of starting something new this year, after having so many complaints. They sent out a questionaire last year, asking how we felt about just making a donation per family, rather than doing any fundraisers. Most people I know jumped right on that one! I sure hope it goes through, because most of the time it's me putting the money in anyway!
Perhaps you could suggest this idea to your council.

By Cybermommyx4 on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 01:18 pm:

Even if there are no options through the fundraiser, couldn't you donate directly to the school/class (whichever is holding the fundraiser)? I dislike them, too, esp. with having four children. We do very few of them. Most of the "prizes" they give out are *junk*...but maybe you can order a few things from Oriental Trading Co. for your kids to have as Prizes? I think their stuff is along the same lines....

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 02:55 pm:

In Sheboygan, they don't do the incentives for selling and say right out, that you shouldn't go door-to-door. Sarah sells Racine Kringles and fruit for band. Then a short time later, is selling Girl Scout cookies. Then of course, Emily sells girl scout cookies and magazines, at different times. Sarah also gets a fundraiser for her "class", which we end up not doing, because there is just only so much selling, one can do! Although, she sold enough Kringles and stuff last year, that when she went to Florida, we didn't have to add too much more cash, so that was nice. No big band trip this year, though. They are going to try to make a short band trip and a long band trip, while kids are in high school.

By Amecmom on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 03:22 pm:

I just make a cash donation. I usually don't need/want what's being sold. I refuse to waste money anymore, so I just give what would be the equivalent of me having purchased a bunch of stuff.
Ame

By Missmudd on Sunday, September 4, 2005 - 04:50 pm:

From a tax advantage it works better if you just donate cash imo too. You dont have to worry about how much the item normally would have cost minus what you paid and keep track of all that. Really easy to say $X when to school as tax free donation. I hate the fundraisers.