the "less fortunate" students will be the determined by the teachers and our principal, we don't really know who they are. I agree that confidentiality is a big deal and we dont need to know which students are struggling or why. We also keep a supply of backpacks donated by a local store on hand that are given to certain students by the teachers. The teachers know that they are welcome to get one anytime and we dont need to know who it went to.
Originally posted by PTA Renegade: As the santa shop chairperson this year, I have had the opportunity to look at several different programs provided by outside companies and the primary impression I received from them was that the "wholesale" prices that they charge leave absolutely no room for a markup (if used as a fund-raiser) without gouging your students.
Also, carefully read the contracts before you sign. Most carry a clause that states that you cannot offer any products at the shop other than what is provided by their company.
I have found several national companies that provide items suitable for a santa shop, most of them offer 10-30 day net payment terms to schools and PTA/PTO's, so that you can pay for your items after your shop has ended (great if you have a limited budget). A couple of them have full web access for ease in ordering. The wholesale prices at these sites are 50-75% less than prices at the santa shop companies, and you have total control over prices, quality, selection, etc.
Combine items from these sources with a trip to the dollar store (and/or donations or purchases from local merchants), create a selection of 100 items and you have built a santa shop!
If you want a list of these companies, email me for the details.
I would love the info on these companies that you dealt with-Thanks for sharing!
please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the info.
Originally posted by PTA Renegade: As the santa shop chairperson this year, I have had the opportunity to look at several different programs provided by outside companies and the primary impression I received from them was that the "wholesale" prices that they charge leave absolutely no room for a markup (if used as a fund-raiser) without gouging your students.
Also, carefully read the contracts before you sign. Most carry a clause that states that you cannot offer any products at the shop other than what is provided by their company.
I have found several national companies that provide items suitable for a santa shop, most of them offer 10-30 day net payment terms to schools and PTA/PTO's, so that you can pay for your items after your shop has ended (great if you have a limited budget). A couple of them have full web access for ease in ordering. The wholesale prices at these sites are 50-75% less than prices at the santa shop companies, and you have total control over prices, quality, selection, etc.
Combine items from these sources with a trip to the dollar store (and/or donations or purchases from local merchants), create a selection of 100 items and you have built a santa shop!
If you want a list of these companies, email me for the details.
We are a small town we know and the ones we are uncertian of it is not hard to pick up on especially when you are around them so much and when you see the pitiful look in their eyes, heartbreaking. We do not make a big deal of that and we don't talk about it either, we give everyone the coupons. We know that the teachers have been known to arrange things for certian students but we do not know which students. Confidentiality is a big deal around here. I've seen many kids with money give to kids with no money. Sometimes the child may have forgotten their money or something like that.
I'm just curious about how you know who the less fortunate are, since there is a confidentialality issue at schools. We were going to give each student of lesser means a coupon too, but due to the restrictions of a confidentiality clause, we were unable to.