Cell Phone Fundraiser

A cell phone fundraiser can help raise funds for your organization and has additional environmental benefits for the community. In the same way, a high school spirit fundraiser can not only benefit teams or clubs, but also may help to unite the students, faculty, parents and surrounding community. Both types of fundraisers require minimal preparation and set-up. Then each is able to run with a small amount of upkeep, for as long as desired. Both programs appeal to a wide variety of participants.

If one is looking for a way to raise funds that requires no start-up costs and minimal upkeep, a cell phone fundraiser is a good choice. A number of different companies make this type of cell phone drive available. Most follow this general pattern. First, register and send for free collection boxes for the phones. Many also offer free supporting materials, such as a sample poster or flier which may be printed and customized for the organization, or a sample of a letter which may be sent to parents or prospective participants. Next, get permission to display the collection boxes and accompanying posters and fliers in areas which have high foot traffic. These may include schools, churches, offices, grocery chains, and public buildings. 'Green' businesses may be happy to offer space for such endeavors. Fitness centers are another business where customers may be likely to participate. Due to the age and buying habits of its clients, a large collection of phones may be anticipated. High schools are another venue where having the 'latest and greatest' phone is desirable.

Note that the phones may not have to be operational to have value, although the latest models and phones which are functional will command higher returns for the cell phone fundraiser. Some companies also offer rebates for ink cartridges, digital cameras and laptops. Lists of companies which offer these fundraisers, along with a current price offerings, can be found with a simple Internet search. Read all requirements and conditions carefully before committing to any fundraiser. Although most companies offer free shipping, and a convenient, prepaid shipping label which one can print online, the companies will charge shipping costs to anyone who sends unwanted materials. Cell phones will be erased by the company, and the items need not be sorted. Items which do not qualify will be disposed of in an environmentally sound fashion. This can keep toxic equipment components from community landfills.

Be sure to check collection boxes at least once a week, to remove collected items. Some areas may require more frequent turnover to avoid overflow. It would be rude to leave a mess at collection sites when businesses have been kind enough to offer the space for a cell phone fundraiser. Once a collection of phones has been shipped, the check for the items will generally be sent in four days to two weeks' time. Collection boxes may be kept in place for further rounds of fund raising, if desired. Response may vary, but one benefit is that trying this program does not cost participants anything.

In Proverbs 16:3, the writer states, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." Fund raising plans that desire to honor the Lord will result in benefit to the participants, even if not in a strictly monetary fashion. Another plan which is popular is some type of high school spirit fundraiser. Schools which are trying to build a sense of unity between the students, faculty, and the surrounding community may wish to try this type of program. Again, the preparations are fairly simple. Someone will need to be in charge of ordering various items for sale in the school store and in other venues such as sporting events and other school clubs and organizations. Then, set up a table at these events and sell the items. It is helpful to have specific goals which can be supported, such as new uniforms for the band or refurbishing some type of student space such as a library or student lounge. A fairly large roster of volunteers is desirable in order to have a presence at many activities without exhausting the pool of faithful 'regulars'.

There are a great variety of school spirit fundraiser merchandise which is available on the Internet. Usually these items can be imprinted with the school team, club or group's name or mascot. School colors can be used. Small stuffed animals and toys are ideas which appeal to many age groups. Equipment for cheering on the team, and seat pads and blankets which feature the school mascot are ideas for those who regularly support a school team at outdoor games. To encourage interest, choose a theme for the high school spirit fundraiser and build merchandise around it. Allow the theme to permeate other areas as well. For example, if a school chose a theme of 'reaching towards excellence', this idea could be incorporated into academic areas of endeavor as well as within the various sporting activities. Coordinated with school clubs which emphasize service to the community, this theme can help to give students and residents of the town a sense of being united in the common cause of striving towards excellence in each area of life. Perhaps academic, club, or sports awards ceremonies could include prizes for students or community leaders whose efforts best exemplify this goal. Merchandise could be selected to complement and encourage the goal.

One type of item which is popular as a high school spirit fundraiser and can also assist in keeping the school spirit alive in the community is the use of car magnets. Custom car magnets may be designed with the school colors and mascot. These can raise community awareness of the teams. Some types of magnets may even be imprinted with the sport team's game schedule for the year. Other popular car magnets include patriotic flags and ribbons. Although these items are generally safe for use on a car, be sure to remove, clean, and reposition the magnets regularly so that they do not leave an impression on the car's exterior finish. Also, take care as magnets are removed or repositioned. Dragging the magnet across the car's surface may cause scratches. Whether it is a spirit fundraiser or a cell phone fundraiser, be sure to celebrate the results and thank all participants who have given their time for these efforts.

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