PTO Today

We are planning a community outreach night involving a winter clothing swap for children infant through teen. With the current financial situation of most of our local families, we feel it will be beneficial to offer them an area to swap gently used clothing for items their children will wear. It is free since the items will be traded amongst families. All remaining items will be donated to the local goodwill. Has anyone else ever done this type of event?

No - sounds like a good idea but....is it among many different elementary schools? Reason why I ask...I could see a problem with kids getting picked on for wearing "Bobby's hand me downs" or "Jane's old dress" if it is one school.

i know it's kinda a glass half empty comment instead of the glass half full but I know you have the best on intentions..hope it works out well.

Hi, We are on our first day of "Frost on the Pumpkin" children's winter outerwear swap. We live in an area where 85% of the area is forest land. Our town boasts 656 residents so we combined the efforts with a neighboring town of 2,515 residents. Our flyers were posted throughout both communities at establishments in high community traffic areas for maximum visibility. On the posters we provided the following "helpful hint: Involve your child in the decision to donate their particular articles of outerwear. This will help to alleviate separation anxiety if they see their item on another child." From Monday through Friday (for one week) we have drop-off locations at our three of our local grocery stores and then on Saturday everyone is invited to our school to obtain whatever items they need for their children at no cost. All of our remainder items will be donated to our local Second Chance Animal Shelter's thrift store and to our school's emergency supply for use when student's items are lost or forgotten. We are hoping for a huge out-pouring of community participation in the drop and the swap. Hope this helps!!