So, can retail really save our schools?
Seems like it’s worth a try, right?

Sept. 24-28 marks the start of Shop for America’s Schools—an online shopping event by Schoola that’s also serving as a fundraiser for schools all over the country.  For every item purchased, 20 percent to 50 percent of funds will be donated to participating schools.

And with 79 percent of school districts experiencing funding cuts these days, this just may be the ticket to saving our schools, our local economies and—in the vein of total mush—each other.

Because doesn’t it feel a lot better to buy a dress you’ve had your eye on for a while knowing that 1) you’re saving money and 2) you’re also helping out your local schools? If I can spend money and help someone else out, I’m all in.

To make matters even better, Schoola has also set up the whole process, so it’s really easy for retailers and consumers. Schoola facilitates the fundraiser online, giving folks the tools they need to share it with parents (from the schools) and the local community. For retailers, it doesn’t require a 50 percent discount like some other discount sites (whose names will furthermore remain unmentioned). From there, they manage the purchases, fulfillment and financial distribution to participating schools and businesses.

Currently, 5 percent of U.S. schools are participating with more than 200,000 school fundraiser pages created for the Sept. 24 launch.

I’m holding out hope that retail can be the solution for our under-funded schools. I may not have kids, but I want to be part of the solution for our educational crisis. Don’t you?

What do you think about this retail/fundraiser idea by Schoola? Leave your comments below.

-Heather Strang