Changing the fundraising system?

In my experience, kids who sell/raise more get bigger/better prizes.

I too hate fundraisers, mostly because I end up with crap (and I do mean crap) I don't want for way too much money and the school gets half or less. I would definitely prefer to just give the school the money directly and not have to find a place for some stupid, supposedly cute salsa dish. Better for me, better for the school, and I'll say a prayer for the fundraising company next time I get around to praying.

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Our school candy supplier for the fundraiser hands out tacky, cheap prizes based on sales. Normally that means which parent can twist the most arms at work or at church, etc. I'm sick of it and this year I finally went completely on strike so far as selling door to door is concerned. I'll send a check.

For the strangest fundraiser I've ever heard of, click on the link.

http://thehomesickhome.blogspot.com/2006/10/tootired-updated.html

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I, too, am not fond of school fundraisers. I'm all for finding alternative methods to raise funds. At my son's school, they participate in the EScrip program (I register my ATM/Credit card and everytime I go shopping at a participtating store, the school gets a percentage of what I spend). They also held a walk-a-thon to sponsor Performing Arts-related field trips. So far, this year, there are no plans for the traditional forms of fundraising (selling cookie dough, wrapping paper, etc.). But, if those were the only options, I would have my son participate. It's sad the our public school system doesn't have enough money to fund itself, but that doesn't mean it's okay to let it self-destruct. I can't afford to send my children to private school and I'll do whatever I can to help the schools out so that my children get the best education and have the best school experience possible. You say you would get rid of fundraisers all together, but my question to you is, do you have a better, viable alternative to raise the money or would you have the schools do without?

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Dibs, we do that too. I'd forgotten. I split my grocery shopping between basically two stores. Half goes to the school, half to my church. It's great.

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I'd be happy to get a statement at the beginning of the school year that says "For a contribution of $XX we won't bother you or your kid with any fundraisers for the entire year."

I'd pay.

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Dude. I just got a fundraiser catalog at my daughter's daycare. She's 2. AND I pay $1200 a month. Why do they need to raise funds, you ask? Because they have a PTA. AT A DAY CARE CENTER. These wimmins take themselves way too seriously.

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My kids aren't in school so that taints my opinion of these fundraisers but I'm w/ you Rachel. I think they're horrid. No one ever sells anything I would buy (my nephews do this; it's all I can do to find two items that are decent). What happened to bake sales? Craft fairs? Halloween/Autumn carnivals? Is it liability? Surely we can be more creative than these company-run generic products.

I'm also w/ Nancy. I'd pay and I'd pay a little extra on behalf of the families who couldn't just so we could all be left alone.

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I agree with Eden. I'd be much happier spending 20$ at a school carnival or craft fair or bake sale (and happier to spend the time baking/crafting to participate) than hassling my co-workers to buy cheap garbage from a catalouge.

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A co-worker brought the chocolate bars to work just last week. But that was ok, it wasn't just the almonds and fake caramilk bars. there were chocolate mints, and toffee, and about 5 other different ones. Now that I don't mind.

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