Hey there!
With my parents, its a non issue. If they send their kids with coats in the winter, we're happy. You are talking about a population that is barely in permenant housing, sometimes shelters. For alot of them the only meals they get at school are breakfast and lunch because there isn't dinner or dinner is crackers. Its very sad, but very true.
Ebay would be great if I knew someone who could buck up for the price. I can't and neither can the school and/or parents. I have talked to the company and they have "grants" but its a bunch of red-tape and they really only do it for "testing" schools, which mine isn't because it only goes to second grade.
As for the thanks problem-- I have to call them about that. I had about 14 proposals funded about 3 years ago (totaling over 4 grand) and got thanks BACK from the people who funded them and sent it all in on time-- so that number is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY wrong... in fact when I saw it was posted today, I questioned it right away but its Caturday... so I have to wait till Monday.
Thanks for your suggestions-- I wish my parents were in a better place like you and yours are... most of my parents are young single moms working two or three jobs-- sometimes its grandparents and sometimes adopted foster parents. Its a different world.
ETA: Also, remember people can fund PART of the project. How many people who might want to donate even 25 dollars are on this board? This a HUGE board... Ii've been a 5 year member of a fitness board that has 5000 members.. if each person gave 1 dollar, it would fly. I know that won't happen, but you see my point. It could snow ball pretty easily if I do enough public relations with it! LOL
Susan