tcrgemini...I have to respond to your comment about volunteering is what it is ,do we need to gift everyone. I have a very strong belief that every volunteer is equal, yes there are volunteers who put in numerous hours and some that only put in a couple. the whole meaning is that they are involved in their child's school and education. i have had alot of parents volunteer only two hours at our holiday shop...but that is how we get the man power to do it. I think that every volunteer goes beyond...yes we are doing it from our heart but you have to admit that if you hear one complaint after another from staff and parents it is nice to know that they do think about you. The volunteer breakfast at our school has been cancelled and it caused alot of hurt feelings between staff and parents. It was the only thing they did to recognize the work volunteers do.it had been a tradition that got everyone together and thats why it was so nice. You know there are volunteers who put in more time at school than some staff members? It's just nice to know people appreciate you...even if it is a donut and a cup of coffee. I recently attended a seminar on parent involvement...they said the number one thing you can do for a volunteer is to thank them... this is based on a well known study that took like 15 years. just food for thought...
Oops, I forgot. We do have little potted perennials on the tables that people are welcome to take home with them. These are donated by a local nursery owned by an alumni. I guess that is a nice little gift.
I have to ask. . . isn't the appreciation lunch enough. Volunteering is what it is, volunteering. I don't understand why we should feel the need to gift someone for it. I can see why you might give one recognition gift per year to someone who served above and beyond, but for every volunteer??
At our school, there is an appreciation mass followed by a really nice breakfast for the volunteers. The mass this year was especially sweet because students read and acted out the book "The Giving Tree" which I cried through (that book KILLS me!!!).
We are looking for ideas for gifts for our volunteers at the volunteer appreciation lunch. Of course, we have a limited budget, but wanted something fun, different, memorable, etc.
