School Fundraising? Phooey!

Still, can't we find another way to fund these activities and school needs?

School administrators dislike fundraising. A majority of elementary school principals would end the practice if they could, according to the findings from a survey of nearly 700 principals released in 2000 by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Although the principal survey is a bit dated, fundraising fatigue isn't.

From collecting labels and box tops to traditional fundraising events, parents -- especially parents of elementary school students -- are tired of everybody's hand being out, admits Vickie Mabry, associate director of the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers.

"I think there are a lot of school groups that do a lot of fundraising for the sake of fundraising and get away from the idea that there is something specific they are raising the funds for," Mabry said. "People have to make sure the parents know what the goal is."

Perhaps Mabry is right.

Before tossing the fundraising documents I received from the parent associations at my kids' schools, I looked for information about what the money for the many events was going to be used for. I didn't find any details other than when I needed to show up to sell or buy.

Mabry also suggests that schools or parent associations reduce the number of fundraising events. "The main focus should be on doing a few and doing them well," she said.

I could buy into that.

"Principals see fundraising as a necessary evil," said Vincent L. Ferrandino, NAESP's executive director. "Unfortunately, budget cutbacks have left principals in the unenviable position of having to fundraise or having to do without. In some places the 'without' would translate into the elimination of many extracurricular activities and school trips to museums and historic locations, to mention just a few items."

Mabry also says I should look at fundraising another way.

"For some parents and students this represents their first opportunity to volunteer," she said. "It's not just about the money."

I wasn't feeling her on that point.

If I want my children to learn the value of volunteering, it won't be by pushing products. We have better things to do with our time, such as spending it on homework.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary appears on Washington Post Radio (107.7 FM, 1500 AM) at 6:20 a.m. Thursdays. She also discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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