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Throughout the month of August, Champions for Kids is partnering with Dole to encourage community projects across the country benefiting children in need. Called SIMPLE Service Projects, the idea is to host or organize an event to collect snack foods that you would then donate to a local organization that serves children in need, such as a food pantry, after-school program or daycare center.
For our Simple Donation Drive, I decided to focus on my son’s football team. It seems like we are always on the go from one sport to another. Two of my kids have started fall baseball and the other one practices for football plus scouts mixed in, we are busy every day. Since my son practices football with a lot of other grades in the same field, so we see a lot of kids on an almost daily basis. I wanted to have a mini food/back to school drive with my son who plays football just because that is where we see the most people. At first, I thought it would be a hassle, I really did. But I made it simple.
First, I got approval from the coach, because I didn’t want to interfere with practice. I knew that I wanted to donate locally to St. Vincent de Paul, which is a part of our church. We actually have three different schools that make up our football team, and St. Vincent de Paul is located at each of the parishes making giving to this organization a no-brainer! Second, I contacted St. Vincent de Paul to see what they had a need for and to make sure that they were accepting donations. Third, I sent an email to our team along with asking the coach to make sure it went out to the other coaches. My email was short and sweet and went out only a few days before and then again on Monday night as a reminder for Tuesday. I did make it either snacks or back to school supplies since some of our local schools have not started yet. Here is the email I sent:
On the days of the event, I set up a big box marked “Donations” so everyone could see the drop-off spot. On Monday, I did not get too many donations, so I was worried but then on Tuesday, once it jogged everyone’s mind, the donations started rolling in! In addition to school supplies, we received a few food items and even a cash donation. Here is what we ended up with:
The donation drive was easier than I thought it would be. The kids who dropped off, like checking out the box to see what was being donated and my kids liked that they were helping local families who couldn’t afford even the basic of school supplies. I think they take for granted that we head to Target and just pick up whatever is on their back to school list. This drive is a great way to get kids involved in helping others!
The last step was dropping off the donations. The food and cash donations went to my local church’s St. Vincent de Paul while the school supplies went to another church who actually just had a few calls from parishioners days before in need of supplies. I was glad I was able to help, even if it was just in a small way!
For More Information:
- Champions for Kids is a non-profit organization that wants to help teach young kids that giving back to the community CAN be simple. Champions for Kids shares 4 easy steps to help you with your SIMPLE Giving Program.
- Dole offers a number of terrific, portable and nutritious snacks perfect for game day, and school lunch including Dole Fruit Bowls and Dole Fruit Squish’ems.
- In Cincinnati, if you need assistance, please visit St.Vincet de Paul for help.
Disclaimer: I participate in this program on behalf of Champions for Kids and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own
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