by Ashley Thompson

Created on: August 16, 2008

There is no better way to bring employees together and promote morale than to organize and office wide food drive or clothing drive.

During our busy work week, we tend to forget that there are those in the community less fortunate that us. Everyday in this country, people go hungry and suffer from cold. Everyday a family looses their home to fire or flood. Everyday someone looses their job and are unable to supply their children with school clothes.

If you are considering organizing a charity drive, there are a few things you should consider in order for a successful accomplishment.

1. Enlist a committee of interested co-workers.
2. Assign each person a duty or job that they are suited for. An employee who isn't shy and has good people skills can function as a marketer.
3. Advertising is key to a successful drive. Call local radio stations and request free airtime to discuss the drive.
4. Invite employee's families to become part of the team. Children of staff members may enjoy painting signs.
5. Many local merchants will donate so always ask.
6. Drives should be geared to help members of your community.
7. Do not berate employee who decline, as many workers have obligations at home or in the community already.
8. Allow a reasonable amount of time to prepare.
9. Consider joining a competitor to generate an even larger response while putting differences aside for a good cause.
10. Check with your local newspaper press, as they will usually donate end rolls of paper for signs.

One sure way to bring in items is to offer a small service in exchange for a donation. For example, a healthcare company could offer free blood pressure checks to anyone who brings in a canned food item or a non-perishable. The children of staff could offer a free carwash in exchange for a clean, good condition coat or a grocery bag of non-perishable food.

There is a multitude of needs in a community, it is best to choose one according to season. A drive could be held to collect school supplies for needy children, coats during the winter months, prom dresses for the local girl's home, dog food for the humane society, even turkeys at Thanksgiving.

Companies can not only hold drives for material needs, but also services such as building ramps for our elderly, yard work for the disabled, a babysitting night for single mothers.

Holding drives and organizing charity events can speak volumes about a company's ethics and community service. It is a wonderful way to give back to the community that patronized your company throughout the year.

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