by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: August 19, 2008

Organizing a food and clothing drive in your office is a great way to reach out to the community. There are many people that are in need right in our own backyard. There is no better way to help them than to offer donations without expecting things in return. You would be surprised how appreciative people can be even when they get simple gestures. Rather than stockpiling things that you no longer need, why not give them to someone who can and will use them?

The first thing you need to do when you decide to organize a drive is to find a need. Find a local charity that is accepting and in need of donations. If possible, find something that relates to your business. For example if you work at a vet's office then you may want to help the animal shelter. If you work at a pediatrician's office, then you could help a local group home. If you are a cashier at a grocery store, then you will probably want to donate to the food bank. There really is no right or wrong way to pick a charity, though. If it is a place you want to help, then you should do it.

Once you have picked a place that needs your help, define the need. Make a list of items that are wanted and try to focus on those. Of course all donations will be accepted and appreciated but it is best to offer the things that are needed the most.

Get the people that work with you involved by making sure they are informed. Send out a newsletter or memo explaining your desires and the needed items. Hang signs in different parts of the buildings so that they will know that the drive is happening.

Set up bins, baskets, or boxes in areas of the office where they can be seen but will still be out of the way. If possible, use separate bins for different needs. For clothes, set out one bin and use a separate bin for food. Label them so that people will know what goes where. This will make delivering the goods easier because you won't have to sort through everything.

Set a goal. You can do this by setting a certain number of items you would like to collect or by grouping it all together in a weight class. Find a way to keep track of your goal. Many people use a simple picture of a thermometer and coloring in sections when they have reached a certain level. You can also send out bulletins to employees to keep them posted on your success.

Although it doesn't always seem right, many people need incentives to help them get involved. You can do this in several ways. If you are in the position that you could let people leave or come as

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