After reading a recent article in the Herald-Mail regarding user fees, I agree that we (parents and students) are fund-raised to death. I soon began to daydream. (uh oh, watch out!)

I imagined starting a grass-roots campaign - Citizens Against Students Hawking (CASH), Citizens Rebel Against Peddling (CRAP), or maybe even Parents Opting Out of Peddling (POOP).

I have never been a very supportive fundraising parent. I do not allow my kids to go door-to-door selling things, I do not really have the time or desire to go with them. My co-workers already receive emails from others who selling pizzas, candy, donuts, sandwiches, wrapping paper, etc. on behalf of their children. I have no intention of trying to compete with the parents who seem to enjoy doing this activity, since I clearly do not.

Realizing that tax dollars only go so far, and our schools may need extra money for endangered sports and music programs, I propose that the schools offer a choice. If the fundraising co-ordinator could figure out what the average profit goal is per student, we could opt to just send a check or cash for that amount. If a family cannot afford to donate money in this way, or if they really just love selling stuff for their kids, then they could participate in the fund-raiser and win cool prizes.

I would feel much better about allowing my kids to ask family members, neighbors and friends for a small donation to support these programs rather than have to worry about collecting money, turning in orders, picking up orders and then delivering them to the appropriate people.

I would rather just give the money and be done with it.

Any thoughts on the viability of this type of movement?

The one thing I actually do like about Paramount is that they have one fundraiser each fall, the Walk-a -thon. The kids get donations, then everyone, including parents and siblings, walks through the neighborhoods around the school. We have never participated, but it generates enough $$ for the whole year. At least you don't have to worry about collecting, ordering, delivering, out of stock, etc.

Funny you should mention this. Our company is fundraiser hell. Not only do we have parents bringing in their kids fundraisers, but our company committee does them as well to get money to fund our christmas party and to send flowers to funerals and such. On top of that, our office has decided to participate in the yearly March of Dimes walk. There is literally a fundraiser going on constantly. We were all brain storming to come up with something new that would stand out and be a success. The pizza kits, sandwiches, cookie dough, candy, general junk orders are simply played out. Everyone is sick of it. Personally I think you're idea is great and would alleviate a lot of hassle on both your end and the school's end. Next time your child brings home a fundraiser package, send it back with a note explaining that you'll send them a personal check in the mail. But you know you'll come across those people who will insist that the one check donation is great, BUT sending your child around would help even more. As easy and stress-free as your idea sounds, I'm sure it will spark opposition from someone.

I'm sorry but door to door is too dangerous any more. The walk a thon is a good idea. So would maybe reading,rocking chair,hopscotch(guess now I'm being silly!).It always seemed to me that the kids had to sell alot just to get $ Tree type prizes. To get anything really good you had to sell $$hundreds$$. How about the way they do in the convienance stores, $1 for a heart or booty or teddy bear.? Make a chain around the inside of the school.

Operate the schools in a fiscally-responsible, efficient manner and they won't have to have fundraisers.

We tried sending checks as I don't hold with fundraisers--I'm with you Heather--between work & school & church--it gets insane! I sent a check last year to my kid's band and said--my kids will not participate, but this will help buy the uniforms...guess what? they liked it--the committee, but this year we were told we had to participate--ugh! I ordered an item and then sent a check again...i do not need lousy cookie dough, gross pizza, stupid candles...yecchy candy.,..l.