Dear Editor:

As most of you know, the magazine fundraiser at Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) has been used for many years because it’s considered to be a major fundraiser for the school. The targeted amount to be raised is based on the previous year's sale.  The amount for 2012 was $15,000 in total sales. BRES, then gets 40 percent of the totals sales, which equals approximately $6,000 (if they even reach the target amount).  The cost of the prizes that the children earn for selling comes out of the $6,000.

In 2012 the school netted approximately a $4,000 profit from the sales; that’s an approximately 27 percent return. The numbers for 2013 were even less. It is astounding to think the people in this community have shelled out $15,000 to buy magazines and the school only ends up with $4,000.

A friend and I presented the schools with a no cost fundraising idea last year that could have made a profit of $10,000 each to both BRES and BRHS. Although there was a very small attempt at the fundraiser, it lacked support from those assigned the job. I understand how easy it is to get into a “rut” of doing this magazine drive year after year. Something better means “change” and “work” to get it going.

If you’re like most parents these days, you and your child do not want to “sell” items. A lot of people are too busy to bother and would just as soon write a check and be done with it. Out of guilt and frustration, coupled with the fact that your child is nagging you to “earn” that prize, you reluctantly buy a magazine or two. So now we are wasting paper and cluttering up the recycle center! If it’s all about the “prize” for your child then entice them with something else.

If you want to support a child and help their fundraising efforts, then send a tax deductible donation directly to Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES), 238 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. Put your child’s name and grade on it so they get recognized. This is 100 percent profit for the school with the least amount of waste and work for anyone.

Lynn Blake

Boothbay