Organize A Collection Drive
In five easy steps, you can organize your very own collection drive.
Step 1 — Choose what kind of collection drive to hold.
Year-Round Needs
• Food Collection Drive
• Personal Hygiene Packs
• Bedding Drive
Program Students Needs
Step 2 ‒ How do you motivate your group?
Build excitement, compassion and action
- Competitive: Multiple groups trying to outdo each other.
- Progress-O-Meter: Set a group goal / mini-goal per person and have a thermometer or gauge to show the progress of your drive.
- Compassion: Because of the great need, how could I not give or impact one life?
- Guest Rescue Mission Speaker: invite us to talk about the Rescue Mission and tell about homelessness, recovery and the great need
- Contribution: Everyone has something to give. Value the act of giving; that’s what counts, not the substance of what was given.
- Social Games & Ice-Breakers
- Scavenger Hunt : Have multiple teams go out and see who can be the most creative on gathering specific items on a list
Step 3 ‒ Promote your Collection Drive.
Spread the word and make it visible
Here are a few Promotion Flyers for you to kick start your drive
Letter Poster 8-1/2” x 11”
Tabloid Poster 11” x 17
Step 4 ‒ What to do once the items are collected?
- Post-drive planning is important.
- Complete Log sheet of volunteer hours
- Complete Log sheet of expenditures
- Assign a team member to deliver drive items and log sheets to the Rescue Mission
- Schedule a tour of the Rescue Mission with your Drive team, contact Volunteer Services Dept.
Step 5 ‒ What are the benefits of giving special recognition?
Celebrate your team’s accomplishments with a special party, meeting or gathering. Report on what your team or group was able to accomplish.
Provide a meaningful memento of what was accomplished.
- Photos
- Trophies or Plaques (genuine, fun or humorous)
- Special Recognition or perks
Ready, Set & Go!
Thank you so much for your interest in holding your own collection drive. We wish you all the best as you encourage others to care for the homeless and those in-need. To get started, please fill out our Online Volunteer Form to let us know your plans.
Download a printable Collection Drives handout
If you have any questions contact Mimi at (510) 215-4869.