An alternative to school fundraisers

EDITOR,
Dear parents of school-age children: Please consider making a direct donation to your child’s school rather than have him or her involved with fundraisers.
Please understand that if the school is really lucky, it only gets 50 percent (usually less) from these fundraisers, not to mention that you’ve possibly irritated friends and family by guilting them into buying things they don’t need, like an evergreen candle for $22. The schools are doing their best during a tough economy — unfortunately, too many people want something put directly in their hands for their money, so the schools end up relying on fundraising companies. And then the fundraising companies dangle “prizes” in front of the kids, who basically go out and work for them — remember, the fundraising companies keep anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent of the money your child got together — which produces even more stuff no one really needs.
Please take this opportunity to teach your child about donating directly to worthy causes, resisting the pull of gimmick prizes and understanding the effects of consumerism — more junk in landfills, extra “stuff” in your life, being coerced by advertising. A direct donation means 100 percent goes to the school, and you can earmark your donation for whatever the school is trying to raise funds for — i.e., “school supplies” — if you like.
If you are a friend, neighbor or family member approached by a fundraising child, consider giving him or her a check made out directly to the school, rather than purchasing overpriced hand lotion or gift wrap.
Stacey Hendren, San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School parent, Ben Lomond