From bake sales and fun runs to magazine subscriptions and jump-rope-a-thons, the lengths we go to raise funds for our children’s schools can feel overwhelming. It requires careful planning, a multitude of volunteers, and often, a hefty dose of debate over the best approach. It’s exhausting work, and let’s be honest, nobody enjoys it. However, once the last cookie is devoured or the final jump is made, the rewards become evident, which is ultimately the goal.
I have to admit, I recently learned via social media that your niece’s adorable Craft Club is trying to raise money for their annual trip to Craftopia this weekend while stationed outside the local grocery store. So, guess where I’m headed? Yes, to the nearby SuperTarget. I know, I sound selfish. If I hadn’t seen that public notice, I would have been lured in by their charming smiles and impressively crafted cardboard sign, and begrudgingly dropped a dollar into their collection jug.
It’s a lose-lose situation. My car remains dirty, I won’t end up with a unique handmade bracelet, and those sweet kids miss out on the vital lesson that earning money requires effort.
Our kids are bright and brimming with potential; it’s never too early to instill in them the idea that their skills hold value. Is the band raising funds? How about offering private parades at local block parties on the Fourth of July? Is the drama club in need of costumes? Maybe the same kids who paint sets could tackle painting fences or garages. If the choir is aiming for nationals, I’d love to hear them singing outside the grocery store.
Reflecting on my own high school days, I remember brainstorming sessions focused on raising money for our senior trip. Growing up in upstate New York, a spring break trip to the beach required substantial funds for travel. No one suggested we simply sit outside a store with a bucket and an unrealistic expectation of generosity.
Fundraising in the ’90s involved first asking our parents, who would assign us chores for extra cash. Next, we’d venture into the community raking leaves, washing windows, or weeding gardens. It was tough work, but doing it alongside friends made it enjoyable. We collaborated, earned our dollars as a team, and ultimately succeeded as a group—no folding tables or handouts involved.
Parenting, teaching, and fundraising are all challenging tasks, and we can’t afford to treat this lightly. Let’s roll up our sleeves and send the message to our kids that if they want something special, they must earn it. It’s important to teach them that real effort is necessary. Our generation may not have been perfect, but we learned to appreciate what we earned. When my senior class finally boarded that crowded bus to a two-star hotel in Virginia Beach, we truly valued the experience.
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In conclusion, it’s vital to rethink how we approach school fundraising. By teaching our children the value of hard work and creativity, we can foster a generation that appreciates the rewards of their efforts.
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