Tips

• For a faster response make phone calls- Emailing may be more comfortable, but the most effective way to get results is to speak to a person.
• Dig deeper- It may be difficult to find contact numbers and emails. Do research and contact anyone possible, they will connect you to someone who can help. 
• Be persistent-You may not get an immediate answer but don’t give up! The shelters are busy which may require a follow up email or phone call.
• Be prepared- Make lists of things you will need.
• Personalize- Make personal notes on the donated items, interact with people, this will create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
• Brainstorm- Anyone can come up with an idea for volunteering. If you encounter a problem, brainstorming can help come up with a solution. 

How to distribute the items you have collected.

Once you have a collection of donated items, you can create an event in order to distribute them.

1.)   Contact the head of the shelter/organization in which you have decided to donate to. Set up a date and time that is best for both parties. (The shelter or organization should have been chosen before you collect items so you are sure the organization needs the items) –See Donations

TIP: Ask to distribute on a date and time that ensures your group the opportunity to interact with the people involved with organization. (You will get the most out of the experience by doing this!)

2.)   Be prepared before you arrive at the location. Make a checklist of everything you will need in advance, this way you are not unprepared when you’re on location.

TIP: Don’t forget to send a confirmation email to the head of the organization a few days before the set date of the distribution.

3.)   Arrive at the location early to give yourself time to set everything up and speak with the head in case you have any further questions.

4.)   While distributing your items be sure to ask questions and interact as much as possible. This shows that you care about the cause, and you will make an impact on the people you are helping.

5.)   When exiting the distribution event leave a lasting impression by thanking the head of the organization personally for giving you the opportunity to help.

Dinner Donation Pictures

PB+J Sandwich Making

1.      Assemble a team- Making sandwiches can be fun, get a group of people together to make them, set up a time, date, and location.

2.      Find a place to donate- Certain shelters/organizations accept mass food donations. For example, Our Daily Bread http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/our-daily-bread/odb-food-service/food-donations.html.

a.      Contact the shelter to set up an appropriate time and date to donate.

b.      Keep in mind that PB+J’s do not stay good forever, try to donate them within ~12 hours of  making them.

3.      Purchase your ingredients:

a.      Bread- remember, each sandwich requires 2 slices!

b.      Peanut Butter and Jelly-Read the serving size to estimate how much you need.

c.       Utensils to spread with.

d.      Plastic Baggies to put sandwiches in- most shelters will require each sandwich to be individually packaged.

e.      Paper Bags (Optional)

4.      Assemble Sandwiches- Make it fun, maybe have a competition, just remember that this is the people’s meal, make sure the food is neat, presentable and full (don’t skimp on the PB+J).

5.      Decorate Bags-Decorate the paper bags you may have bought with positive messages and pictures. It is fun to do and will brighten up the people’s day.

6.      Drop off your donation!

The Bra that Hugs Event

1.    Decide what kind of item you want to collect-do your research, look at web pages of local shelters, make some phone calls, WHAT DOES THE SHELTER WANT?

2.    Contat local shelters about what you are collecting-do they require a certain quantity? Quality? Size? Find out BEFORE you begin collecting.

3.    Set a date-allow yourself enough time to plan and advertise

4.    Choose a venue: are you setting up collection bins in the dorms? Are you hosting a full event? Contact and get permission from any and all locations. Local restaurants often offer food and drink specials to attract customers, or donate a portion of their sales to the cause.

5.    Create effective advertising-choose a color scheme, font, title, etc  (you want these things to be consistent to achieve a professional look).  Make sure your signage includes all info, but is not cluttered. Create smaller “postcards” to hand out. Consider  creating a logo to further your advertising.

6.    Draw people in-offer incentives beyond food/drink specials to attract donors. Try holding a raffle. Contact local businesses for items to raffle off-many businesses will  donate gift certificates and other items to support a good cause-remember to bring your flyer when asking for donations!

7.    Hype it up-hang your advertisements everywhere. Be sure to ask permission first. Distribute your hand outs at local stores, to friends, etc (think about your personal contacts and connections.) place ads in your local paper, call into radio stations, have your boss email coworkers, create a facebook event, etc.

8.    The lead-up- leading up to the event begin sending out reminders to everyone invited. Reminders are important to ensure a high attendance.

9.    Execute the event- keep a positive, fun atmosphere.

10. Donate- bring the donations to the shelter, make sure you have a date set up. The shelter needs to know that you are coming.

11. The follow up-be sure to thank the people you need to thank (donors, the venue, the shelter, etc). These people will make great contacts to maintain for future events.

Holiday Cards

http://ideasforcards.com/category/xmas-cards-ideas/
http://pinterest.com/pin/228065168600033535/
http://pinterest.com/pin/166492517445057654/
http://www.marthastewart.com/275046/christmas-cards/@center/276974/card-making-center
http://www.scrapbooksetc.com/theme/holidays/christmas/handmade-holiday-card-ideas/

Simple DIY Jewelry

string and bead bracelet
http://pinterest.com/pin/232076187018685557/
http://pinterest.com/pin/232076187018890223/

earrings from magazine pages
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/39555/how-to-make-dangly-earrings-with-magazine-pages

paper beads
http://pinterest.com/pin/273875221059199287/

wire beaded pendant
http://www.oneartsymama.com/2011/07/my-first-knockoff-necklace.html