Our district has the perfect solution for this situation: a separte charity set up to specifically address needs like this. It was started by a school board member about 10 years ago. The recipient must be a student in our schools and their need is qualified by the school social workers. The charity is run by a board of volunteers who conduct a couple of fundraisers each year. The PTOs in our district donate to the charity and help advertise their fundraisers. This way, the PTO can be supportive of the needs in our community, without setting a precedent that would be difficult, if not inappropriate, to follow year after year.

In your specific case, I would ask if there's a similar organization in your community to which the family could be referred and to which the PTO could make a donation. If not, can the PTO make a donation to the school under the general category of "scholarships" or "student aid" with the understanding that the money will be disbursed as needed by the social worker. As hard as it is to say No outright, this is the time to evaluate what exactly is your PTO's mission. Writing a check to a specific family sets a precedent which even the IRS might have trouble with. Read your bylaws, too.

How do you feel about using pto money to support a needy family at school? Our social worker approached our parent liasion about donating $300.00 to a needy family so they can buy winter coats, boots, etc. While I support this personally, I am uncomfortable approving pto dollars for this. I need feedback, as it is a real sore spot between me (a co-chair) and the parent liasion. My co agrees with me.