I think that thanking the volunteers is a wonderful thing. We actually have a small amount in our budget for year end chair gifts which include anyone that chairs an event (all pto executive board members must chair an event to be on the board)--
so this is approved in the beginning of the year and all are aware..
but there are ways. On a side note-- there are ways to make a than you something inexpensive or free-- we do something that ties into our theme for the year-- a small flowering plant with a note-- keychain engraved by a parent - found these our Santa's shop for .09 cents - they were in the shape of a heart. Deck of playing cards- with a note- thanks for giving a big hand this year... and so on...
There are also free ways to say thanks-- go to a beauty school and have students come out and give a spa treatment to all the volunteers-- a lot of time they need practice, so they will do it for free-- same thing with massages.

We have had several companies offer to come to school for free 2-3 afternoons for massages-- I think there is a right way to say thanks and a wrong- you just need to figure out what works at your school.

We have one member that thinks they are to get items free because she works. Which is only at our winter program. She doesn't buy all the time, but once in awhile she does want something. I get the money in advance. No order without money. For our volenteers, I buy something with my own money and give to the ladies. The only time we do buy is for teachers week( we do market day and do cookies or pies). Our organization is only the parents, which is really hard. I think if we could get the teachers with us we would do better.
Also as a Parents Club: How do we remove a parent that does not have children in the school anymore. This lady has good intentions, but I believe that she just wants to be noisy. Can't always depend on her to be where I need her!

I really feel this is not appropriate at all. First of all, volunteering is the key word. You aren't doing it for a reward. Secondly, in the business world this would be considered an ethics violation. Even an appearance of impropriety should be avoided. I also wonder if it violates your bylaws? Ours state that our mission is to raise funds to support activities that benefit the school and children. Massages for the executive board doesn't really fall into that category.

I don't think is particularly right... I am a PTO president and can't imagine that after sending home letters for fundraising which suggests the monies raised go to the children and for their purposes that you take that fundraising money and pay for massages... its misleading and definately not appropriate.

While it may not be against the bylaws of the organization I would not like to defend that one to parents who wonder where their money went. I think your instincts are good on this one and I personally wouldn't participate to distance myself from repurcussions if it comes out.

Our PTO Pres. suggested that for our hard work, we treat the 6 member board to massages, paid for from the PTO general funds. I am not comfortable with this. Sure, we do a LOT of volunteering, but this feels wrong to me. Is there any rule or guideline for this? Our bylaws are too vague.