| |
SonjaW
PeaFixture
PeaNut 123,540
January 2004
Posts: 3,123
Layouts: 0
Loc: San Jose, California
 |  Posted: 10/3/2012 5:11:48 PM
My foster daughter just brought home one of those booklets and a sign up sheet for her school's "Fall" fundraiser. I have never had a foster child in school before, so this is new to me. I looked at the stuff and it is okay but small amounts for a large price (wrapping paper, candy, calendars etc.) I hated these fundraiser things when I was a kid (when the kids actually had to do the work). I have hated them as other co-workers have brought them to work -- especially subordinates because I always felt like I have to purchase. Now I hate it as a parent -- who is apparently the one who is supposed to do the work of getting people to sign up for things they really don't want or need.
I would rather just write the school a check but that is not an option.
I should say, I already bought the school t-shirt (a fundraiser) and bought books from their book sale (which earns them books for the classroom). I am not opposed to some fundraising but I hate these overpriced catalog things.
Do I have to do anything other than put it out at work for people to look at (without saying anything other than "here it is" ). I don't want my foster daughter to be the only one whose parent didn't do this.
Sonja | |
|
julieberg
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 160,179
July 2004
Posts: 6,441
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:14:17 PM
I don't see why the PTO, PTA or PFO (whatever organization is running this) wouldn't take a check made out to them if you do not want to participate. Is it mandatory??? | |
|
Nicole in TX
The Peas did what we do and went insane over it
PeaNut 16,696
June 2001
Posts: 18,159
Layouts: 65
Loc: Not so obvious
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:14:33 PM
No. Just toss it in the trash. More kids will NOT sell than do sell. |
|
|
SonjaW
PeaFixture
PeaNut 123,540
January 2004
Posts: 3,123
Layouts: 0
Loc: San Jose, California
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:15:05 PM
It just came home with the expalantion that it was the school's fall fundraiser. | |
|
beachbum6264
PeaAddict
PeaNut 338,605
September 2007
Posts: 1,332
Layouts: 0
Loc: not close enough to the beach
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:17:20 PM
When my school does fundraisers we often get envelopes with just a check and note that says they don't want to sell, just donate. No problem - who is going to turn down a check?? | |
|
LolaLayout
PeaAddict
PeaNut 544,018
February 2012
Posts: 1,267
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:18:01 PM
I always just toss them. I refuse to push them on anyone and I sure as heck am not going to buy that junk.
Your PTO will definitely take a check made directly to them, BTW.
And don't worry about your foster daughter being the only one not selling. I think more kids don't sell than do sell. | |
|
h&hmommy
PeaAddict
PeaNut 337,614
September 2007
Posts: 1,286
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:18:28 PM
I find it very hard to believe that writing a check is not an option. Says who? I wouldn't participate if that is the case. | |
|
OSUBuckeyeFan
When does football season start?
PeaNut 182,623
December 2004
Posts: 6,436
Layouts: 0
Loc: USA
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:18:55 PM
I take the yearly catalog-o-crap and throw it in the trash! I'll gladly write the PTC a check instead of selling that overpriced junk. |
|
|
schooby
PeaAddict
PeaNut 127,529
January 2004
Posts: 1,597
Layouts: 0
Loc: down on da bayou
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:21:57 PM
It is part of being a parent. Buy something that is $10-15, and don't worry about it.
If you don't like the overpriced wrapping paper (I don't either), the only other option is to volunteer for the fundraising committee of the PTA and start a new program. There is a scrips program that lets parents buy gift cards to lots of different stores, and the school gets a cut. There is Box Tops, Community Coffee Labels, Campbells for Education, and Coke Rewards for Schools. A big fundraiser is a silent auction with donations from local businesses. | |
|
WorkingClassDog
Rick Springfield Junkie
PeaNut 78,429
March 2003
Posts: 13,968
Layouts: 5
Loc: Mountain High Pea
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:25:45 PM
I HATE those things.. My dd for volleyball had FOUR fundraisers at one time.. and it was mandatory to sell so much product. I despise fundraisers with a passion.
For the typical grade school ones we hardly ever did them.. Same kids, same neighborhood trying to sell all the same crap. |
|
|
Fireflyy
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 409,118
January 2009
Posts: 2,335
Layouts: 0
Loc: NC
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:26:32 PM
I agree, they will not refuse your check or cash.
Schooby, how does the scripp program work? How do you sign up? | |
|
Momof1sweet-lil-lad
& the Velcro dog
PeaNut 133,429
February 2004
Posts: 9,092
Layouts: 0
Loc: With my Shadow
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:35:16 PM
Your daughter will not be the only child not selling anything. For the most part, the children who do sell are in the minority.
If they were stupid enough to state they wouldn't accept a straight donation, I would take them at their word.
|
The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits. ~Albert Einstein | |
|
|
gritzi
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 275,594
September 2006
Posts: 2,975
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 5:35:18 PM
I despise fundraisers, particularly the overpriced cookie dough crap, trinkets, gift wrap, magazines. It especially irks me that half days are no longer given to students; however, time can be taken for convocations so that these companies can hype the kids up to sell.
If you wish to order something feel free to do so. Under no circumstance feel obligated to push the fundraising onto your family, coworkers or friends. | |
|
SDeven
Love Letters Pea
PeaNut 65,852
January 2003
Posts: 28,195
Layouts: 380
Loc: Nashville, TN!
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:36:01 PM
We don't participate in fundraising. We write a check for certain ones. Sometimes we just don't take part. I refuse to feel guilty. |
|
|
schooby
PeaAddict
PeaNut 127,529
January 2004
Posts: 1,597
Layouts: 0
Loc: down on da bayou
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:49:47 PM
If you google scrip fundraising, you'll get the two big companies that do it. Basically, the school buys the gift cards at a discount and sell them to the parents. The parents buy the gift card at full price, just like they would at the store or at Walgreens, etc. The school gets to keep the difference. To minimize your financial outlay, some schools will have the parents place orders and pay up front. | |
|
meikokoda
PeaNut
PeaNut 417,159
March 2009
Posts: 33
Layouts: 0
Loc: Harpers Ferry, WV
| Posted: 10/3/2012 5:57:44 PM
I always throw them away, too! My DD has no time to sell and all our family lives 5 states away. Now, she is in Girl Scouts but, thats a different story!  | |
|
jarmommy
AncestralPea
PeaNut 359,731
January 2008
Posts: 4,499
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 10/3/2012 6:02:57 PM
My DD came home with a Yankee Candle fundraiser and I usually buy air fresheners for my car but they only had them in 3 packs, which is fine, but it was a variety pack. Um, no thanks. I instead bought an ornament which still set me back $12. I buy something small and that's it. | |
|
*~*amanda*~*
...
PeaNut 393,905
October 2008
Posts: 6,603
Layouts: 0
Loc: Illinois
| Posted: 10/3/2012 6:19:48 PM
I buy 1 thing so my middle one can get the token prize they offer. I choose a box of chocolate or something like that that I can use for a teacher gift later on.
My older ds never wanted to sell it.
I never took that stuff to work or let them sell in the neighborhood.
THey are both in scouts and I do let them sell the popcorn around the neighborhood and Ive taken that to work before. |
|
|
leftturnonly
Will trade mosquitoes for cookies.
PeaNut 416,788
March 2009
Posts: 19,568
Layouts: 0
Loc: Living in Kim's Perfect World, again.
| Posted: 10/3/2012 6:28:48 PM
Sometimes the wrapping paper has been of very high quality on the fundraisers we did.
Signed, someone who buys the cheap stuff on sale after Christmas.
|
If PC is the way to get to Heaven, I'm going straight to Hell.
| |
|
|
Katybee
PeaFixture
PeaNut 379,678
June 2008
Posts: 3,317
Layouts: 11
Loc: Enjoying the summer sun!
| Posted: 10/3/2012 6:35:19 PM
That's why I love our fundraiser--Fill the Boot. Nothing to sell--just write a check. Our PTA gets to keep 100% of the money and parents aren't stuck with crappy frozen cookie dough, tasteless chocolates or overpriced wrapping paper. It's very popular among our families.  |
|
|
finaledition
BucketHead
PeaNut 409,397
January 2009
Posts: 928
Layouts: 58
| Posted: 10/3/2012 6:37:42 PM
My middle school dd just brought home a Mixed Bag fundraiser which we did last year so I have no need. We hit up the grandparents and then 4 days before it was due go an email from the cheer coach saying each girl needed to sell $500 in product (we get a 50% cut). 
I replied that we we donate the difference as it was cheaper for me to donate than buy that much product to which she replied, "I guess that's okay" her opinion is the girls need to take some responsibility in paying for some of the costs associated with the sport. I call BS- guilting people into buying this crap is not a lesson I want her to learn.
If you feel compelled, send a check, otherwise toss it. | |
|
JustCallMeMommy
Magical Pea
PeaNut 62,544
January 2003
Posts: 11,072
Layouts: 31
Loc: Brandon, MS
| |
scrap4maddie
Sometimes you harm the cause more than you help.
PeaNut 175,985
November 2004
Posts: 12,490
Layouts: 33
Loc: Buffalo NY
| Posted: 10/3/2012 6:46:16 PM
Feel free to toss it. They don't expect everyone to sell.
Only write a check if you want to. You don't have to give them anything. |
|
|
iteach3rdgrade
AncestralPea
PeaNut 247,320
February 2006
Posts: 4,633
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 6:48:35 PM
After years of buying stuff from my friend's child, I find myself not wanting my son to sell a thing. | |
|
luvmythree
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 223,222
September 2005
Posts: 2,702
Layouts: 47
Loc: Kansas
| Posted: 10/3/2012 8:15:55 PM
I don't have my kids sell anymore its basically over priced crap. I'd prefer to just donate money to school. |
Kirsten mom to~
Alexandria 20
Ethan 10
Owen 8 CFC syndrome,cp 29.5 wk preemie
Expecting my first grandbaby May 2013!
| |
|
|
melissa
O-pea-gyn
PeaNut 4
February 1999
Posts: 14,681
Layouts: 228
Loc: NJ
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 8:31:44 PM
I say feel free to toss it.
However, the first year my dd came home with a catalog, I bought a roll of reversible wrapping paper. I was amazed at the quality. It was actually worth the price in the end and it lasted. I ended up buying a new roll every 2 yrs or so. Never bought anything else nor did I bring the order sheet to work. |
|
|
megmc
AncestralPea
PeaNut 497,090
January 2011
Posts: 4,879
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 10/3/2012 8:39:32 PM
the last time we actually sold that stuff, we sold about a $100 worth of stuff.
It ended up costing us nearly $2000 in reciprocal purchases.
we now just write a check and forget the selling.
so feel free to write a check. | |
|
BrinaG
PeaFixture
PeaNut 205,553
May 2005
Posts: 3,491
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/3/2012 8:47:01 PM
no, you don't have to. I have opted out of that fundraiser every year. | |
|
Susie_Homemaker
AncestralPea
PeaNut 337,804
September 2007
Posts: 4,012
Layouts: 1
Loc: In the Know
| Posted: 10/3/2012 8:50:32 PM
guilting people into buying this crap is not a lesson I want her to learn.
I agree 100%!
Right down the road from me is a school suppy surplus "store" (really just a warehouse) that opens every Dec and has every item from the wrapping paper, chocolate, cheap junk catalog. I might order a small something so my kids would at least do that, but once I found that warehouse I can't do it anymore. The super expensive, thick, nice wrapping paper is 10 for $12 and the items that are priced $10 and above are usually between $1 and $3. 
I hate fundraisers. No one that I ever see- neighbors, co-workers, etc- wants any of that overpriced crap either. They either don't want it or know 10 other kids that are selling it. The only people I ever ask are close friends/neighbors that have kids in a different school. We get a little something from them and they get something from us. It's 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours'. |
    
It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.'
- Sam Levenson
| |
|
|
KateMarie
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 165,323
August 2004
Posts: 5,081
Layouts: 0
Loc: Just outside of Boston, Ma.
| Posted: 10/3/2012 8:57:43 PM
No, you don't. |
|
|
lusundraeverett
PeaWee
PeaNut 568,572
October 2012
Posts: 4
Layouts: 0
Loc: California
| Posted: 10/4/2012 1:02:34 AM
I don't do alot of the school fundraisers... It seems like there is one every month! So, I choose which ones I will participate in.. which aren't many. If your PTO won't take a check from your, they're not smart and should not be in charge. Our last school did have an 'opt out' option of paying x amount and you never saw a fundraiser! Perhaps you might suggest that to the PTO. |
LuSundra Everett
http://www.lusundraeverett.com
http://www.blog.workwithlusundra.com
| |
|
|
MerryMom937
PeaFixture
PeaNut 472,567
June 2010
Posts: 3,076
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/4/2012 7:32:48 AM
Many times, the school will not allow the PTO's to list an "Opt Out" option to go out with the school fund-raiser. At least, the 3 school districts in our county will not allow schools to list it.
People say that they want the "opt out" selection and will just make out a check, but in reality, the amount collected is much less. In fact, for our district, our elementary school was 41% of the kids were on free and reduced lunches, so the parents could not afford to send in a $50 or $100 check. Having a fundraiser allows kids or parents the opportunity to raise money through other means of support.
They will gladly take your check made out to the PTO. And gladly cash it. They are probably not allowed to advertise it.
People complain and complain about PTO fundraisers, but without them, most of the enrichment programs and "fun" things would not be possible. Oh and it has also paid for many unified arts activities and funded the school playground equipment and the school technology and the physical education supplies, and buys books for your school library and buy winter coats for kids in need...etc. | |
|
Onekwa
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 194,574
March 2005
Posts: 2,152
Layouts: 3
Loc: God's Country, NY
| Posted: 10/4/2012 7:37:05 AM
Yeah, I'm with you on that one! My senior ds brought home one for magazines. If he sells 20, he gets a free cap & gown I think. If he sells 60, he gets a free yearbook, etc! I told him that I would gladly pay for these items if he doesn't bother family and friends with this! So very happy he's the last one, so after this, we don't have to bother with this anymore! Unless my little nieces or nephews bring us something. In which case I will buy.
|
~Judy AKA Jazzie~
 | |
|
|
nanluza
BucketHead
PeaNut 132,090
February 2004
Posts: 716
Layouts: 122
Loc: deep in the heart of
| Posted: 10/4/2012 8:10:02 AM
My son's middle school band does a cookie dough fundraiser. We bought the first year, but the stuff wasn't very good. I have written a check ever since, all funds going to the band and me not having to deal with a freezer full of cookie dough that we don't like.
The thing I hate is that they offer incentives to the kids for the elementary fundraiser...something mu kid always wants. So, I buy a couple of things so he can get the prize. But I hate it. | |
|
fredfreddy
Alex told me to change it
PeaNut 120,522
December 2003
Posts: 19,056
Layouts: 543
Loc: never in one place very long (...in San Jose, CA)
| Posted: 10/4/2012 9:21:59 AM
My son just had that as well. We resubscribe to the mags we have, but nothing else.
Between the two schools and scouts we have already had wrapping paper/magazines, candy bars, popcorn, and now cookie dough. |
Alana
it rhymes with banana
mom to a 20 yo dd, 13 yo ds, and 10 yo ds and a scrapper for 12 years | |
|
|
yungmom
Just Me
PeaNut 15,437
May 2001
Posts: 28,629
Layouts: 111
Loc: Salt Lake
 | Posted: 10/4/2012 9:23:01 AM
If we don't want the item we don't participate.
For awhile my kids were getting pressured to bring in Cream of Weber milk lids. The school got 5 cents for each lid, but cost me $1.00 more. I finally told the kids I would give the school a dime for each gallon of milk we brought in. The school would make twice as much from me and I would "save" 90 cents.
Now for fundraisers I just write a check. I don't ask about doing it. I just write it out and then write on the envelope that this is our "order" and then send it in the next day.
I also check to see what the money is going for. A lot of times I just don't agree that we need a second school sign out front so I won't help pay for it. Reading program for the kids? Yep, I'll write a check for that.
In fact, for our district, our elementary school was 41% of the kids were on free and reduced lunches, so the parents could not afford to send in a $50 or $100 check. Having a fundraiser allows kids or parents the opportunity to raise money through other means of support.
When I was in high school I wouldn't have been able to do several things without a fundraiser so if a child comes to the door (and the money is going towards THAT child's activity, not a nebulous thing the child has no knowledge of) I will usually give them a check. We can afford it though so I figure if I never send my child out then those who can't afford it will have more opportunities. |
|
|
FBTXScrapper
BucketHead
PeaNut 216,512
July 2005
Posts: 517
Layouts: 0
Loc: McKinney, TX
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:00:58 AM
We don't participate in them. I have four kids that all get the same catalog of stuff to sell. I'm not going into the poor house to buy that stuff. | |
|
mikklynn
PeaAddict
PeaNut 294,285
January 2007
Posts: 1,490
Layouts: 1
Loc: Minnesota
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:09:35 AM
Throw it away. Write a check to the PTO. I promise, they'll accept it.
They cannot force you to participate. |
|
|
mdoc
Peaing under the Radar
PeaNut 61,691
January 2003
Posts: 11,821
Layouts: 0
Loc: In the Middle
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:15:13 AM
I assure you that your daughter will not be the only one who doesn't sell anything. My kids have never sold anything for school fundraisers. I write a check to the PTO's foundation and I'm done. There are plenty of people who sell nothing and don't donate themselves, either. Don't worry about it. | |
|
mdoc
Peaing under the Radar
PeaNut 61,691
January 2003
Posts: 11,821
Layouts: 0
Loc: In the Middle
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:17:06 AM
I assure you that your daughter will not be the only one who doesn't sell anything. My kids have never sold anything for school fundraisers. I write a check to the PTO's foundation and I'm done. There are plenty of people who sell nothing and don't donate themselves, either. Don't worry about it. | |
|
crayolamamaa
PeaNut
PeaNut 503,391
March 2011
Posts: 290
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:22:29 AM
No you don 't HAVE to do this.
I hate asking people to buy overpriced stuff and will not do it. My son was upset about our family not participating because you can earn prizes for selling a lot. If you dd is telling you they won't take a check, it could be that she means she has to sell stuff to get a prize.
The fundraiser I participated in was the Spring Kick-a-thon. It was PTA run and all the money went directly to the school. To me, that was where I wanted my money to go. You could go broke doing everything.
If you want to donate, you could also write a check to the school library, computer lab, or office. (We are already out of paper at our school). | |
|
crayolamamaa
PeaNut
PeaNut 503,391
March 2011
Posts: 290
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:22:50 AM
No you don 't HAVE to do this.
I hate asking people to buy overpriced stuff and will not do it. My son was upset about our family not participating because you can earn prizes for selling a lot. If you dd is telling you they won't take a check, it could be that she means she has to sell stuff to get a prize.
The fundraiser I participated in was the Spring Kick-a-thon. It was PTA run and all the money went directly to the school. To me, that was where I wanted my money to go. You could go broke doing everything.
If you want to donate, you could also write a check to the school library, computer lab, or office. (We are already out of paper at our school). | |
|
scrappette
PeaNut
PeaNut 109,509
October 2003
Posts: 32
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:25:50 AM
First of all, No, you do not have to participate.
Secondly, if you would like to write a check to make a donation, just do it! I guarantee they will accept it (happily, since they will get 100% of you check, where they would only get 40 - 50% of the money form the items sold!) Just check the paperwork to see who to write the check to -- whether it is PTA, PTO, the school, etc -- there should be instructions for writing a check for the fundraiser items. | |
|
ajsweetpea
The Play Date Queen
PeaNut 48,410
September 2002
Posts: 7,800
Layouts: 0
Loc: New England
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:26:27 AM
I personally toss the majority of the fundraising catalogs that come home... I don't need overpriced wrapping paper, Yankee candles (I have a whole cabinet-ful that I bought for a great price at their sales), etc. Our school does do a pie sale around the holidays and I will buy an overpriced pie from that (they are really good). LOL! I definitely do not ask my friends to buy from fundraisers either nor do I have my husband ask his co-workers. Of course my husband is a softy and buys overpriced crapola from his co-workers!  |
****Andrea****
Happily married
Mom to my beautiful third grader and my sweet toddler who is into absolutely everything (good thing she is cute!!!) | |
|
|
scrappammie
PeaAddict
PeaNut 208,055
June 2005
Posts: 1,011
Layouts: 2
Loc: not stuck in tiny town anymore!
| Posted: 10/4/2012 10:27:47 AM
I'm going to go on record that I don't mind the catalogs - and the paper is usually much better quality that what you get at Target/Walmart.
As someone who had to run several fundraisers many moons ago, I can tell you that you won't be alone if you don't participate at all but, that if you prefer to just send a check it would be very much appreciated.(And gratefully accepted, no matter what the catalog says.)
Now... I'm also go to throw out here that I don't know what your situation is with your foster daughter - would it be beneficial for her (feeling accepted, part of a new school, like you would do whatever for her, etc...) if you participated? If any of those things would matter to her, then I say buy $30 of crap and it's more than worth the trinket she'll earn for participation. KWIM? | |
|
WarriorFan
Newspaper Pea
PeaNut 219,645
August 2005
Posts: 5,600
Layouts: 0
Loc: State of Confusion
| Posted: 10/4/2012 11:20:11 AM
The school gets such a tiny percentage of those type of fundraisers I think they would be thrilled to get a check written to them.
I agree with most of the other Peas-pitch the catalog and write a check.
Heather |
| Every time you say all my life it means something different-George Carlin | |
|
|
JustTami
PeaFixture
PeaNut 192,472
February 2005
Posts: 3,630
Layouts: 0
Loc: By the pool
| Posted: 10/4/2012 11:22:20 AM
You don't have to sell. My MIL wants to support my DD's school but doesn't want more junk around so she always just writes a check to the PTA. They always accept it and cash it. | |
|
Georgiapea
Mom to the Wild Things.
PeaNut 96,783
July 2003
Posts: 26,414
Layouts: 0
Loc: Poss-a-Dillo Hill, Ozark, AL
| Posted: 10/4/2012 11:34:04 AM
I would buy calendars or something and give them to friends. If you decide how much you are willing to write the check for, then spend that amount on the items. I realize the school won't get most of the money but your foster daughter might need the 'prop up' that your buying will give her. Plus take it to school.
Both my co-workers have children in school and I have made purchases from each already. | |
|
Shih Tzu Mommy
Million dollar camera, 10 dollar lock!
PeaNut 224,352
September 2005
Posts: 23,525
Layouts: 0
Loc: Right here
| Posted: 10/4/2012 11:34:45 AM
I would rather just write the school a check but that is not an option.
They won't just take a check or you don't have the funds to just write a check? I would not participate if the school won't take your money, only the fundraising! That is just ridiculous!
I'd toss it and be done with it. |
Dog people are a special breed! | |
|
|
AthenainCA
Right Pea on the Left Coast
PeaNut 230,510
November 2005
Posts: 18,306
Layouts: 10
Loc: SoCal
| Posted: 10/4/2012 11:41:45 AM
My kids don't become salesman for the school. They earn donations through their own efforts (Jog-A-Thon), we attend restaurant dine-out nights, and our family donates cash. Period.
I'm very anti-kid sales for school fund raising. I don't buy anything - ever.
|
|
|
