How To Collect Donations Fast
- To motivate club members, show the video "Oklahoma Kids Helping Kids" available at your county extension office.
- Have a KICK-OFF party followed by a neighborhood door knocking.
- Ask local businesses to make contributions in honor of special employees.
- Collect donations in front of busy shopping locations, but be sure to ask permission from the store management first.
- Work the stands during basketball games and other sporting events.
- Set up a booth at stock shows and community events.
What To Do When Collecting Donations
- Be sure to ask for a donation to support Oklahoma 4-H and the Ronald McDonald House. Let individuals know you would like at least a $1 donation by asking: "Would you like to make a $1 donation to the Ronald McDonald House and Oklahoma 4-H?"
- Be sure to give them one coupon for each $1 donation. Return all donations to your 4-H Leader
"Heads Up" Communication Tips
- Be prepared to talk about the Oklahoma 4-H program.
- Be knowledgeable about the Ronald McDonald House. An Information Sheet is enclosed to give you some history and statistical information.
- Take rejection with a smile and good attitude.
- Be enthusiastic, polite and always say thank you
More Information
To have a successful community service campaign publicity is key. Members of the community better receive campaigns if organizers get the word out early. Here are a few steps and tools to help you get the job done. Remember to insert your local information and proofread before sending out the media tools.
1. Localize and deliver the press release below to local newspapers and publications at the appropriate times (prior to deadlines) to publicize the campaign. Be sure to follow-up!
2. Take action photos of members collecting donations (poster/flyers in background if possible) and write a cut line to submit to local newspapers while the campaign is ongoing. Or contact the newspaper photographer to let them know when and where your donation collection event will be held.
3. Arrange an interview with a family in your area who benefited from the Ronald McDonald House and a local newspaper reporter. Be present at the interview to give information about the Kids Helping Kids campaign.
4. Send the radio spot announcement below to local radio stations. Schedule a 4-H member, leader or volunteer to be interviewed on a morning radio program, preferably on the day of the collection event. Use the radio talking points during the interview, and be sure to submit the talking points memo to the radio station one week prior to interview.
5. Submit feature story ideas and photos to state 4-H office to be posted online or included in future promotional materials by calling Kellie Stwran at 405-744-7960 or emailing Jim Rutledge.
