Our Garden Theme last year was "Planting the Seeds of Knowledge"
We always do pot luck, but for decor, the table cloths were burlap material, we had a landscaper donate some left over sod from a job that was set on a board (so the dirt wasn't directly on the table). We decorated with ladybugs and butterflies (available at Michael's) and we used terracotta pots to display the desserts. We got some tins and lined the windows with fresh flowers, still in their little black pots so they could be planted, and as a favor everyone got a garden shaped cookie cutter.
I know how it feels to have few volunteers. This year, instead of just relying on asking people I knew to donate food items, I sent out a short note with all the students. I made sure it was only in the positive: Yes, I can bring a covered dish or dessert, Yes, I can help with set up or clean up, Yes, I can help with recess or lunch duty. When you include everyone you will be surprised about the new names you will see volunteer. Even if it is just a few more names, it is always appreciated. Some people are just not comfortable about volunteering and need a little nudge!
Chicken salad on croissants are always a good addition to the garden theme, plus a nice veggie lasagna. We have a wonderful volunteer who has a beautiful garden, she is nice enough to supply all the table center pieces. We are also writing special sayings on poster board commending the teachers and hanging them through out the school. for example; "Teachers ,shaping minds, touching hearts"," Teachers Rock", "Teachers Believe...Children Achieve", "Teaching is a work of heart", etc. There are so many! Have fun!
Our school is responsible for our Teachers Organizational Breakfast for next school year. We are thinking of a "garden theme" , we will be serving breakfast. Any ideas on what we could serve to go with this theme? we will most likely have this catered.
For freebee samples-- go to mom2momlist.com you might have to register to get into the boards-- it's free though-- but then when you click on the boards icon-- there is a section that offers freebees-- just don't know if there is enough time to get them through the mail at this time.
Hit up Mcdonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, 7-Eleven-- local franchises that might be able to give you coupons for a free coffee, slurpee, something--
Also Dairy Queen or an ice cream company-- free ice cream coupons--
We hit up local restaurants for gift cards and raffled them off-- almost every teacher received a gift of some sort-- 50 total....
Good luck!!!
Our Wal-Mart has us fill out their form and they go through them weekly. They usually only give a $20 card, not matter what.
I agree that they do not give what they used to. If you look at their donation board of what they donate in a year, it is reduced drastically every year by thousands. I understand that they can not give to everyone, but to schools to help out isn't going to put them out of business. Last year we asked for a donation of about $30 worth of planters for our teacher appreciation table and then give to teachers as door prizes. They only gave three that probably cost less than $7 at their cost. This year I asked for $80 worth in hope to get the $40 that I would like. I was told to do this by one of the employees last year, but felt bad doing it so I didn't. This year decided to try it. Haven't heard anything from them yet. Guess I will call Monday.
I have the same problem at my school with limited funds. The principal picks up the meat and cheese bill, and the volunteer program picks up the rest. We do a variety of breads, meat and cheeses along with pasta salad donated by a parent, and we do tea, and either
punch or lemonade. We also contact parents from each grade and try to get at least 15 desserts from each grade and chips. This usually works well and keeps our cost to a minimum. Ask you parents that can't be there to at least make donations of snacks and foods.
