Since it can be abused or recipients not treated fairly (some getting cards, cards & balloons, card & flowers, etc) we decided to do cards only. We also have it in our bylaws that we cannot spend more than $25. for a gift of congratulations, sympathy, etc. We will only send more than a card if it is due to a death of the staff members spouse or child. Otherwise, with aunts, 2nd cousins, grandparents, etc. it gets too out of hand.

Our PTO just sends a card no flowers, gifts it gets too crazy on where and when to draw the line.

I've been involved in a myriad of ways with this-- and the best way I've seen is the PTA/PTO doing cards and then like 'the bobcat bags' strict guidelines on that; flowers, trees, others etc either come out of personal pockets (or in extreme circumstances - ie student passes awat-a school/PTA/PTO tree memorial or such , or as we had once a lady who had worked at the school for 25 yrs suddenly passed away- the PTA sent flowers and such and the board out of its own pocket had various other things done for the family)

Strict but fair then the rest (food, clothing etc) should be out of members pockets as community/ friends not nonprofit is how we usually hadled them

We do cards--but only provide a token when we have a student that is hospitalized. They must be admitted into the hospital at least overnight in order for us to put together a bobcat bag for them. I know it sounds silly to have such strict guidelines but it is the only way to be fair...d

Our PTO pays for bereavement flowers or plants for all faculty and staff who have a death in the family.

I've been pretty outspoken about believing that this is not a good idea for PTO groups. There is just no way to make it fair. Where do you draw the line? And who keeps track? Do you have a Bereavement Committee?

It's a wonderful gesture to acknowledge a loss or celebration on a personal level. Your friends are sure to appreciate your caring and attention. I'd say keep it on a personal level and not an obigation of the PTO.