1st things 1st---Are you or better asked--Do the people you are talking about want help- want yhe public to know what is going on????--Talk with the schools guidance councelor or social worker--See if they are aware of anything--I would let them (they are the professional) handle the initial inquiry offering assistance.. Then he/she can come back and let you know what they need or want. He/She may already be able to put these people in with contact with organixations that can help them. Then he can fill you in with their permission on what else would behelpful--Our PTA sends out Masscards or condolence cards on cases of death. Illnesses we use a separate fund called Sunshine to either send a fruitbasket or flowers. And then we as just a group of parents who care will often arrange to have food establishments deliver meals to the house and pay for it our of our pockets..But in case of illness be careful the person may be on a restricted diet.

Many families at our school have recently had major issues such as a young mom with breast cancer, another family had the father die after a battle with cancer, yet another just delivered a baby 2 1/2 months early, and finally a couple of kids in and out of different foster care homes. How do different groups handle showing care and support for these situations in and out of a PTA context?