Tips for Hosting a Supply Drive

Make it easy for people to get involved.

Ø      Set-up bins in high traffic areas

Ø      Post signs and wish lists near the bins.

FOR BUSINESSES:   Inform employees about the drive before it starts and ways they can help.

Ø      Send out e-mail to all staff

Ø      Send a voice mail out to all staff

Ø      Post fliers in lunch rooms and around the office

Ø      Distribute fliers in employee mailboxes

Ø      Let the community relations or public relations department know about the drive

Ø      Put information in the company newsletter

Ø      Keep communication going throughout the supply drive

Have fun with the drive to increase participation.

Ø      Organize competitions between floors or departments

Ø      Offer incentives for employees who participate

ü      Casual Day and/or Jeans Day

ü      Pizza Party

ü      Prizes, such as gift certificates

ü      Breakfast or Lunch

Celebrate your success.

Ø      Make sure your fellow employees know the results of your drive to help the over 35,000 children who cannot afford the basic school supplies they need to succeed in school.

FOR INDIVIDUALS & COMMUNITY GROUPS:  get friends and families involved.

Ø      You don’t want to do this alone so recruit all your friends to help out.  Make it fun!

Spread the word!

Ø      You need to market your drive.  Make posters and flyers with all the details and hang them everywhere!

Get Attention!

Ø      Be creative and decorate collection boxes.

Make it Easy!

Ø      People are more likely to help if it’s simple, so go where the people are—baseball games, the pool, summer camps, etc.  You know your community best.

Make sure they are New!

Ø      We all know that having “new” supplies for back to school is important to everyone, so make sure not to accept anything used or damages.

Finishing Up!

Ø      Officially end the drive by letting everyone know how many supplies were collected and give a special thanks to everyone who helped.