Fundraising Tips for a Successful Donation Drive
- Start a collection of items before the event. Pre-collection is KEY.
- Pass out flyers to everyone you know and drop off at homes throughout the community.
- Hang posters around your event location and in businesses throughout the community.
- Post event details on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, blogs and on your website.
- Publish the event in your school newspaper.
- Place a small ad in the local newspaper.
- Call your local radio station and request a shout-out.
- Volunteer to help family or friends clean out their garages, attics or closets.
- Request donations from employers or coworkers.
- Organize your own pick up for items from those that cannot bring them to your drive (eg: senior centers, local business, etc.).
- On the day of the event, and weekends leading up to the event, visit local garage sales and ask them to bring un-sold items to the drive or offer to pick them up.
- Place an announcement on a school, local business or organization marquee.
- Collect unclaimed items from lost and found or laundromats in your community.
- Attach collection bags to flyers to make a tangible request for donated items. Many grocery chains will donate these bags.
- Organize a competition to motivate students or group members to collect donations.
- And remember, word of mouth is very powerful!
Day-of-Event Tips
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Assign shifts of volunteers to help load and unload donors vehicles.
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Provide water for volunteers to keep them hydrated.
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If possible, provide a shelter/shade structure.
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Provide chairs for volunteers.
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Have a first aid kit on hand in case of injury.
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Ask volunteers to wave banners or posters at passing traffic.
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Bring bags or boxes to contain loose items.
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Ensure an adult is assigned to staff your event at all times.
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Have FUN!
