Get everyone in the community involved by hosting an annual Chair-ity event. As the name implies, a Chair-ity event is all about chairs and a theme. You will need families and local businesses to donate any kind of new or used chair that is decorated and accessorized around different themes. For example, a local computer shop can donate a computer or desk chair with a new monitor, printer or other computer related accessories. A kitchen chair can be decorated with different cooking accessories or a rocking chair can have baby accessories and blankets with it. This type of event can be done a few different ways, including fixed prices and live or silent auctions.
Promote school spirit while raising money for the PTA by selling clothes with your school's logo or mascot on it. Spirit wear can include t-shirts, hats or sweatshirts that students can wear on select days, on field trips or for other school sponsored events. Local print shops may offer discounts for bulk purchases or if they know it is for a school. If your school requires a certain uniform you can host a spirit or jean day where kids can wear their spirit shirts or jeans if they donate $1 to the PTA.
Talk to local photographers about hosting a family portrait night at the school. Charge a sitting fee of $10 that goes to the PTA, and the photographer can make his money from the portrait packages purchased by the families. Ask the photographer about offering special rates for packages to families who participate in the fundraiser, which will encourage more families to participate.
Get the word out and have families, local residents and businesses donate old books for a PTA used book sale. Books can be collected throughout the year by placing bins in the school office or at local stores. Sell books at a flat rate of $1 per hardcover and 50 cents for paperbacks at school events throughout the year. You also can hold two different used book sales at the school, one in the fall and another in the spring. Another idea is to get volunteers to set up booths at local festivals, flea markets and community garage sales to raise money.