The foundation, a nonprofit organization composed of concerned parents, teachers, administrators and community members, is fighting to save teaching positions, retain small class sizes and maintain art, science, music and educational programs in the Los Gatos Union School District. The foundation has a March 15 deadline to raise $1 million.

Even though LGEF co-President Pam Kissiah said they are not as far along as they'd like to be, she was optimistic they'll reach their ultimate goal. A promotion during the first four weeks of the campaign through Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. helped the foundation meet 50 percent of its goal, Kissiah said.

"The last two weeks is when the momentum really picks up," Kissiah said. "It's hard to realize how much success we've had already because our goal is so high."

If the foundation doesn't hit the $690,000 mark before March 15, teachers will be receiving layoff notices, or "pink slips." Kissiah added there are vehicles circulating through the streets of Los Gatos painted with reminders about the campaign, and banners hanging from the storefronts of local businesses backing the campaign.

Kissiah said people have been telling foundation members that envelopes filled with donations are on their way. She said many contributors have intentions of giving, but just haven't followed through yet. Parents are encouraged to give $600 if they have one child in the district and $900 for two or more. But Kissiah said individuals are also encouraged to donate at whatever level they can.

"I've been impressed at the number of people who have given that have no kids in the district—stores, community members—and significant amounts of money," Kissiah said. "It's been rewarding to see the way the community has responded."

Kissiah said LGEF members are continuing to educate people about the urgency of reaching the $1 million mark to prevent cuts to the school district's budget before they happen. Last year's campaign, also known as SOS or Save Our Schools, was a more aggressive campaign that took place over a much shorter period of time, after layoff notices had already been distributed. Kissiah said people may not see this year's campaign as operating in "crisis mode," but it will become a more critical situation should the foundation not raise $1 million by March 15.

To thank those who have donated to the campaign, on March 14 Raymond J. Fisher Middle School students will provide free car washes for those who have donated; the students will be earning community service hours. The car wash will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot at Louise Van Meter Elementary School, 16445 Los Gatos Blvd. And for those who haven't yet donated, Kissiah suggested they come on down, donate to the campaign and still receive a free car wash. There will also be a thank-you party for donors of $20,000 or more on May 22 at a private residence.

For more information or to donate online, visit www.lgef.org or call 408.335.2229. Contributions can also be dropped off or mailed to the LGUSD office, 15766 Poppy Lane, Los Gatos, behind Daves Avenue School.