Are you looking to give back to the community in a way that gets everything involved and is environmentally conscious? Goodwill donation drives are exactly the types of philanthropic events you’re looking for.
What Are Donation Drives?
Donation drives allow individuals, families, or organizations to donate items to those who need them, such as clothing, shoes, and other accessories.
If your soccer club, church, school, or chess club is looking to make a difference, a donation drive is a great way to give back. These drives are a triple threat:
- You’re helping support those in need
- They’re a great way to bring your community or organization together.
- You’re decluttering your home and closet, creating a more relaxing atmosphere
Types of Donation Drives
Donation drives and their causes come in all shapes and sizes. For your inspiration, here are a few to consider:
School Supply Drives
School supply drives help students and their teachers. It’s no secret that some of our schools are underfunded, and many teachers are buying necessary supplies out of their own pockets. By hosting a school supply drive, parents, business, and other community members can donate desperately needed supplies, including:
- Binders
- Notebooks
- Pens and pencil
- Markers and crayons
- And much more
Clothing Drives
No matter the season, everyone needs clothes. If you have a particular cause in mind, encourage your community to donate sweaters, coats, and jackets to keep children and adults warm during the winter months, and shirts, jeans, and shorts during the warmer seasons. If you’re not sure what to throw out, check out our post about donating clothes for inspiration.
Baby Supply Drives
On May 18, 2022, the Washington Post published an article revealing that the national baby formula shortage reached 43%. When shortages like this happen, low-income families and underserved communities are the most affected.
Unfortunately, people are hurting for baby supplies all year round. Help support new moms and their children with running a baby supply drive, where you collect items like:
- Formula
- Baby clothes
- Bottles
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Car seats
- Strollers
- Cribs
Toy Drives
The holidays are expensive. Every year, too many families struggle to balance giving their children a happy holiday season while remaining on top of their finances. Toy drives can alleviate some of this stress, making it easier for parents to provide for their children.
Pet Supply Drives
Our furry kids need love, too!
Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility, and sometimes they can be expensive to care for. Pet supply drives can help ensure that our four-legged friends get the dry food, leashes, gates, and carriers they need.
Household Items Drives
When you think about donated items, your mind probably goes straight to clothing and canned goods. However, underserved communities also need other items. Organize a local household items drive, where community members are encouraged to donate furniture in good condition and electrics that still work well. Pots, pans, and other kitchen supplies are also welcome!
How to Help Plan a Donation Drive
Wanting to start a donation drive is one thing, but actually planning one is a whole different matter. Here are a few helpful tips on how to plan and execute one:
- Work with a fundraising platform designed to streamline your donation campaign. Some of them have free offerings!
- Contact your friends, family, and followers and provide them important details about the drive, including when it is, what it’s for, and what to donate. Encourage them to share the event.
- Select a date and a high-profile location to collect donations
- Devise a plan with your organization, and seek out additional volunteers if necessary
- Wear T-shirts related to your organization, or make yourself easily identifiable in some other way, so that people donating items who know running the event
- Thank everyone for their donations
Last but not least, contact Goodwill. We love helping organizations plan donation drives to make the world a better place.