School fundraisers and your workplace
It’s that time of year where local schools insist you need a candy bar as big as your head, or, quality wrapping paper that lasts for years.
Yes, school fund raisers.
It’s popular to complain about them, and, you’re right, for the most part, we don’t really need this stuff. But, many schools depend greatly on this income, and, why not get something in return for your contribution, and, help a child feel like they’ve done their part for school?
I think it’s another topic altogether about “using” children in this manner, but, suffice to say, fund raisers are usually just a part of having a kid in school, and, they’re not likely going anywhere.
So, do you help your little salesman out by hitting up your coworkers to buy cookie dough?
Many workplaces have rules against this, but, it goes on anyway. Other workplaces allow it, but, some places are more conducive to it than others.
There’s also the factor of, “Is it fair?” Some kids have parents who are in supervisory positions and who can strong arm lots of people into buying lots of items so their little prince or princess can be the “top seller” and win a prize, while other parents take no interest in it at all.
I think the student should do most of the work, but, if my job is conducive to it, I’ll take an order form to work, and, let people know that it’s available, but, I don’t approach them with a form, and, say, “What are you going to order?” I’ve actually run into a few situations where people really did want what was being sold, and, they were happy to buy it.
I’ll usually try to buy a little something from a co-worker if their child is selling it for a school, it just depends on the situation.
I will admit we’re missing my mother’s sales abilities this time of year, though. She died last year, but, when she was working, she worked with a lot of older people who loved hearing about her grandchildren, and, were lined up to buy my kids’ school fund raiser items from her when she brandished a few pictures of my adorable tots.
At our house, we just sell what we can during fund raiser time. Sometimes it involves us taking the order form to work, sometimes it doesn’t, it just depends on the situation.
But, I promise I’m not the pest that accosts you in the break room to buy a 100 pack of pizza shaped candles.
Tags: Career and Kids, school-fundraisersRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Kids' School, Work Environment
4 opinions for School fundraisers and your workplace
Chief Family Officer
Sep 7, 2007 at 6:51 am
I email the colleagues I am close to (peers only, so there’s no pressure), and state the event and that I will not be offended if they’re not interested. Since there are times when I’ve genuinely been interested in what colleagues’ kids were selling, I don’t feel bad asking in this way. I do hate it when colleagues I’m not close to show up in my door, so that’s what I try to avoid.
Loth
Sep 7, 2007 at 7:44 am
Hey, another cultural difference identified! Schools over here (Scotland) don’t seem to do this. We occasionally get sponsorship forms home - you know the sort of thing: pay the child £1 if they run twice round the sports field or whatever. And we get the opportunity to buy school Christmas cards but I have never been asked to push chocolate! I think, being the shy retiring type, I would probably make it known I had supplies but not ask anyone directly. We Brits are very self-effacing!
JayMonster
Sep 14, 2007 at 7:59 am
Perhaps it is the area where I live, but around here, they stress quite vehemently that children should NOT be doing the selling (well at least not alone I guess), and they do not recommend door-to-door sales at all.
So that means for the most part, it is about asking (begging) friends, co-workers and relatives.
I understand the cause, as well as the need to ask for the sales, and I am virtually always ready to buy something for a school fundraiser.
That being said, I wish they would stop with the junk. There are plenty of great fundraisers out there that are easy to sell, and easier to buy from because they have something of actual value. Please stop with the cheesy wrapping paper type junk.
Sandra Sims
Sep 20, 2007 at 7:52 pm
It really is better if schools can raise more with fewer fundraisers. There are quite a few new fundraisers that are better than the old gift wrap. I don’t know why schools would keep choosing that. The other thing that every citizen, parent or not, should do is voice concerns to city and state governments to fully fund education. Then VOTE for it when it comes up.
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