If this family needs help, then why can't you help? I am in New York and we were affected by 9/11 with several students losing their fathers and mothers during the tragedy. We were not about to stand by and let the families fall apart. We are a close knit community and we insisted on helping these families. It didn't turn into a PTA or school event but by word of mouth we were able to get people together to make meals every night of the week for the families. We organized a raffle of donated items and raised money that way. It wasn't done in the school. But again, by word of mouth, people find out and will pull together to do what is necessary to help this family out.
So I say, don't hold back. There are creative ways of helping a family in need whether it's for a tragedy or a blessing. Good luck.
I was told that we could organize something like a drive as long as we weren't using PTO funds to do it because sometimes things don't get realized without the help of an organized group such as PTO.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
I am positive we are the only ones in the country with this problem. The Hortons Quints were born 2 days ago in our area and the family's two older kids go to our school. For those who don't know the story, the mom just had 5 babies after 26th weeks. The father has been serving in Irag and was injuried at the same time and is now recovering in Maryland and doesn't even know about the babies birth. I sent out a email to our association board with the good and bad news and mentioned that while we can't single out any one family to help, we keep the Hortons in our prayers and we will keep everyone informed. The school has formulated a plan for the press. I also suggested that another family or the school may decide to support the family with donations or food and I would keep everyone up to date on that.
Now I knew this would come up but I guess I was hoping it wouldn't. I got my first "why aren't we doing more?". Well because we are 501(c)3 and can't under our incorpation status and our bylaws say because we are here for the good of the school as a whole.
Second, it's kind of controversial and political and I don't think we want to get into it. They choose to use methods to make their family go from 4 to 9. They knew the risks.
As any event sad or happy (like death of a parent or birth of a staff member's child)that happens to a staff or student family we sent $20 out of family unity.
Please I need profound words of wisdom or straight our quotes from tax documents to help me explain without appearing the hard @$$ &itch.
