We have received back both pros and cons. Some parents would rather purchase items especially if the coupon/refund or don't have the extra cash on hand. Other's would rather just hand over the money instead of going shopping. Some of the con is some parents won't send in anything and some feel like I contributed $$ why should I buy a ticket. So matter which way you go you will have people complaining

When our classmothers send out their letters to collect money for the class parties, they ask for an additional $2.00 per child. This $2.00 goes towards the theme baskets for our Tricky Tray.

We combine classes so this way they can buy big tickets items.

We did this last year for our auction--we asked each parent in the school to donate $3/child to be put towards purchasing an item to go into class baskets that were then auctioned off. It seems to stick in my mind that the participation rate was just a little under 20%. They were disappointed in that, but still had some nice baskets. It was the only time we had ever done anything like that, so I don't know if that's a good percentage for something like this, or not.

You could offer an either/or scenario. Some people have things they want to donate while others will find it easier to send in the cash. I would give them a choice.

Our theme basket committee is thinking of asking parents to donate $3 instead of asking for a product in our theme baskets this year (and of course we'll do all the shopping). Has any other PTA's done this or ever didit? Last year some parents who were very generous in donations were somewhat upset when they saw what others did (one parent donated one box of teabags while another one donated a ceramic teapot). We thought that by asking for a small donation...we would get a better response and have a greater variety in the theme baskets.