How often do you donate your time, your services or actual items? Do you make a goal to donate a certain amount of time, services or items every week, every month or every year? Do you donate to one event or one cause or switch it up every once in awhile? In the United States, taking part in fundraising and donations is important because it is a great way to give back to the community and to those who may be struggling in one way or another. Whether you choose to participate in fundraising clothing drives, a spirit wear fundraiser, or another type of fundraiser, what matters is that you took the time to get involved in a good cause.
What is surprising is that statistics show many people do not get involved as much as they believe they do. For example, according to the national average, 72 percent donate or contribute to causes less than the average. At the same time,75 percent of people in the United States report that they believe they donate or contribute to causes more than an average amount.
One of the best ways to get involved in fundraising clothing drives, apparel fundraising and other ways of giving back is through the school systems. Whether you are currently a student or your child is in the school system, you can find a way to be part of the different organizations and events going on during the school year and over the summers.
There is rarely a lack of opportunities at schools. For example, Causera.org recently reported through a survey that 98 percent of parents claimed the schools their children attended raised money in one way or another. Out of these fundraisers, 40 percent occurred on a regular basis.
These fundraisers start young in schools across the United States. Even elementary schools make an effort to start giving back with their students through fundraising clothing and other events. One statistics states that elementary school parents, students and volunteers help contribute nearly 73 percent of school fundraising sales. Additionally, the National Association of Elementary School Principals completed a survey in 2007 that breaks down how often elementary schools have fundraisers. Findings show that 76 percent say they have around 5 fundraisers and events a year. 20 percent of the schools stated they had in between five to 10 opportunities a year for fundraising.
When it comes to fundraising clothing drives and other opportunities to give back at schools, many claim they might not be involved if it were not for the school offering the chance. 51 percent of those who get involved in these activities stated the activities being at the school encouraged them to join. For 31 percent of people, they also stated it was a way to show school spirit while also giving back.
No matter where the fundraiser or donation opportunity is, giving back is always beneficial to those involved and to those on the receiving end. In just the last year, different fundraising companies throughout the United States were able to collect and donate $4.8 million worth of goods to those in need and other charities.
Whether you get involved in an activity that requires you to take on a leadership role gathering t shirts for fundraising, or you choose to join a physical activity like a run that donates proceeds to a charity, you are still part of a movement focused on helping those in need. The more people who get involved, the more people who will be encouraged to start donating or giving back in terms of money, their services or their time. If we continue to increase the hours and money we donate each year, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many in need.
What fundraising opportunities do you participate in on a regular basis? Do you prefer to participate in fundraising apparel at school or fundraising outside of schools? Let us know in the comments what your experience is fundraising and giving back to the community.
