Spring Cleaning...and Spring Donating!

Even though there is the occasional cold night or light frost on your windows in the morning, I know I feel the itch already for spring cleaning. I hope you are gearing up for it as well!

With spring cleaning comes the inevitable garage sale and donation of stuff. My message to you is to consciously donate. I’m sure you’re thinking, “Ericka, that’s ridiculous, of course I think before I donate – I care about the community and want to give back”. I know you are – and this year I encourage you to be a little more intentional when deciding what and to who you donate your gently used items.

CLOTHING

If you have professional suits and even casual dress clothes that you wear to the office, think about donating them specifically to organizations that support men and women going back to work.

For all other clothes – casual, shorts, t-shirts, etc, if it has stains, rips holes or is “well-worn”, IT IS OK TO THROW IT AWAY OR REPOURPOSE IT. I’m giving you permission for two reasons: 1) volunteers at the location you donate to have to go through all the clothes – if it is not in wearable shape, it goes in the trash anyway, and 2) it shows respect for others in need by tossing your thread bare mowing shirt – just because someone is need of a shirt of a pair of jeans doesn’t mean they should receive something that is practically destroyed.

Now before some of you remind me, “Ericka, beggars can’t be choosers,” I know. But think of it from a person’s point of view that has to thrift shop to make ends meet. You might wear your beat up pants to paint in but would you wear them to work or send your kid to school in them? I don’t think so. Go ahead and throw the well-worn clothes away or if it is recyclable or repurposeful, then do that if it makes you feel better. Check Pinterest or the internet for ideas in repurposing old clothes.

Another tip – if an organization serves a specific population or has a specific mission (back to work for men, office work for women, children 6 months – 5 years, etc.) try not to donate items they won’t use. The staff and volunteers time is taken up by sorting these items out and fining them a proper home.

FURNITURE, APPLIANCES & BEDDING

Getting rid of that ottoman or older bed frame? Great! Same sort of rules apply in terms of wear – throw it away if it is broken, too stained, ripped or beyond repair.

Some organizations will pick up larger items for free if you call ahead. Check your community for any organizations that have specific needs for larger items, such as refrigerators, beds, stoves, and sofas, like half-way hours, housing developments and others.

Also know that because of hygiene concerns or bed bug concerns, some places my turn down donations of bedding or mattresses. Don’t be offended if your donation is turned away because of this – they turn everyone’s away for fear of outbreaks of bedbugs in group living situations.

When it comes to child furniture or baby beds, check your local and state laws to see if other baby items are prohibited from being donated or re-used. You may have to check for recall information or check to see what the newest safety standard is in case the furniture you might not have a safety feature you should let the organization know about. For more information, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2011/06/the-new-crib-standard-questions-and-answers/

CONSUMABLES

Consumables are very hit and miss when it comes to donating. They can sometimes be the worst thing to donate. Think twice before you consider donating anything such as:

·         Shampoo/conditioner

·         Soap

·         Make-up

·         Cleansers/cleaners

·         Baby powder

·         Deodorant

·         Toothpaste/toothbrushes

If you have new items, say from your latest hotel stay, these are fantastic to donate! Emergency shelters, children’s homes and other group housing can use these, especially when they have last minute intakes who may not have anything.

If an item has ‘turned’, discolored or the bottle has sunken in – THROW IT AWAY! If the company has changed packaging since you got the item – THROW IT AWAY! To be frank, if you think its gross, it is gross. Generosity and eagerness to give is always appreciated, but if the item donated is in that condition, it ends up being thrown out anyway. Do the organization, its staff and volunteers a favor – toss or recycle on your end.

Now, I’m off to clear out some stuff in my basement – I need the storage space! Happy cleaning and happy donating!

Time is of the Essence

Time is a funny thing when it comes to nonprofits - we forget it has value and depending how you use it, can have return. 

To be honest, I sometimes cringe when a volunteer, staff member or board member mention their organization is going to have a fundraising event. Now before you start up your comment or email, events ARE a great fundraising and publicity tool for nonprofit organizations. But before digging in too deep, think about a plan first - if the potential return financially and publicity wise compared to not only the cost but the time needed to plan and implement are a positive outcome, go for it! If not...think twice. 

Here's a few pointers when it comes to time and events: 

Don't reinvent the wheel - and when I say that I don't mean to scrap the 5K or silent auction because the other nonprofit down the street is doing it. What I mean is find checklists, ideas, timelines, charts, duties, etc. from other organizations, books, other volunteers and colleagues. Again - all about saving time, and increasing your return for the time you are spending to do the event. There are plenty of resources for finding tools to make your job easier. Check some of the links I have on the blog for resources.

What can you let go of? - if you organization has done a great job of recruiting,training and retaining volunteers, you should have a good core group to help you out. Don't be afraid to delegate and then hold them to it. Volunteers should be realistic what they can do so if you or they feel they can't handle the task, assign it to someone else. Know yourself well - what can be managed by delegating vs. doing the task yourself, in terms of saving time. 

Meeting, smeeting - if you don't need a meeting, don't waste your time and others. Do individual check ins with folks to mark things off your list. When you feel the need for a group powwow, have one. But make sure to have an agenda, keep it to the discussion you need to have and get the work done. 

And just because I want to share, there are three things that either get looked over or are talked about WAY too much - save time, keep it simple and plan well: 

Food - food can 1) make or break your budget and 2) make or break your event. When it comes to budget, pick something that fits any theme you have but make sure your ticket price will make up for the cost. Don't skimp but don't go overboard. Bad food will leave a bad impression. Many people who come to a fundraising event do not come for the food, they come because of your mission or the person who invited them. But there are people who do come for the food - don't turn them off by picking a pasta dish with little to no meat because it saved you $5/person. Otherwise, they may not open up their pocketbooks for your organization.

Keep it fun! - Folks are there for a good time, not hearing someone drone on. If you are presenting awards, keep it fun and interesting - not reading bios word for word that are printed in the program. Fun facts about the nominees might be something to share instead. If its more of a dinner event, maybe with a silent auction, get a very charismatic personality to make statements and presentations. 

Price points are not just for sales - the donors you have in the room will vary in what they give. Offer different sponsorship levels, auction items, suggested donation levels, etc. so those who may give you a $1,000 gift aren't stifled by an auction item that's only valued at $400.

Get people in and out  - The worst thing you can do to your guests is make them wait. Have more volunteers at the check in table and coat check, if you have one. You need your guests in the main event asap and out the door when they want to leave. 

I hope these tips are helpful and save you time! Good luck with your next event. And if you need assistance, don't hesitate to call.
EH