December is a feverishly busy time for PTAs, with loads of potential for fundraising. However, one of the biggest challenges of the festive season is to strike a balance between organising fun activities and asking for too much cash. It’s tricky for sure, but it’s a great time to come up with some winter PTA ideas to show that you care about giving as well as receiving, and there are numerous charity efforts you can support.
This blog post focuses on festive fun, fundraising and spreading goodwill and cheer among your PTA, school and the wider community.
Christmas Jumper Day
Friday 16th December 2016 is the official “Christmas Jumper Day” in support of the charity “Save The Children”. Joining in couldn’t be simpler, just sign up at the Christmas Jumper Day website.
Some kids don’t like the feel of jumpers or get too hot in stifling classrooms, so why not extend it to include Christmas t-shirts, dresses and accessories?
Make it fun and ask for a small donation per child towards this great cause. You don’t have to do it on the 16th either – some schools do it on the same day as their school Christmas lunch.
Other Winter PTA Ideas
School discos are a great little earner for most PTAs and a Christmassy theme will give it a memorable twist.
Christmas-themed cake sales are always popular and need very little financial input. Just a few contributions from each parent can go a long way.
Lunchtime craft sessions work well – ask the children to make salt-dough decorations, which you can then sell back to the parents for a nominal charge.
Or just have some fun with the parents and kids making tree decorations – possibly charging a small fee for materials.
You can put on a favourite Christmas movie as a fundraiser and add a few games and treats for extra special festive fun.
There are lots of other fantastic craft ideas on our Christmas Fundraising Pinterest page.
Shoebox/Present Appeal
The Shoebox Appeal has been around for ages, but it’s still a fab way of giving something back to children, the elderly or families who, for whatever reason, may not have gifts to open this Christmas time.
Not all appeals of this type involve an actual shoebox, but the sentiment is the same. There are numerous charities to choose from, including:
The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal
There are also much smaller appeals happening in communities all around the country, and your PTA could approach local care homes, homeless charities and elderly charities to see if they would appreciate your support in this way.
Alternatively, you could run a drive to collect food that can be donated to your local food banks to help individuals and families who are in need this Christmas.
Christmas Fayre
The highlight on many school calendars, a Christmas Fayre is a great way of fostering community spirit and raising money for your school.
PTAs can rent tables out to entrepreneurial parents and members of the local community, who sell cakes, crafts, printing, simple and short beauty treatments, jewellery etc for a small charge.
Games and fun stalls are also popular winter PTA ideas, including bauble bobbing, reindeer hoopla, knock Santa down the chimney and many more.
Santa’s Grotto makes it a magical occasion for the little ones.
About PlanSocial
PlanSocial curates resources and educational materials for school parents and their families, focusing on everything from educational support for your children, self-development and career re-entry, to home improvement, family well-being and even where to find the best family holidays.
