I feel this way also as long as the ones in office remain there, but parents are begging me to do something. I am trying to get other parents involved but they are worried about what might trans par at school with their children. Money being made up is mostly being spent on our school but not on what parents were told. Most of our officers are also officers in other organizations. I am not giving up the battle I am only trying to regroup and get some idea of how to proceed. I believe in what I was doing and my grandchildren also deserve the best we can give them.

There is no quick fix. Given the additional details you provided, the only entity that can start to create order out of chaos is the school officials who are rubber stamping everything. And, if they're telling you that only parents of enrolled students can volunteer, your hands are tied.

Dear Pc Nanna,
It really does sound out of control...kids standing in the drive up/pick up line? Wow, I'm sorry you are going through this. Sounds as if club/sports organizers are just taking everything on because they have a nonexistent PTO. Most likely the reason for total mayhem. I'm at a loss as to how you could proceed, especially for you as a Grandparent. Maybe someone here will have some words of wisdom for you...good luck Nanna!

Our school barely has a PTO because of officers, all the fundraisers are by individual clubs such as athletes as a whole, quarterback club, Band, cheerleaders, Senior Dues, Home Ec. & Ag. and this is Only beginning of the list. Some clubs found out what another is doing and then we have two groups selling the same thing... Our Businesses have always been more than happy to help but we are not the only school in this county and our school leaders are stamping everything OK. I have been helping with Fundraisers for more than 25 years and this is the worst I have ever seen it. They have no guide lines, no committee, no nothing just total may hem. Students even stand in the middle of the school drive as you come to pick up your child asking for money donations, not only is this dangerous but to me inexcusable. Those students are missing class and causing a road hazard. I offered my time last year and we raised more money for the School as a whole than any other time but I was told I needed to stay home and leave it to the ones with students in school, my way is to old fashion. I have 4 grandchildren and several other family members that attend this school. I also am a sub. but I did not force that issue, I tried to choose my battles wisely. I felt proud of my accomplishments last year but this year too many personal things going on to get in there and fight for what is right.. Sorry so long but there is so much going on that is so wrong, Just trying to find a quick fix for a.... long list of problems.

Thanks to all that replied.

Local business owners are usually amenable, if not eager, to invest in area schools. It's great PR for them and can be an effective facet of their business marketing program. However, it is possible to be so aggressive with fundraisers that businesses end up being alienated by the constant requests. The last situation any PTO should want is to find out that a business is becoming frustrated with them.

If your PTO board has a fundraising chair, he or she should be coordinating all the fundraisers with regard to how often and for what purpose local businesses are being approached. He/she can and should set limits as necessary so to not tap out your school's sources for product or revenue donations. This takes planning in advance and careful transition with the new fundraising chair when the out-going chair rotates off the board.

Dear pc nanna,
Yes there are alot of cut backs right now for everyone. But what you have to try to understand is that these fundraisers have been in the works for perhaps a year or so. Parent volunteers have done their homework, worked with companies, established volunteers to help, worked with printers, etc. If we take the fundraising out, all the programs will get cut. Would you rather go that route? I would suggest asking to volunteer your time if the money is tight. Parents chairpersons who volunteer are always looking for help, perhaps you can trade your time, sometimes that is much more valuable than the $ to some groups. Just a thought for you...