I just got an email from my child's teacher asking for 2 "auction" prizes for Friday and a treat for the class, this was asked for from every parent. Here's the thing, i just go done baking 70+ choc chip cookies for him to take to school tomorrow for his b-day, plus I ALWAYS provide for the auctions usually 4 - 5 items (I try to take more because alot of parents dont take anything, who knows maybe they just dont have it to do). I feel bad,but I dont have the time energy or $$ (laid off, unemployment pays little to 0). How bad would it be of me not to come through for this "party". I will be providing something for their lat day of school breakfast (another paycheck comes in by then) next week. What would you do
I will look around to see if I have any auction type prizes here at home I can donate, but I am pretty sure between my two kids classes I have already donated all of them.
ETA - sorry I didnt clarify by auction prize I mean something the kids can buy with tickets they earn throughout trimester, something small, about $5, I know $5 not a lot right, but wiht everything else this week, these $5 are really adding up! :)
NO my children are in a Catholic school not public school and the reason I dont have the money at this time is because we are paying the tuition and I was laid off. AS I reread the email it was worded each child NEEDS to bring
I realized I had a watermelon, so i cut it up and sent it and I sent one auction prize and then found another yesterday afternoon, the "auction" isnt even until Tues!
Just e-mail the teacher and explain that you would love to but can't help out this time. You don't have to explain anything; however, a head's up is nice.
well i'd be going with EITHER birthday treats OR Friday treats, not both. easy.
as far as the prizes, either you can or you can't. i don't think you're horrible if you don't, and i am sure you aren't the first or last. once or twice i actually forgot my things at home when i took my son to school, and rather than go back for them, i was told, seriously, don't worry about it, they had plenty. i think it's safe for you to take this one event "off" .
PS Toni V, i beg to differ - you DID respond. and i like the "what would you do" questions - a lot of times it's easier to give just a general opinion of what i'd do, rather than those questions looking for detailed expertise. responding that you won't respond is redundant and counter-productive. doing it repeatedly just doesn't make sense.
You can do only what you can do. If you cannot afford it that is one thing.
However, if you are not doing it because you feel you do a lot already, remember, unfortunately there will always be folks who do more and folks
who do less.
A service that you provide:
- prepared dinner for 4 of spagetti and meatballs?
- house cleaning?
- bake cookies for their kids' b-day party?
Don't ever put yourself in a finacial bind unless its a dire necessity to do so. Fun activities at school don't fall under that catagory. Just email the teacher and say you would love to but with the bday activities, you just can't do it this time. Good luck!
I think it's okay if you don't do both, but I would contact the teacher and just let her know that you can't swing b-day treats and auction prizes for this time and you decided that the birthday acknowledgment was more important this time around. I'm sure she'll understand, but I feel it's always best to be upfront about it.
It was a request not a demand. Only do what you can do.. She sent it out there like a net.. She will get plenty..
you do what you can (and you have.) and when you can't, you say 'sorry, can't this time.'
and don't stress about it.
khairete
S.
Ask the teacher if you can help out by being there (if you are available). I am sure the teacher would like to have help with the kids during the party.
I know this is so frustrating!!! It's like the fund raisers they have that have the candy and gift wrap that is probably 4x what it would cost in a regular store and much lower quality. I simply refuse to buy now.
Now onto your question--- simply tell her you are on unemployment and those dollars stretch only so far. Or go to the dollar store and buy 2 toys to donate.
Go to McD's or Burger King or Wendy's and get those coupons (10/$1) for a free small frosty. (treat for the class)
You can hit the dollar store and get a set of jacks/ball and a HotWheel car for the auction.
We've had to do so many fund raisers over the years. There are businesses in town that are willing to donate gift certificates or merchandise to non-profits and schools. You might start by asking at businesses that you patronize regularly. Locally owned businesses are often helpful, especially if they get recognition for their donation. A nice thing to do is to include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped thank you note to the business with the gift, so the recipient can easily write a quick thanks and send it in.
Hi Justme. sounds like you are an involved and caring mom and memboer of your school community.
I understand your feeling.
For you... that is ... for you to feel positive...why not just see if there is something you can easily come up with within 5 minutes. If not. No worries. If yes. fine.
feel good whatever happens.
Assuming your in a public school system .... nothing. Here's why..
you don't have the money
you've done your share in the past
the teacher did not give you enough notice
you don't have the time and engery
I don't know the wording of the request, but you should NEVER feel obligated to donate anything
What would I do? I would respond to the e-mail with I've already signed up for the last day breakfast.
Don't stress. You did your share and next time you're able, you'll do it again.
