It's that time of year around here also. At one school, a teacher has a big to-do over it, wanting to make sure her class brings in the most each year. I've had kids (unfortunately) in her class and have found them trying to secretly load the backpack with several cans in the morning, more than once, to pacify this queen. She really can do a hard sell.

I'd have to agree with most of the recent posters here. Have Principal kiss a pig. Reward EVERYONE with a school-wide movie at the end. But, don't make kids feel any worse than some already do, by singling them out for not bringing in their quota. Save the money, time and effort--t-shirts not really necessary, IMO.

We do the same type of program but in December. I was heartbroken to hear a high school teacher made a contest out of the project (best class won something) and really pressured the students to bring in cans. So much so a student broke out in tears and left the room, her mom was laid-off- dad is not in the picture and they were living day to day and she felt terrible she did have one can good to bring in. Her familiy was a last minute add and we honestly played Santa Clause as we dropped off three boxes of food and two large bags of gifts to her familiy on Christmas Eve.

I love the idea of the Principal participating. I would even be willing to ask if her staff would be included in the "tally" of food!

While this is a joyus time for many, it's so stressful for the little ones that are without. As a farm girl I rememberthose tough winters, remember them very well.

My opinion is for your PTO to consider this- your PTO does it practice Inclusion or Exclusion? I'm all for including everyone when it comes to the PTO. It seems to me the t-shirt idea is practicing exclusion. Do something for the entire school body. No one should be left out.

There is no way I could send my kids to school with 20 cans of food ( at total of 40 because I have two kids). I really have to disagree with the t shirt awards. It is a slap in the face to those children who had to receive those baskets. Where as if a child can bring in a can or two then every one would feel like they were helping out on the same level. What I would suggest is the kiss the pig thing your principal suggested and maybe a classroom party for the class with the most donations.

Our FRC runs this program every year. We are a poverty level county. One year I was working at the high school and the ladies from the office had took up money. I am thinking it was close to $100.00. Apparently they do this every year. The teachers are also good about donating. I hate to hear that your community feels they need to be rewarded. Isn't a family with a full stomach reward enough? I hope everything turns out for you.

Here's an idea to toss around. I would definitely go with the pig idea - but how about a little more incentive for the kids. This is similar to the Hurricane Relief incentive we did with students at our school.

I'm assuming (I know, I know) that if the principal brought up the pig idea, she must know of how to get one to the school???? We had the teachers track the name of every student who did any donating. We then collected the names at the end of the collection. At our event we pulled out a student's name to be involved on stage. (Each name was only put in once no matter how much their donation was.) Now I understand that there is a 20 can per student with the idea of the t-shirts - so how many cans total is that? Make that the goal for the principal to kiss the pig and one lucky winner will get to hold the pig, be up close to watch, etc. while the principal kisses the pig. Now - ask for teachers/staff at school who may be willing to do the same. The more teachers involved (try for one from each grade) - the more excited students get - the more you're likely to collect. As long as a student brings in one can, he/she has contributed and has a chance. You still need your total number that you're trying to get before it takes place. We did the counts each day and the principal would announce each morning where they were with meeting the goal.

While some say volunteering/donating should be the reward. I think the excitement of seeing something accomplished with the donation is important for the kids.
As they get older, volunteering itself becomes the reward. As long as the reason for volunteering/donating is made a large part of the "ceremonies" for reaching the goal, we're teaching students how their being a part of something important. Stress how much fun it is to watch the principal kiss the pig, but how many people will get a great Thanksgiving meal - how many meals it supplied, etc.

I don't see how rewarding children based on the financial status of their parents is fair in any way. Most people no matter how much food is in their pantry will donate what they can this time of year. Try offering all the children in the school an incentive for making the school's goal, not an individual goal. This way the ones less fortunate wont be left out. Remember that these are little children we're talking about...they are easily amused. A pie in the principals face? A no homework day. An all school movie the last day before Thanksgiving Break...
There are definatley much better ways, to reward the entire school for making their goal. Good Luck.