Jill
This is a disappointing fundraising…
This is a disappointing fundraising company. The kids only earn points toward the little trinkets that the company uses to hype them up if people spend $30-40 on an order. There is nothing less expensive than that. I would love to help this kid I barely know, but not to the tune of $40. And if the books the kid gets to buy with the gift card they want me to purchase him are as overpriced as the books they are offering for sale, he isn’t going to get more than 2 books for his $40. That’s not right either. I love a good fundraiser, but it should really really be the kids and the school, not the fundraising company that reaping the greater profit.
Response from SchoolStoreSep 18, 2026
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We’re sorry the program left you feeling this way, and we’d like to clarify a few things. There is never an obligation to make a purchase to support a student. We also want to clarify that several items are available for under $30, so supporters do not need to spend $30–$40 to place an order. SchoolStore is a fundraising program, and purchases made through it are designed to provide funding and resources directly to participating schools and classrooms. The Book Buddies are meant to make participation fun and exciting for students, but we never want anyone to feel pressured into spending more than they are comfortable with. We understand that every family and supporter has a different budget, and choosing not to make a purchase is completely okay. We appreciate your feedback and will continue looking for ways to improve the experience for schools, families, and supporters.