Try writing a paper without a working pencil. Pretty difficult huh! Well kids across the globe are attending schools where they face this predicament daily. Help make education possible for these students by collecting school skits and donating them to institutions that need them most.

How do I start?

Get organized! Before you start collecting items, find out…

• What items will you collect (what supplies are really needed)
• Where will you send the items
• How will you pay for shipping

Free the Children is a great organization that provides you answers for all the above questions.

A Few Organizations to Consider

• I Love Schools lets you search for schools in your area to check out their wish lists. Find out what they need and then get started collecting.

Or if you want to donate some extra cash check out...

• Adopt-a-Classroom and get connected with a teacher who needs supplies. This site will ensure that 100% of your donation goes straight to the goods and you'll get a chance to form a relationship with kids who are trying to learn just like you.

Make it into a Competition

Assign each grade a type of item that they will collect. Position boxes for the different supplies in strategic areas on campus. Offer the grade that is able to collect the most school supplies a pizza party or free candy. Work with administrators to provide this extra reward.

A Shopping Spree

Accept cash donations as well and organize a trip to a local price club or try ordering supplies online so you can purchase materials at a low price. Approach the retailers and explain your project, maybe they will offer you a discount. If you talk to school supply stores ahead of time, they might be willing to match your collections. Make sure to hold the campaign after back to school shopping is over so stores will be anxious to get rid of their leftover supplies.

Create the boxes

Make it into a party! Invite students to the school gym one afternoon to sort through the collected items. Provide snacks or ask students to bring their own goodies. Bring some speakers and set up some music to keep everyone entertained.

Free Shipping?

Approach postal carriers in your area and explain the campaign that you are working on. Invite them to participate by shipping your school supply kits for free. If they aren’t interested you can collect stamps. If each student donates one stamp to the cause, you’ll eventually get enough to cover the cost.

For more ideas about fundraising, check out these tips!

Follow-Up

After you’ve sent the supplies don’t give up. Contact the organization that distributed the materials and find out exactly who will be benefiting from your collections. Where did they go and when will they be received. Maybe you can even get some pictures of the students with their new supplies so that you can display the success of your campaign. Is there anything else you can do to help the kids in this community?