The “How To” of
Coordinating a
Donation Drive to
Benefit Lifetrack
MAIN OFFICE: 709 UNIVERSITY AVENUE WEST, ST. PAUL, MN 55104
Phone: (651) 227-8471 Fax: (651) 227-0621 www.lifetrack-mn.org
EEO/AA EMPLOYER
Table of Contents
Why Donate ....................................................................3
How You Can Help ...........................................................4
Annual Donation Drive .................................................4-5
Planning Your Donation Drive .........................................6
Bundles for Babies ................................................7-8
Care Kits ............................................................. 9-10
Adopt-A-Scholar ............................................... 11-12
Adopt-A-Family................................................. 13-14
Sample Newsletter Text ................................................ 15
Sample Donation Form .................................................. 16
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Why donate?
Lifetrack has been building stronger families and
communities in and around the Twin Cities for
more than 65 years. Our mission is to work
together to develop the strengths within children,
families and adults facing the greatest life
challenges.
Each year, more than 36,000 individuals seek our
services to create a better life for themselves and
their families. We provide life-changing services
that result in healthy development, sustainable
employment and economic opportunities that
strengthen our community.
Our clients face significant barriers that make
success – whether on the job, as a parent or just managing daily tasks – extremely challenging.
We know that one approach cannot solve every problem, so we tailor our services for each
client’s situation. We also collaborate with a
“Hope is not a dream, but a way of
network of government agencies, culturallymaking dreams become reality.”
specific organizations, nonprofit peers,
- Anonymous
employers and financial donors. Our partners are
integrated in the success of our two core areas:

Child & Family Healthy Development – We serve over 1,600 children annually who are
at risk of developmental delays and educational failure due to poverty, disability and/or
exposure to trauma/violence. Additionally, we provide 3,300 children and adults
therapeutic services and resources. Over 30,000 working adults participate in our
Employee & Family Education Services.

Employment & Economic Opportunity – Each year we provide services for over 2,000
adults as they find, keep and advance in their employment. Our comprehensive service
model includes ongoing employment support to ensure individuals retain jobs by
learning soft skills necessary in a complex work environment. Our largest and most
specialized services are geared toward immigrants and refugees and individuals with
disabilities.
Each year, Lifetrack and community partners work to Put Hope within Reach. Together with
your help we ensure families have the basic tools to navigate a complex world.
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How you can help:
Everyday necessities such as diapers, baby wipes, toothpaste, soap and school supplies, are
important support for the individuals and families we serve each year – most of whom live
below the federal poverty line ($23,000 for a family of 4). A donation drive is an important way
to support children, individuals and families on their path to educational and economic success.
Donation drives are a fun and rewarding way to engage employees, community groups, service
organizations, or corporate teams to make a meaningful difference for the community. Success
requires a bit of planning. This guide will identify and recommend best practices to ensure your
drive is successful.
Annual Donation Drives
January thru March: Bundles for Babies
Families who struggle to pay rent and grocery bills have limited resources for diapers and baby
wipes because a month’s supply of diapers and wipes can cost more than $75. Benefits such as
WIC and food stamps do not cover these costs. The Families Together Home Visiting and
Therapeutic Preschool provides diapers to the families we serve as an important resource to
ensure kids stay healthy.
Our annual goal: Provide our families with 1,000 diapers each year from newborn sizes to 5T.
April thru June: Care Kits
For many people who are new refugees, low-income or experiencing homelessness, basic
necessities such as shampoo, soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste can be a luxury that many of
us take for granted. We provide care kits to the individuals we serve in Saint Paul and
Minneapolis.
Our annual goal: Provide 100 kits consisting of:
•
1 deodorant
•
2 bars of soap
•
1 tube of toothpaste
•
1 toothbrush
•
1 shampoo
•
1 conditioner
•
1 body wash
4
July thru August: Adopt-a-Scholar
Many families struggle to purchase the school supplies needed for their child’s academic
success. Kids need adequate supplies to get off to a good start at school, no matter how old
they are. Each year, Lifetrack provides a backpack loaded with school supplies to children and
youth to help them thrive in school and life.
Our annual goal: 110 backpacks filled with school supplies
•
•
Elementary (85 backpacks)
Items needed: #2 pencils, pencil sharpeners, pocket folders, pencil case, colored
pencils, washable markers, 24 count crayons, erasers, rulers, spiral wide-ruled
notebooks, glue sticks, and scissors.
Secondary (25 backpacks)
Items needed: #2 pencils, blue and red pens, pocket folders, erasers, college-ruled
loose leaf paper, colored pencils, highlighters, spiral college-ruled notebooks, scientific
calculators (10 digit)
September thru December: Adopt-A-Family
Each year, the Families Together Preschool and Home Visiting staff work with families to
identify their holiday wish lists – and ensure they are able to celebrate the season of giving,
despite economic uncertainty, unstable housing or lack of employment. In 2013 more than 60
families received grocery cards, boots, winter coats, clothing, games, toys, books and
household essentials from caring donors. The recommended average gift per person is $20.
Our annual goal: 60 families
5
Planning your donation drive
Easy-to-follow steps:
1. Reach out to individuals or groups that can help you start your project. Friends,
classmates, co-workers, etc. congregations, PTA organizations, clubs or teams are great
places to start.
2. Set a goal. Decide what items you would like to collect and how many. Offer a “sponsor
a box” option in addition to collect items:
a. $15 donation will provide a care kit
b. $20 donation will provide a week’s worth of diapers
c. $40 donation will provide school supplies for one student
d. $100 donation will provide gifts & a grocery card for a family of 4.
3. Get permission, if necessary, from the location you will be doing the drive. Sometimes
you need permission to post flyers or set out collection bins. If you are organizing a drive
at work, would the company be willing to make a matching gift of their employee
contributions – even when your employees are giving products instead of cash?
4. Decide where to place donation bins/boxes—secure high traffic locations
5. Start promoting your donation drive—the earlier the better! Promote your donation
drive with:
o Posters/Flyers (see template at end of packet)
o Email blasts
o Facebook and social media
o Newsletters (see example at end of packet)
o Friendly competition between groups, departments or individuals
Other Tips:
Collect
 Engage the planning committee to create promotional items (signs, bag stuffers, table
tents, counter signs).
 Decorate a portion of the office, school or church to make the drop-off area exciting.
 Incorporate the drive into existing events, especially company picnics, school or church
celebrations.
 Wear office/school/church t-shirts to promote publicity of the donations
Deliver
 Delivering the supplies is a great way to engage others and generate attention for the
success of the donation drive.
 Your donation delivery can be a great opportunity to illustrate the community impact of
your efforts! Invite your donors to help deliver the donations to Lifetrack .
Promote
 Invite a speaker from Lifetrack to present to your group
 Film or photograph the pile of supplies, supplies being collected, sorted, delivered, etc.
 Use social media to reach new audiences via Twitter, Facebook to spread messages.
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Bundles for Babies
Families who struggle to pay rent and grocery bills have limited resources for diapers and baby
wipes because a month’s supply of diapers and wipes can cost more than $75. Benefits such as
WIC and food stamps do not cover these costs.
Lifetrack’s Families Together Home Visiting and Therapeutic Preschool provides diapers to the
families we serve as an important resource to ensure kids stay healthy.
Lifetrack is a non-profit human services organization committed to working with children,
families and adults to overcome barriers such as poverty, trauma and health challenges to
achieve their goals. Each year, we work with more than 36,000 Minnesotans to put hope within
reach and create a better life for themselves and their families by providing a continuum of
support.
Sample Text for Email
Help us collect diapers/pull-ups and wipes for children ages (0-4).
Donations will be accepted from
to
All donations will be delivered to Lifetrack on ____
Our goal is ____ diapers/pull-ups for children!
Questions? Contact
For more information about Lifetrack, visit www.lifetrack-mn.org
7
Bundles for
Flyer
Babies
Families who struggle to pay rent and
grocery bills have limited resources
for diapers and baby wipes.
Lifetrack provides diapers to the
families we serve as an important
resource to ensure kids stay healthy.
Items needed:
 Diapers
 Pull-ups
 Wipes
Lifetrack is a human services
organization committed to
working with children, families,
and adults to overcome
barriers such as poverty,
trauma and health challenges
to achieve their goals.
Donation Dates:
TBD
Drop-off Location:
TBA
Contact:
NAME at EMAIL/PHONE
Lifetrack-MN.org
t: @lifetrackmn • f: /lifetrackmn
8
Care Kits
For many people who are new refugees, low-income or experiencing homelessness, basic
necessities such as shampoo, soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste can be a luxury that many of
us take for granted. We provide care kits to the individuals we serve in Saint Paul and
Minneapolis.
Lifetrack is a non-profit human services organization committed to working with children,
families and adults to overcome barriers such as poverty, trauma and health challenges to
achieve their goals. Each year, we work with more than 36,000 Minnesotans to put hope within
reach and create a better life for themselves and their families by providing a continuum of
support.
Sample Text for Email
Help us collect care kits for our community neighbors.
Donations will be accepted from
to
All donations will be delivered to Lifetrack on ____
Our goal is ____ Care kits!
Questions? Contact
For more information about Lifetrack, visit www.lifetrack-mn.org
9
Care Kits
Needed
Each kit includes necessities like
shampoo, soap, a toothbrush and
toothpaste to provide a basic
personal hygiene kit to someone who
is living in poverty or experiencing
homelessness.
Kits consist of:
 2 rolls of toilet paper
 2 bars of soap
 1 tube of toothpaste
 1 toothbrush
 1 shampoo
 1 conditioner
 1 body wash
Lifetrack is a human services
organization committed to
working with children, families,
and adults to overcome
barriers such as poverty,
trauma and health challenges
to achieve their goals.
Donation Dates:
TBD
Drop-off Location:
TBA
Contact:
NAME at EMAIL/PHONE
Lifetrack-MN.org
t: @lifetrackmn • f: /lifetrackmn
10
Adopt-A-Scholar
Many families struggle to purchase the school supplies needed for their child’s academic success. Kids
need adequate supplies to get off to a good start at school, no matter how old they are. Each year,
Lifetrack provides a backpack loaded with school supplies to children and youth to help them thrive in
school and life.
Lifetrack is a non-profit human services organization committed to working with children,
families and adults to overcome barriers such as poverty, trauma and health challenges to
achieve their goals. Each year, we work with more than 36,000 Minnesotans to put hope within
reach and create a better life for themselves and their families by providing a continuum of
support.
Sample Text for Email
Help us collect Back to School supplies and backpacks for kids of all ages.
Donations will be accepted from
to
All donations will be delivered to Lifetrack on ____
Our goal is ____ Backpacks!
Questions? Contact
For more information about Lifetrack, visit www.lifetrack-mn.org
11
Adopt-A-Scholar
flyer
Many families struggle to purchase the school
supplies needed for their child’s academic
success. Kids need adequate supplies to get
off to a good start at school, no matter how old
they are.
Items Needed:














#2 pencils,
sharpeners
pencil case
pocket folders
colored pencils
washable markers
24 count crayons
erasers
rulers
spiral wide-ruled & college-ruled
notebooks
wide-ruled & college-ruled loose leaf
paper
glue sticks
scissors
scientific calculators
Lifetrack is a human services
organization committed to
working with children, families,
and adults to overcome
barriers such as poverty,
trauma and health challenges
to achieve their goals.
Donation Dates:
TBD
Drop-off Location:
TBA
Contact:
NAME at EMAIL/PHONE
Lifetrack-MN.org
t: @lifetrackmn • f: /lifetrackmn
12
Adopt-A-Family
Each year, the Families Together Preschool and Home Visiting staff work with families to
identify their holiday wish lists – and ensure they are able to celebrate the season of giving,
despite economic uncertainty, unstable housing or lack of employment. In 2013 more than 60
families received grocery cards, boots, winter coats, clothing, games, toys, books and
household essentials from caring donors. The recommended average gift per person is $20.
Lifetrack is a non-profit human services organization committed to working with children,
families and adults to overcome barriers such as poverty, trauma and health challenges to
achieve their goals. Each year, we work with more than 36,000 Minnesotans to put hope within
reach and create a better life for themselves and their families by providing a continuum of
support.
Sample Text for Email
Help us bring joy to
Donations will be accepted from
Families this Season.
to
All donations will be delivered to Lifetrack on ____
Questions? Contact
For more information about Lifetrack, visit www.lifetrack-mn.org
13
Adapt-A-Family
Flyer
Each year, the Families
Together Preschool and Home
Visiting staff work with families
to identify their holiday wish lists
– and ensure they are able to
celebrate the season of giving,
despite economic uncertainty,
unstable housing or lack of
employment.
Lifetrack is a human services
organization committed to
working with children, families,
and adults to overcome
barriers such as poverty,
trauma and health challenges
to achieve their goals.
In 2013 more than 60 families
received grocery cards, boots,
winter coats, clothing, games,
toys, books and household
essentials from caring donors.
The recommended average gift
per person is $20.
Donation Dates:
TBD
Drop-off Location:
TBA
Contact:
NAME at EMAIL/PHONE
Lifetrack-MN.org
t: @lifetrackmn • f: /lifetrackmn
14
Sample Newsletter Article
[Name of Item or title of drive] needed
You can help….. Now through _____, we are collection donations of hygiene products for
Lifetrack clients and their families.
Lifetrack is a non-profit human services organization committed to working with children,
families and adults to overcome barriers such as poverty, trauma and health challenges to
achieve their goals. Each year, we work with more than 36,000 Minnesotans to put hope within
reach and create a better life for themselves and their families by providing a continuum of
support.
Your donations will help Lifetrack meet its mission:
We are collecting donations of:
Bring your donations to our collection boxes located at _____. Our donation drive coordinator
is __________________ and can be reached at _________________.
For more information on Lifetrack, please visit their website at www.lifetrack-mn.org
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Yes! I want to partner with Lifetrack! My tax-deductible gift:
☐ $25
☐ $50
☐ $75
☐ $100
☐ Other $____________
Contact Information
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________
Payment Options
☐ Enclosed is my check or money order made payable to Lifetrack
☐ I wish to donate by credit card:
Circle one:
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Discover
Card number : ________________________________________Exp Date: _________
Card holder name: ______________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________________________
☐ My employer has a matching gift program. Enclosed is their form.
Please fill out the form below and mail/fax to:
Lifetrack
Attn: Development
709 University Avenue W
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 227-0621
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