In past years we had a separate "Helping Hands" Raffle....It was usually for a popular item (latest American girl doll, ipod...) the procedes from this raflle were for needy families from our school. ( a food basket / gift card. at the hoilday).but due to privacy issues we decided to give giftcards to the village and ask them to see that they go to families from our area.

Thank you, favor-ables and pals.

Our next meeting is on Thursday next week so I will suggest that the parent come and speak to all attendees. It is usually just us officers, the fundraising committee lead, the principal and one teacher rep at the meetings (7 total) though and we all have been discussing it via email since the request was made.

The family has a kindergartener in our school and a 2nd grader in another school in our district.

One question ... is the family who lost their father part of the school? Do the kids go to your school? If so have the individual who asked you come to the next PTO meeting and request in front of EVERYONE ... This way the whole board/membership can put it to a vote. We put everything to a vote and listen to all requests, we don't honor all, we'd like to but it's financially impossible. Our PTA has given gift cards to needy families from Walmart, etc.

If your PTO does vote okay, how about a "wishing well" (inflatable pool with water) kids can throw in change and make a wish. Put signs around the "well" as to what the $ is going towards and make sure there's a trust fund somewhere for the family, or use the $ to buy a visa gift card or grocery/gas cards. Don't just hand over the cash ... JMO.

JHB Is so wise...I also would say no as to you do it for one you have to do it for all and that gets way too much!

Thank you, JHB! I appreciate your input.

You don't want to run any of those funds though the PTO accounts, but whether you permit them to have their own activity is really just up to your Board.

Sounds like you are already considering the angles - which is what is important.

Many groups would avoid this because of the precedent it sets and worries about who would ask next and how to decide. Others might consider the particular issue a unique one and would be okay with it.

If it were me personally - I'd probably avoid it unless the situation has become one more or less adopted by your school - where there is a really close tie in that families would understand. (You'll still face "why this cause and not another"?)

I'd also get input from the principal, but ultimately, it's your call.