General Mills also sent us a letter that they stopped donating this year....but then we received the same donation as last year. About 20 free item coupons that we used to make a large food basket.
I personally like to see all the info in one spot. The yes answers, the nos, trades, and the info on the events. It's easier then going to several forums.
For those asking about General Mills. I received a letter back stating that they don't donate anymore to fundraisers, but donate through the Box Tops Program.
As to the content of this forum, I know that it was originally setup as a yes place. Last year we were very limited in where we could ask for donations because of the 501c3 status. Our long time treasurer, as well as others in the school didn't know what it was or how to get it. Thanks to this forum, I was able to find out how to get our letter and status. This forum has really helped me. If you just want "yes's" you can scan through the posts for them. There were quite a few that I just skipped right through. This forum also helped me think "outside" of the box and we have received so much more. Unfortunately I only found this a couple of months out before our event, but I now have a game plan for next year. Our team is a 2 person team - I get the donations and I have a person who does the advertising side of the auction. I have to admit while reading some of the posts, I'm amazed and impressed on how many donations everyone gets and how much help. It's also made me raise my own bar, and for that I am thankful. This has grown out of just a "yes" list into a very helpful forum, and as someone who is just in my second year at this, I am very thankful for this forum.
I also like hearing how everyone's events go, it's great to get new ideas. Thank you again to everyone who's participating!
For those who just want a "yes" place, maybe PTO Today could create a database to work off of. Just a thought.
Truly I have enjoyed reading through this list and getting ideas and as someone else said hear no's as well to know if donation guidelines have changed for companies and whatnot. For those who continue to post about keeping the posts to only places that donate...I advise that you learn to skim. If you don't care to read what others are posting about their committees, how events have gone, and other things than skip over them. Truly it doesn't take long to look through several pages and find what you are looking for. Personally I don't understand why people have to complain about this link when it has been such a great resources...obviously those that are complaining are looking at it as well...so skim through and look for what you want to read and skip the rest. Stop criticizing the link that helps to make your event a success.