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Food and clothing drives can be spectacular events that bring a company and community together. However, it's not a one size fits all project. Adjustments need to be tailored to the specifics of the group that is available for the project. Any donations are helpful so keep expectations within reach.

~Set a goal.

Work environments are used to setting goals, reaching goals and celebrating successes. The food drive should be no different. The goals should be clear and something that can be measured. They should be displayed and updated often so the team knows where they stand.

~100% participation

This is a lofty goal, but it is 100% attainable if you use this organizing secret. If people are put in charge of getting something done and feel a responsibility they tend to participate. So create a "job" for every member of the organization. This takes a bit of creativity, but the results are amazing. Here are some suggestions to make of the type of assignments that will make them feel a part of the goal and more apt to participate in all aspects.

1. "Could you be in charge of getting 3 posters made and up by Tuesday the 24th? Here are the goals and the themes. Jannice has supplies. If you need any help just give the names to the committee and we will make sure you have a team."

2. "Could you please organize a fashion show that lasts 10 minutes for next Friday with these donated items? Darryl has agreed to help with the music and here are 5 models. Please let Tim know if you need any help."

3. "Could you and James please come up with some kind of a tote board so we can see how our goals are coming? Thanks so much. Jannice has supplies."

~Competition

In some environments we were already divided into teams by managers, so competition always seems to be an added incentive. Be sure that everyone gets to enjoy something for the goal, but it isok to have a winning team that get a pizza party or something affordable for the company. Celebrating success is a vital part of the drive.

~Search out hidden talents

If you have workers who are crafting between breaks and calls, use those talents. Five ladies in one organization made over 300 hats in a two month period. Other associate donated yarn or $1 to help purchase the yarn. It was just one part of the overall drive.

One of our associates volunteered to go through the donations and make sure they were repaired, cleaned and put on hangers. This turned into an amazing display around the center walls. It was much more effective than just the decorated boxes that first collected the clothes.

~Have theme days with rewards

Sock it to me! We gathered new socks and everyone who brought new socks for the project that day received a pen and pad. Interview Day. Everyone needs to dress up someday. So if the associate brought a piece of clothing suitable for a job interview they received a juice box and a list of interview tips. (Our human resource director was happy to participate by providing the interview tips.) Baby its Cold Outside. Trade something warm for a cup of hot chocolate.

These are some of the things that have been successful. Follow up is important as well. Let all the members of the organization know where the donations went and report how they were used.

Thank people for their participation is important. Often that is a small thing that is overlooked. Have thank you cards available so they can be used to recognize people as they participate. Have some in charge so everyone receives at least one card for their participation.

Does this add up to a lot of work? Yes, but it is worth it.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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