WORTH CONSIDERING

WHAT IS SCRIP?

SCRIP ... what's that? ... and how could it possibly help us?  Scrip actually means anything used in the place of money.  In this case we are talking about gift certificates from local and national vendors.  How does this translate into a fundraising program for our school?

Here are a few things that it doesn't mean! ... No door to door selling!  No boxes of merchandise to ask our friends, family and neighbors to purchase.  No embarrassment when it arrives and we must deliver it back to the families who were generous enough to purchase something they didn't want or need in the first place!

This is a program that allows each parent to weekly make a choice to direct their normal purchases for essentials ... milk, eggs, gas, clothing ... to those stores that will partner with our school.  It is that simple.  No selling, no extra expense, just focused spending.  Spending that brings profit to our program.

HOW DO I HELP?

Every year we face the same dilemma ... meeting the needs that go beyond the budget the school can possibly provide.  Every year we face shortfalls, and the bottom line is that the needs of our children sometimes suffer.  As parents we want to help but we need direction.  We are striving to put into place a program that will give us a continual source of help.  By combining our spending dollars and working together, we can create a powerful source of revenue for our children, this school, and the programs that will make a difference for not only our children, but the children who will follow in their steps.  It is our responsibility to leave a legacy for them.  Let's get started!

HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM WORK?

UnitedScrip purchases millions of dollars worth of gift certificates (SCRIP) yearly from national vendors.  Our school purchases these same certificates from UnitedScrip at a discount.  We in turn offer this Scrip to our parents at face value.  You receive dollar for dollar the value of cash for these items.  Example: $25 of a Gas Debit Card will purchase $25 of gas at any of its pumps, nationwide!  It's that simple!

HOW DO I START?

Review the Scrip Order Form.  Look for vendors that are part of your regular spending and consider the amount that fits your regular budget.  Then, place your Scrip Order to include your gas, clothing, dining out, gifts and travel needs in anticipation of your upcoming spending habits.

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY CERTIFICATES?

Just write a check to St. Mary's School for the entire amount or send the exact cash with your order.

HOW DO I PLACE MY ORDER?

Return the order form and payment in an envelope marked "Scrip Order".  Your order can be returned in your Family Envelope or dropped off at the School Office.

HOW DO I PICK UP MY CERTIFICATES?

Note on your order form whether you want your order sent home with your child or if you want to pick it up at the School Office.

DO THE CARDS HAVE EXPIRATION DATES AND DORMANCY FEES?

Some cards will have an expiration date written on them.  Companies are now applying a dormancy fee or non-use fee as opposed to an expiration date on their gift certificates.  This fee will deduct a set dollar amount from the card balance each month (i.e., $1.50 or more) after a certain amount of months of non-use.  This amount will be deducted each month until the balance is zero.  When the card is once again used, the time period for dormancy will be restarted.  In some cases, calling to check the card balance will restart the expiration date.