Our 501C will not do this... unless it's for the good of ALL the students. FOR example we purchase head lice kits for students who get the problem because we dont' want the whole school infected! Usually these go to hardship cases and poor kids whos parents may not ever deal with it unless provided instructions and products.
However, you as parents can donate your own money to this family without going thru the PTO check book. IF we as a PTO decided to give them something it would have to be $20 or less.
At least that is how we run our 501C. There was a great article in the PTO Magazine back in the summer of 2004, you may check here on line and find it or request back copies.
Our PTO is a 501 charitable organization. We would like to make a donation to a family who has a special needs child. The child is receiving specialized care. The parents are PTO members but will not be voting on this issue. Is this donation allowed without jeopardizing our exempt status?