Kids refuse to raise money by selling candies

I don't care for the way they use the kids to raise money.  I may get flamed for this, but it's just wrong to me.  I don't criticize the people who put a lot of work into doing it because I know they work hard and are volunteers, but I don't think they should be asked to do it in the first place.  I understand the schools need the money (although I could rant about where are my taxes going???!!!).  Anything like this that comes up for my kids we just pay the amount they are looking for and be done with it.  Much less stressful for all involved that way.

This was for a field trip to Washington. What would you tell the parents of the kids who are not as blessed as you, and can't afford to pay for the trip for their kid?

If you read my other post carefully it is not contradictory for me to say this.  I think it is an important trip.  Important for where you go, what you see/learn, and the time in your life that it occurs.  I still my remember mine and I can't remember most of college.

It may be more important for the kids you are writing off to go than for those that can easily afford it.  Don't ask me to prove that, I said it may be.  Just a thought.

I believe the point of the article that Denise provided was lost in this thread so I wanted to mention it.  The kids were refusing to participate in the fundraiser because it involved selling unhealthy products - and the Atkins lady rewarded them by kicking in some money.  Just wanted to point that out.

As for using kids to raise funds, I have a bit of personal insight (and a strong opinion on this topic) - sorry if I go off the original topic.  I am on the board of the PTA for my children's school and I am very active in the PTA.  I know how much money is raised through our PTA and how the money is put to extremely good use (materials for the classrooms, enrichment programs, computer and media equiment, recognition for teachers and staff, etc.).  I hear a lot of parents complaining about the fundraising.  It is NEVER a parent who is involved in the PTA or the school at all - and they never offer to participate or come up with alternatives.  I take that back.  The one "solution" they offer is "Why can't we just skip all these fundraisers and write a check?".  It's a nice thought but I read an article in a parenting magazine about this issue.  A few schools did try that idea - and guess what percentage of families actually came through and wrote a check...less then 25%!!!

Anway, I understand that people have the right to complain about things.  I appreciate those who complain and then get involved in understanding and solving the problem.

Done venting...

Did he really just say that?  If you are poor, you should rightfully be denied the same educational opportunities as someone who has more money?  I won't even address the "sucks to be you" part.

Nah, I am sure I am misinterpreting this....

No, but it helps.

Disagree strongly with the above but that's another issue. 

On the financial issue, all you've done is said it sucks to be poor.  Duh, that's really going out on a limb.  If kids can participate in a fundraiser to pay for their trip are you opposed to that?  

Heh, look at me now backing the fundraisers.  See Bear?  I told you I wasn't against it for the people who do participate in it, just that I prefer to handle it another way.  I am a complicated man. 

i've been to washington a few times.  What do I remember out of all the trips I've been there?  Mostly the good resteraunts we visited (the capital hill club has wonderfull lobster Bisque!).  Oh and I got to sit in the Chief Justice's chair in the supreme court and shoot hoops in the upstairs basketball court.

I don't blame the kids for refusing to sell that crap.  Fund raiser candy is the worst ever.  It's usually old and stale anyway.  Now my school used to do a fundraiser where we sold frozen pizza's and frozen cookie dough.  Now that was quality fundraiser stuff 

Regarding everything Chuckyfinster said- I strongly disagree.  I remember my 5th grade field trip to D.C.  It helped inspire and motivated me to learn more and better appreciate the country I lived in.   The remark about poor kids parents being losers, all  can say is it reminds me of a quote my dad once told me-"Don't ever judge those with little money- judge those with money- they have the priveledge and opportunity others don't.  Some people use the priveledge to make a difference- others to make foolish comments.

So poor=losers now?

Wow. 

Actually, this did not answer my question but that's ok.  I just read your statement that all parents who are poor are losers and that's enough for me thank you.

My kid is in Boy scouts.  They don't sell popcorn or candy or cookies or anything.  What their troop does is unique- they have this huge circus style tent that they rent out.  IT's in the yellow pages and all.  When it's set up to be rented out, the boys who show up to unload it from the shed/load it on the truck/go to the site/set it up/ and then reverse it again a few days later get a certain amount of money which is tallied up.  At summer camp time, the money-cash- is given to the boys to use for whatever they want.  It paid for his summer camp trip to the Jamboree last summer and then some.  

The other major thing they do is work for tips at the Church's Lenten Fish Fry.  They serve food (prepared by the Mens Club) and clear tables. 

ta-dah!  The parent's dont do anything except supervise those boys! And drive, of course.

That's it, christine (lucy)! your son DOES something. Kid (and TNT!) fundraising should be about earning the money, and selling shite is not earning.  car washes, yard work etc, errands, etc. when a kid comes to my door to sell candy, I try and find a chore and pay em gobs to do it. a) the get to earn it, and b) I get a job done and don't have to have no stinkin candy/popcorn/magazine I'll never read, etc lying around.

I think it sucks that children should pay for their parents' bad luck, or even, bad choices.  Washington DC may not be an essential part of education in your mind, but being part of the class, not feeling left behind or less than, learning to budget and earn money (earning money to pay for things is a huge self esteem builder)  all that is really important beyond just what you learn in Washington. 

I think it sucks to read "you're poor? sucks to be you."  Sucks to live in a country where that is the attitude, sucks to read that on BT, a community where it is nothing to drop $$ on toys and gear while little kids are whored out selling crap... grrr. it's early and I am not thinking yet, but what a sad sad thread that started out interesting.