needing help n ideas plz

[sabalasi]

hi to all
yes its not a brag
its a help i need from u expert guys
my son's school has sent a note that says "u r asked to send 10-20 unwrapped gifts to donate to the school's Christmas bazaar""

now 1st
i want to know is it mandatory to send so many gifts...like min 10 is a big amount for our family in this situation
"we are permanent residents here, about 15 yrs n my husband got a job just 6 months ago
before that we were using the money that we brought with us, so many of u can imagine how difficult is our situation
n we have 2 kids one 5yr old son, n 9 months daughter"

2nd
shouldn't it be a request n an open offer if any one wants to help or not

3rd
any idea what should we be sending like really inexpensive small gifts

sorry if im in the wrong section...but this is the only board that i visit the most (my bad)
plz help guys....i have only this sat n sun to shop
thanks

[weasy71]

I've never seen a request like this from a school. I think they certainly could have worded it better to make it clear that it is a voluntary thing. I would bet you aren't the only family in a situation where this would be hard, and what is this for? is the bizaar a fundraiser? are these gifts being donated? not enough info for sure. I think I'd go to the Dollar store and buy a few things, you can make $5 or $10 go a long way if you find a good dollar store. If I was closer, I'd help you out!!

[momgoneawol]

I think I would get clarification from the school first for what it is for. Are these going to be sold/auctioned off at the school to raise money or donated to charity? 10 to 20 unwrapped toys, that's really asking for alot, unless they are thinking dollar store stuff which really I think are a total waste of money. Really isn't much at those store except the cheap plastic stuff. You can also check out value village, there are often unopened new toys priced really cheap, like puzzles for .99 or games at 1.99 and lots of other NEW toys. Good luck.

[CrazyQT]

I would politely write the school a letter stating that you are in no position to send 10-20 unwrapped gifts to your child's classroom. That's a really odd request and it's poorly worded.

[Shwa Girl]

I see you have 7 posts. Welcome to Smart Canucks.

You do not need to send anything.

[jasperandchar]

I think the request was poorly worded, no one should or is obligated to provided anything for a school bazaar in my opinion (it should be on a donation request not manditory and certainly should not have a minimum etc. Also what do they consider as gifts, I mean sky is the limit in my opinion and gifts for whom kids, adults, it seems that they should be more clear and if interested in donating that is intirely up to you and should not be obligated.

However if you do wish to donate the dollar stores have alot of beautiful cheap Christmas ornaments or mugs, etc.

Best of luck and let us know what happens.

[thriftygranny]

I would defiantly check with the school as far as the expectations go as far as the type of gifts. Since it is a Christmas bazaar perhaps they want gently used toys? I can see why you are confused as to what you are to send. After clarifying with the school I would only send what is comfortable for you're financial situation then you're little one will still feel like he was part of the event. Place what you have in closed bag and no one will know what you did or didn't donate. Good luck on this I would also let the school know that this is very short notice especially at this time of year and you would appreciate more clarity and advance notice in the future. From experience it usually isn't the school itself that comes up with these ideas but the parent council that usually consists of upper class Mommies that have no regard for families on a budget.there is always good people on parent council but sometimes they just don't think about everyone's situations.

[RebeccaRYoung]

I would call the teacher and just ask for clarification. I would ask what the purpose of the presents is? Are they being donated to those in need, in which case I would find something useful for the needy - mittens, scarf, hat, food items. Are they being auctioned off as a fundraiser, in which case I might find one nicer item - board game, Christmas ornament. Are the presents being given to the students, so that everyone has something to open on the holidays - might find one toy.

The school that I work in asks parents to bring in one present per child they have attending the school. The maximum price for the item is $5. All the teachers do a unit about the spirit of giving, and reasons to give. My unit is about helping others in need and why we do this. We never do this unit in December. The unit was in November, so that it doesn't conflict with the holiday season and add to the financial difficulties of the season.

[Lynn49]

I agree with everyone on this! How inconsiderate of them to insist on donations! At this time of year particularly when so many people are stretching their budgets just to provide for their own families! Call the school for clarification re what these donations are for and what they expect as "gifts" from parents who are on tight budgets. Wow. What an insensitive request!!!

[Giving-Small]

Does your classroom have a Room Parent? You could call or email them.

Sounds like it might be "used" items if it's for a bazaar - still that's a lot.

Or it might be that their will be games at the bazaar for the kids like fish pond etc and they want tiny inexpensive prizes for the winners -- like a couple of stickers ..

Next step - phone and ask for more information. You won't be the only parent to be confused by this note.

[nicolthepickle]

I agree with all the others. Talk to someone and find out. I'd be curious to see what the answer is. We're love to hear what you decide to do.