Missoula’s Lowell PTA puts a healthy label on school fundraising

Local PTA puts a healthy label on school fundraising
Lowell School PTA partners with Mabel’s Labels to support school programs

For years, Parent Teacher Associations in Missoula County and beyond have relied on sales of cookie dough, frozen pizzas and other treats to raise funds for school supplies, field trips, arts education and other school needs. But in response to the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act championed by first lady Michelle Obama and her "Let’s Move!" campaign, Missoula’s Lowell School PTA is turning to a new kind of "dough" to raise needed funds for school programs.

In partnership with the Mabel’s Labels online fundraising platform, the Lowell PTA is encouraging area residents to purchase eGift cards — or simply shop for products — on the Labels for Lowell campaign website at https://www.mabelsfundraising.com/campaigns/13974-labels-for-lowell .

Purchasers will receive full face value on gift cards; Lowell School, meantime, will receive 20 percent of all proceeds from gift card or other purchases made through the program. Gift cards will be received instantly upon purchase via email–no waiting for delivery.

"When you read the label on cookie dough, you realize it isn’t the most healthy way to support healthy schools," said Heidi West, co-president of the Lowell School PTA. "Mabel’s Labels is a great company that provides useful products that parents are eager and appreciative to receive and use."

Mabel’s Labels was founded in 2003 by four moms who were frustrated by their children’s belongings leaving home, never to return. The enterprising quartet developed a line of labels for clothes, backpacks, water bottles and other daily-use products. The company has since grown to feature child safety products, household labels and seasonal items. Awards and recognition for the mom-owned business include the 2007 SavvyMom "Mom Entrepreneur of the Year", "Best Product" from Baby Gizmo, iParenting and PTPA Media, and a 2009 Royal Bank of Canada Women Entrepreneur Award.

Through the Labels for Lowell campaign, the Lowell PTA aims to raise $1000 for classroom supplies, art projects, field trips, family fun nights and the School Garden. Funds will also support increased nutrition and health education or students. Together, these resources will help Lowell students become more successful and engaged at school and beyond.

The Labels for Lowell campaign runs until October 18. To support the fundraiser, simply visit https://www.mabelsfundraising.com/campaigns/13974-labels-for-lowell . Click "Support Now" and make a purchase.