Giving Tuesday!
Dec 2, 2025
Your Donation Supports Learning, Enrichment + Community at PS 261
This Giving Tuesday, the first $15,000 we raise will be matched dollar for dollar!
That means our PTA could earn $30,000 on December 2!
Every contribution to our PTA directly supports the education, growth, and belonging of every child in our school community.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, and for 261’s PTA it’s a moment to fund some of the essentials that our children rely on every day. This year, our Giving Tuesday goal is $15,000—and if we reach it, a generous donor will match it dollar‑for‑dollar. That’s $30,000 for programs that reach every classroom, every grade, and every student at 261.
Why Giving Tuesday Matters at 261
PS 261’s school mission guides every dollar the PTA spends:
“... We believe that relationships are central to nurturing a sense of agency and intellectual engagement and are committed to building a school community that values all of its members and their ever-changing needs. We know the vision must be collectively owned so that all voices are heard, and perspective is developed. ”
What Your Donation Supports
Below are actual PTA budget line items directly funded by contributions during this school year:
Safe, Supported Lunch + Recess - $30,000
Trained, vetted lunch and recess counselors (several of whom are also Afterschool counselors) ensure that our students are supervised during this important time of the school day.
Hands-On Garden Education Program - $28,800
Our unique and beloved garden education program, which is run by our thoughtful garden educators, and dovetails with 261’s science instruction.
Field Trips + Arts Residencies - $22,000
Museum visits, arts enrichment, and other field trips relevant to the curricula.
Substitute Teacher Support - $20,000
Professional support when teachers attend grade-wide meetings or require additional coverage.
How You Can Help
These are the most impactful actions you can take this Giving Tuesday:
Step 1 - Make a Donation
Give any amount to help us reach $15,000 and unlock an additional $15,000 match.
Step 2 - Invite Friends + Family to Contribute
Share the donation link with relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues—anyone who values robust and equitable public elementary education.
Step 3 - Use Your Corporate Matching Program
Many employers will match donations to charitable organizations. Contact your HR representative or the person who oversees corporate social responsibility or employee giving; they can guide you through the simple process of submitting a corporate matching request. The PTA at PS 261 is a registered 501c3 nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible.
Larger Donations:
For giving amounts above $1,000, please reach out to the Fundraising Chair. Donations via check will help us avoid service fees and put more of your money to work for our PTA!
Our Community Gives in Many Ways
We lead with fundraising today because it sustains essential programs, but we also recognize and appreciate the many non‑monetary ways that families contribute to our school community: Volunteering, organizing, attending PTA meetings or school events, serving as Class Parents, sharing resources—and just showing up for one another.