Gifts for the Boss

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Eighty-five percent of the players’ parents have made a donation toward a gift for our coach. I don’t want to say this gift is from the team, because some did not contribute. Am I being selfish?

GENTLE READER: No, just petty. Well, generous at the same time, Miss Manners acknowledges, because you wanted to do something for the coach.
But those who organize group presents often blithely assume that it is only fair that everyone divide the cost. And usually they have unilaterally declared the need, selected the item and declared the price. They then get angry, as you have, at those who do not pay, some of whom may have been unable to do so without hardship.
Please try to think of this, instead, as a team effort. When the team wins or loses, everyone does, even those who did not directly participate in that game.