School/PTA fundraisers

School just started a few weeks ago, and already my dd has come home with 3 different school or pta fundraisers. Are we going to be getting stuff like this sent home all year? I want to be supportive of her school, but it's getting a little ridiculous if we keep having to buy $30 candles, and pay for coupons that normally come free in the newspaper anyway Is it terrible if I don't buy anything from some of the fundraisers that are sent home?

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

I buy the cookie dough and that's it. I make it around the holidays to bring to co-workers and family/friends.

I don't need any of the other overpriced crap and I wouldn't try to sell it either.

School/PTA fundraisers

I toss most of it because honestly I don't need all of that stuff. I really just buy the wrapping paper from the that fundraiser because I always need wrapping paper especially with the holidays coming up but that's it. I don't buy candy, candles, etc. It's just too much. I support the school in other ways though.

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

In our school we tend to have a lot of fundraisers in the fall, and then it eases up a bit, and we do a couple of spring fundraisers.

Some of our fundraisers have more "useful items" - we do a fall plant sale with really pretty mums, a Thanksgiving pie sale right before the holiday, etc.

Also some of our fundraisers are more "events" like our spring auction than strictly "buy crap from this catalogue."

I do like the kids' coupon books because I can keep it in my car and it's a bunch of high value coupons all in one place and the expiration dates are long (unlike those you clip in the paper).

But I don't think there is any expectation that everyone buy everything. It can definitely be overwhelming and it all adds up.

I can usually find something useful to buy (gift wrap, etc.), but just buy what you want/need/can afford. Every little bit helps support the PTA, and it all goes back to provide educational enhancements for the kids.

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

In the trash.
Need money? I'll write them a check.
I am not buying or even worse selling their shit.
Nope.
Done.

I bought the kids stuff book and what a waste of $25 that was. Shittyy coupons that I could find online now a days.

Just toss it and don't think twice.

As far as wrapping paper- I get it as cheap as possible for the huge rolls at BJs. It's getting ripped off and thrown in the garbage....who needs quality?

Message edited 9/29/2017 11:01:22 AM.

School/PTA fundraisers

It does seem overwhelming in the fall - I remember when DS 1 was in kindergarten it was so much and I felt obligated to buy everything.

I went to a PTA meeting and they explained that they send it home because even if some people buy- it's money towards the school. For the fall wrapping paper fundraiser, they say generally 60 kids participate out of the 300 at the school - and the school makes a lot of money. For the coupon books, the school gets back 1/2 of the price (I do admit - they have gone downhill over the years - the first year I bought they had 4 - $5 off coupons to Shop Rite so the book basically paid for itself).

School/PTA fundraisers

DD is in kindergarten so it's our first experience with this type of fundraising. Our fall fundraiser just finished and I wrote a check to donate to the PTA. I refuse to buy crap and also try to sell it to family and friends. I'd much rather just give them the money. I realize they can't go around just asking for money. But for me it's what works.

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

I often wonder where my tax money goes.
SOOOO much taxes on LI and we have to hawk wrapping papper and pies to get "gym equipement" or have "activities"

School/PTA fundraisers

I chose to skip the kids book... didn't even ask anyone if they wanted it... I am the queen of coupons and thought it was crap... we are currently selling nuts for my dd's Girl Scout troop so school fundraising will have to wait

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

I agree. I hate selling junk.

Change it!

Our PTA sells mostly school "spirit wear"... cute designed shirts for boys and girls that look like they could be hanging on a boutique store rack (I think there are Moms schooled in design on those committees). After I complimented the style, I was told it took the whole summer of meetings to perfect.

Kids and moms cluster to buy the stuff (it IS adorable and trendy). Prices aren't bad (20ish $ for a shirt).

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we are month in and I am down $200 - between the fundraisers, school pictures and the 2 hour field trip....

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Re: School/PTA fundraisers

Posted by BargainMama

Posted by dianadrw

Posted by nycgirl

I agree. I hate selling junk.

Change it!

Our PTA sells mostly school "spirit wear"... cute designed shirts for boys and girls that look like they could be hanging on a boutique store rack (I think there are Moms schooled in design on those committees). After I complimented the style, I was told it took the whole summer of meetings to perfect.

Kids and moms cluster to buy the stuff (it IS adorable and trendy). Prices aren't bad (20ish $ for a shirt).

That's a great idea! Our PTA sells spirit wear too but it's kinda lame to be honest. I think they'd have more luck if it had more of a boutique look.

Yup! Our Spirit wear is boxy cut shirts with not so great designs, that I just don't buy. I was making my own on items from Boutique Blanks....ruffle dresses, girly cut t-shirts, etc. I did sell some to other moms in the district, but I think I pissed off a few people since it wasn't a SCHOOL fundraiser, and I was making money on it

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by BargainMama

Posted by dianadrw

Posted by nycgirl

I agree. I hate selling junk.

Change it!

Our PTA sells mostly school "spirit wear"... cute designed shirts for boys and girls that look like they could be hanging on a boutique store rack (I think there are Moms schooled in design on those committees). After I complimented the style, I was told it took the whole summer of meetings to perfect.

Kids and moms cluster to buy the stuff (it IS adorable and trendy). Prices aren't bad (20ish $ for a shirt).

That's a great idea! Our PTA sells spirit wear too but it's kinda lame to be honest. I think they'd have more luck if it had more of a boutique look.

Yup! Our Spirit wear is boxy cut shirts with not so great designs, that I just don't buy. I was making my own on items from Boutique Blanks....ruffle dresses, girly cut t-shirts, etc. I did sell some to other moms in the district, but I think I pissed off a few people since it wasn't a SCHOOL fundraiser, and I was making money on it

Then they should enlist you to help them with designing things for the actual fundraiser!

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

Posted by MaZz

Posted by Tulip9

we are month in and I am down $200 - between the fundraisers, school pictures and the 2 hour field trip....

Omg... I was just thinking the same thing before!!! I think I'm shelling out more money now than I was during the diaper/formula stage!!! Good grief! Dd is also in soccer and Girl Scouts so that totally doesn't help...

Re: School/PTA fundraisers

Posted by nycgirl

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by BargainMama

Posted by dianadrw

Posted by nycgirl

I agree. I hate selling junk.

Change it!

Our PTA sells mostly school "spirit wear"... cute designed shirts for boys and girls that look like they could be hanging on a boutique store rack (I think there are Moms schooled in design on those committees). After I complimented the style, I was told it took the whole summer of meetings to perfect.

Kids and moms cluster to buy the stuff (it IS adorable and trendy). Prices aren't bad (20ish $ for a shirt).

That's a great idea! Our PTA sells spirit wear too but it's kinda lame to be honest. I think they'd have more luck if it had more of a boutique look.

Yup! Our Spirit wear is boxy cut shirts with not so great designs, that I just don't buy. I was making my own on items from Boutique Blanks....ruffle dresses, girly cut t-shirts, etc. I did sell some to other moms in the district, but I think I pissed off a few people since it wasn't a SCHOOL fundraiser, and I was making money on it

Then they should enlist you to help them with designing things for the actual fundraiser!

Yep. It's a good way of getting involved in PTA without going to meetings.