2016 Holiday Tool Kit

• Healthy competition/Recognition
• Work with your contact to determine if there could be an added element of
competition. This can bring fun and excitement to the drive, as classes,
departments, floors or even different branches compete to see who can bring
in the most toys.
• Develop an incentive for the top giving 'unit', both at that location and for
your entire drive. Be creative in developing a prize. For a school class, maybe
you could get snacks donated for a special snack time. Consider a plaque for
the top giving group or even a "golden drum" award ...a simple toy drum
painted gold. Resource Connection may have some good branding ideas for
you.
• Be sure to write a thank you letter and print off a certificate of appreciation
for each group that contributes. A little thanks goes a long way!
• Toy handling 101
• Be sure that only clearly identified volunteers and staff are handling the toys
-both at the point of pick up, organization and distribution. Make a name
badge, create a t-shirt, make business cards -have some way for those dealing
with your donations to identify themselves. Make a rule and communicate it
to your partners (i.e. only people with a badge, or are in uniform, or have this
card, etc. will be picking up toys from your location). This can help reduce
confusion, miscommunication and fraud.
• Be sure to determine early on where you will be storing and distributing the
toys. Most often, corps don't have enough space to keep the toys and
distribute from the corps building. Look for locations that are close to public
transportation, are in relatively safe areas, and have adequate parking. Drive
around your community in the late summer/early fall to determine a 'wish list'
of warehouse sites. Your advisory board or chamber of commerce may be
helpful in helping find a suitable location for the distribution. Don't be afraid
to ask - some landlords will donate the space, or rent it for energy costs, etc.
• Have a specific plan or schedule to pick up the toys. If you are at a mall or
some other place that needs a daily pick up, be sure to find enough staff or
volunteers to cover those responsibilities. Often times, people get sick or
have other emergencies during the holidays. Have a Plan B waiting for those
times. All too often, toys get left at locations and are wasted. Be sure to
contact the location, ask how the drive is going and if they need a pick up.
Don't leave any toys behind!
• Ensure that the toys are kept in a secure location. No one wants to be on the 5
o'clock news for toys being stolen from the warehouse when it can be
avoided.