My PTA Problem

This is my first year as an official PTA member. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, so it's been interesting, to say the least.

Our PTA isn't as organized or efficient as I would expect. They also don't do much fundraising. They pretty much bank on "big" events - the annual gift auction and the walkathon. They also have book fairs, pretzel sales, father's/mother's day sales, school spirit wear sales, family fun nights, and a holiday boutique. Communication with parents is poor and, therefore, they don't get much participation or help. Hence, the poor fundraising.

Here's my dilemma. I'm pretty new to the game but I would like to be more involved. They began nominations for next year's committees, and there are a few open spots. One is book fair, one is fundraising, and one is gift auction.

Problem #1 - Gift auction is their big event. I don't think I'm ready to undertake that. I'm not good at solicitation either. At least I don't think I am. The task just seems overwhelming, between soliciting, picking up, storing, prepping, wrapping, tagging, etc. There's a lot involved that I don't think I'm ready for.

Problem #2 - I'm not sure I'd be a great fundraiser. I can bang a drum if I need to get your attention, but I'm not a very aggressive person. I have some ideas/suggestions that I hear about from friends who are on the PTAs at other schools, as well as some I actually come up with on my own, but I'm not exactly sure of the protocol. I don't live in a wealthy town and times are tough. How much fundraising can be done before it becomes obnoxious?

Problem #3 - By the time the next school year starts, I will have a 3 year old who goes to school 2 days per week for 2 1/2 hours. That means he's with me more than not. How much can I actually get done with a 3 year old? Can I realistically run a book fair without him taking every book off the shelf? For 3 days? Two or three times throughout the year? I just don't see how I can pull any of this off.

I either want to be more involved but have realistic reservations, or I'm making excuses. I haven't decided which is true yet. I have until May 4 to figure it out. That's when I need to put my name on the ballot, or not.