we have an emergency fund as a line item in our budget. We have recently broadened it's scope to include all areas of " immediate financial need". The bulk of it is used for scholarship ( if families can't afford a field trip).
The remainer has been used for a variety of things, and each situation is different.
Examples:
A teacher passed away, and we used the $$ to pay for a busy for the entire staff to leave and attend the funeral.
A dad died in a car accident, and instead of flowers, we paid a month of their electric bill, as dad was primary breadwinner.
A dad became very ill, mom doesn't work, no disability benefits from work, so we bought a grocery store gift certificate.
We used to do a book in someone's honor, but truth is, we discovered, while it was nice, the families struggling really needed different kind of help. Unfortunately, our " system" only works if you have a VERY cooperative board who can remain very objective as each case is presented.
It is definitely more reasonable to have a standard protocol, but after trying that for a few years, our board decided that reality was, there's no " standard" crisis.
We are a fairly large school. (600 students pre k-2) We have the Sunshine position, this person sends a care package to the student. Usually includes books, games, gift card for groceries, things like that.
We have stipulations though on when it can be sent because so many things can happen and it seemed for awhile we were sending it for everyting.
So now the student has to be out of school for over a week because they had any kind of medical surgery or long term illness, (not the flu that kind of thing) death in immediate family, broken arms or anything like that we don't.
Its a great treat for the kids when they are out, but you also have to spell out in what situations you will send something out because it could get costly if your a large school.
Cindy
Cindy<br />
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<br>"People have the right to be stupid, but some abuse the privelege."
That is a WONDERFUL start. I love the idea of a book! In fact our school library always needs new ones..so what a great idea. Plus the hospitality aspect and the positive aspect...well thank you so much!
We are presently wrestling with this situation also. When we are aware (during the school year) we do many things as a PTO. We donate a book selected by the family to our school library (pto funds). We also try to host a bake sale at an upcoming school event and donate all proceeds to the family. We start dinner delivery if the family desires - give us your shopping list or dinner choices (even chic nuggs, pizza, soda - whatever) - we put a cooler on the front steps and fill it when they choose - e/o day til the familes says enuf. Volunteers are always willing to help with this - a simple email - here's the list - pick a day. We had a mom pass away during the holidays and bundled bags of school spiritwear for the family and our local scout troops and recreation department received a holiday wish list from the kids and purchased, wrapped and delivered the items. Local rotaries and groups are always willing to make a monetary donation. We recently discussed having a "hospitality" chairperson for these types of needs - celebratorty included so that we can better respond as a PTO. Looking forward to other posts on how PTOs handle this.
P.S. Also, our PTO provides a thanks in our PTO newsletter from the family stricken with loss to ease the burden of thanking everyone.
