How to Get Christmas Donations
Christmas time is a time for generosity and giving to those who need help. Most people want to lend a helping hand but are not always sure how to accomplish that. That is where reliable charities and organizations come in. Churches and charities operate as middle men, dispensing goods and monies as needed to people in the community. If you work in a charity chances are you have the same goal in mind at Christmas. But how do you get those Christmas donations coming into the store house? You will need a solid plan of action to help you meet your ministry's or organization's big goals.
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Things You'll Need
- Calendar
- Notebook
- Pen
- Computer
- Printer
- Graphics program
- Paper
- Calculator
- Phone book
- Phone
- Business cards
- Fax machine
Instructions
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1
Look on a calendar and choose a date you would like to dispense your donations on. It should be sometime a little before the actual day of Christmas. Count how many days you have until that day. Write that down in your notebook.
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2
With your pen and notebook, make a list detail the criteria you will use to distribute donations. That should contain information like the number of families you want to help, and who would qualify.
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3
Think of a name to call your program or operation. It should be easy for people to remember. Use this name on all your brochures, letterheads and communications. Also determine what days you will collect donations on so you can inform the public.
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4
Create a flyer with your computer and your graphics programs. The flyer is to be used to distribute and show to potential givers. It should give the name of your operation, your project's goals and collection dates and times. Use your printer and paper to print the flyers.
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Create business cards for your organization if you don't already have some. It should give accurate information like phone numbers, address and contact names.
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Call your local radio stations and ask for their public announcement fax numbers. Fax the flyers to all the radio stations who make public announcements. This should be done a month ahead of time, at least.
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Visit local businesses in your community and solicit donations for your cause. If you are covered by a church or non-profit group, you can offer to give commercial donors tax credit for their donations. Show the businesses your flyers and show your business cards. Offer to return on a certain day to collect the business' donation. Write everything in your notebook including contact information and pick up dates and times.
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Tips & Warnings
Be kind and courteous to everyone. If someone says no today, they may be able to help later. Don't burn bridges.
Call businesses ahead of time and ask who you should speak to when you visit. It's courteous to address people by their names.
