....and after talking with the social worker at school, there is really no way I feel sorry for this mom. Over the past couple days the social worker has given her several leads but all she can do is complain. I am one to feel if you can't help yourself, how can you help others.

As irony would have it, there was a single parent that also is asking for help after she was evicted from her home. The social worker saw her kids were fine (new shoes, nice clean uniforms, lunch accounts in good standing) and learned from one of the kids they weren't kicked out by management but her boyfriend. We did help with a $25 grocery gift card but that was it.

Serendipity- she needs to go through the state government offices in regards to her paperwork. I was told it's complicated and well, it's not so much the government as it is her.

Thanks everyone, Right now the Board is not crazy about this idea and feel this is out of our scoope.

Hi! You should not feel you have to do this. It is not what your organization is in the business of doing. The most I would do is let fees for PTO related things slide for these kids...example if you are holding something that has a $2 fee and her kids want to go I would let them go without having to pay. But I certainly would not just hand over money to them. That is not what you raise your funds for. There are other organizations for that.

I would suggest to the counselor who is working with her to contact your town Mayor and council. See if they can help her with citizenship/proper paperwork, and a job.

Each year, our PTO makes a $300 donation to a charity in our community that specifically helps kids in our district in times of need. This way, we are helping our families, but in an indirect way, not like writing a check to them personally. If your school district doesn't have a similar organization, maybe there's a community food bank or of course the Salvation Army or other largescale organization would accept a donation. We believe that the donation is consistent with our PTO's mission which includes helping to enhance our students' education. By the way, a 501c3 can donate to another 501c3, no problem.

I agree with Pals. It really isn't fair to be asked to do this. You are then setting a presedent that will happen over & over again. Maybe she can try the Salvation Army. I've known schools who adopt a family at Christmas time & the staff members ( not pto) each donate $$$ to buy presents & groceries for that family. I guess I would have a hard time spending pto $$ on something like this. I struggle to pay my bills & would never think to ask the pto to help pay for my utilities. Good luck with whatever your group decides to do.

When I read something like this I always reflect back to the year when we were approach to give a pretty substanitial donation for needy families in our school. We voted it down and looked like the bad guy, but as I told my principal at the time "how do you know that there aren't people sitting at the pto meeting that also needs the help and is to proud to say it?" You never know what each family is going through, often we don't know because people tend to stay quiet about those things, You do it for one you may be hit by many others. Think about it she has a car and a apartment paid up so things could be alot worse, how about that single mom with no car, or people who move from family member to family member, people who live in their car or a shelter.We all have had hard times, heck two years ago my husband was unemployed at chirstmas, no unemployment check, nothing. You find a way to survive..I think your counsleor was off base asking for this. How about a church, does she belong to one or is there a community group that caters to her ethnic group ( I know in one of the big cities around here there is alot of things like that). If I sound negative about this I apologize, at some point we all have had to make ends meet...and ask yourself if you truly know what the standing is of every parent involved in your group...chances are you don't. Keep us posted.

She really isn't homeless but she also isn't a citizen either. Not even sure how she is in the country to be honest.

No I haven't talked to our Director (superintendent) but the Principal knows about the situation.

She is getting help from some agencies but many are turning their back because of her citizenship (or lack of).

I know there is a program with the light company but not sure the quiteria.

Fortunatly we hav eto vote on an expenditure like this before I can say yes but....I would rather take a collection from the parents and staff but they have already done that for her.

I'm going to go watch Christmas shows with the kids......much easier to deal with.....