I don't think that your concern is unique. With families caught in a recession economy, rising heating and fuel costs as well as normal expenses,it is getting harder and harder for even the average family to be constantly buying or giving when it comes to fundraising. I wouldn't say that the kids that do not participate don't care, it just may be they can't for a variety of reasons. You said that the school has a high percent of low income children. It may be that they can't keep asking the same few people to buy things, or they know they can't afford it. Also, parents or guardians may not allow their child to sell things door to door as it can be unsafe. Some families may beleive that the school should be paying for expenses. How are open houses attended? School events? Set up a PTO table to welcome parents and give out information. Ask parents to join, chair a committee, attend a brainstorming meeting. How is the school pride? Do a fundraiser that will spread that farther. Have the kids design tees and hats and have a "show" to display all of the entries. The designer chosen wins a free hat and tee shirt and all attendees of the "show" are also entered into a raffle to win the same. Take orders at all events with a deadline to buy and deliver. Hold a family Talent Night and ask for "donations at the door", but no set admission. Maybe a readathon? A pledge made for how many minutes read and donations from local merchants for door prizes at an award night (all children get an award and you ahve to be present to win the door prizes). Just some ideas!

I have been active in my childrens PTO's for many years now. The mission statement has always been, "...to benefit all the children of the school in the year in which the fundraising money has been raised"

We are in a low income area and it was very common for participation in the fundraisers to be 15% or lower. That means in our elementary school of 600 students, under 100 orders was common. It really didn't matter what we were selling; pies, t-shirts, catalogs, entertainment books, candles, etc.

Our best participation was chocolate roses that sold for a dollar and anyone who purchased at least one, was entered into a raffle for a gift card. Even with this, only about 30% of the students participated.

We always used the money to benefit the entire school with field trips, activities, guest performers and donations to the school. I always thought this is the way it should be and never questioned how the money was spent.

Now that I am involved in the middle school, the participation is even less. With 500 students, 45 (9%) orders was considered a good turnout.

I know times are tough, and many families have multiple children and activities that are all looking for money, but is it fair for kids that do not even try or give a darn to benefit along with those that try and care about making an effort?

Is there a better way to approach this, either at the elementary or middle school level?

I know when I went to high school, many, many years ago, different clubs and boosters that had fundraisers would keep track of individual accounts. Money you raised would go directly into your account and you would use that to pay for uniforms, trips, etc.
I don't think this would work for the elementary or middle school but I am at a loss for ideas.

Any thoughts or comments on how others handle this is greatly appreciated.

ps-sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give enough details.

Thanks.