Our PTO strictly prohibits the use of its funds for anything other than "our own kids." We do not engage in any "help" that we would not be able duplicate for every family. One year, three different families with kids at our school had parents that lost their life in some way. THe first family benefitted greatly from donation programs promoted by our PTO. By the time the third family tradgidy happened, people were not able to give, and that family got virtually nothing.
To avoid this situation happening again, the PTO does a standard practice of help or giving, but encourages other families at the school to spear-head efforts to raise money or donations for the families without the name PTO attached.
Boy - did this question hit home. In Sept. a child is diagnosed with Lukemia and funraising starts. Golf tournament, bowl-a-thon, and a benefit dinner. There was a totally separate Fund formed but PTO, teachers and parents were part of the group. In Nov. another child from a different family is diagnosed with Lukemia and we can't fundraise for them because the child is on state aid and could loose all their medical benefits. The family that we could fund raise for really pained over this as did we. Food donations were sent home, weekly. "Presents" could be given but a trust could not be set up. I suggest that another group, Rotary or Jaycees be asked to host the event and that parents/teachers at the school in a low-key sort of way volunteer to help out. The funds are certainly needed, but just be careful the same could happen anywhere.
Anyone have any experience with helping for a benefit (dinner)fundraiseras a PTO? We are looking into helping a child at our school who is in need of a bone marrow transplant, but are afraid that if we decide to host this benefit, then everyone who needs help will come to us. Although we don't mind helping anyone, (especially if it is for a child of the school) we are concerned about going too far with the PTO. (am i making sense??)
If its a request you find worth while and is going to help your community and kids. I don't see what's wrong with it. It shouldn't be the major focus. The principal could also, send out a flyer, so it wouldn't be coming from the parent group.
At a recent PTA convention, we were told that PTAs shouldn't be donating funds to other organizations. Many of us at our school don't agree. For several years we donated funds to the town New Years Eve family day and this year we're not. I don't like it.
One thing we've done kind of like this is support the kids can goods drive in January. We publicize the drive to our members and the last 2 years we've added $200 to the drive for extras. The proceeds go to needy families in town. It's not for the school, but we were happy to do it.
I could see it getting tricky if a whole bunch of groups came to us.
