Creek Valley Elementary Goes Green with Fundraiser

The Creek Valley Elementary PTA describes its new fundraising effort as not just win-win, but win-win-win. That’s because this fall it’s trading the traditional fundraising items of gift wrap and tchotchkes for an environmentally responsible product from a Minnesota-based company. Not only that, but it’s a product any homeowner has to buy anyway and, of course, it will benefit the school. Win, win, win.  

Through mid-September, students of will be offering products from Circle Pines-based company Natur-Bag, including two sizes of lawn and leaf bags, two sizes of kitchen bags, cutlery and pet waste bags—all compostable and eco-friendly.

The idea for the fundraiser was originated by co-presidents of the PTA Julie James and Bonnie Smith. James was out walking her dog when she noticed a line of Natur-Bags on the side of the road and decided to research the company.

James said the fundraiser is the first of its kind with Natur-Bag and that the company was “all over” the idea of partnering with a school. Creek Valley Elementary PTA, and by extension Creek Valley Elementary, will receive approximately 50 percent of the proceeds from the Natur-Bag sales. 

As of Jan. 1, 2010, residents in seven counties around the Twin Cities metro, including Hennepin, are required to put their yard waste in compostable bags. Natur-Bags are 100 percent compostable and meet the new requirements. Through this fundraiser, residents are able to purchase something they already need and donate money to the school at the same time.  

“Our whole theme this year has been ‘give back,’” James said. “To teachers, to students, to the community. This completely fits within our theme of giving back.”

The fundraiser ends Sept. 14, a quick turnaround made necessary by the season. Products will be delivered on Oct. 3, in time for residents to start clearing the leaves from their yards. If you would like to purchase Natur-Bag items through the fundraiser, contact Julie James at edinacreekvalleypta@gmail.com or print off and fill out the PDF linked to this article and mail to , ATTN: Bag Fundraiser. If you choose to mail your order form, keep in mind that order forms need to be received in the school's office by Sept. 14.    

If all goes well, Creek Valley Elementary PTA may hold the fundraiser again this school year for spring clean-up. In the long term, the school hopes to make this an annual fundraiser. James, the rest of the PTA and Principal Dr. Kari Dahlquist are all very excited about this innovative and eco-friendly approach to school fundraising. 

“We’re just honored to have the opportunity,” James said. “It’s fresh, it’s new, it’s green, and everybody has to use them. It’s so purposeful.”  

But for those who depend on elementary school fundraisers for their annual gift wrap needs, don’t fret: James said Creek Valley will still be offering that this year as well.