Running behind on your fundraising goal? Quick, put the kids to work!
Seriously, bracelets and other simple craft items are inexpensive to make, but perfect to sell and raise money for your charity. You have the opportunity to get the family involved and share with your kids the joy of helping others.
Okay, let’s get started! Tell the kids that just like a company, they are going to manufacture and sell bracelets for your charity. Let’s call it Bracelets for the Cause.
Research and development
I am not going to tell you what beads to use or how to make bracelets. Part of the fun of this venture is to make selections and work together. Any craft store or even WalMart will have large colored bead assortment packages plus alphabet beads. You can string them with a name or event. There are various string and clasp options available. My personal Memphis St. Jude Marathon “racing” bracelet shown here was made by a St. Jude patient named Brayden, who is being treated for retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. He does not see well, so a stiff wire works best for him. Sometimes the true value of a bracelet is based on who made it.
Design and Production
Child labor laws do not apply, so put them to work! Let them be creative and do a test run or two. Don’t get too far ahead, because flexibility may come in handy. You can standardize, but customizing is much more fun!
Marketing and Sales
You can sell each one for a standard price, set a minimum price and ask for more, or don’t set a price at all. You can also auction them. The purpose is to overcharge, right? Spread the word online and by using your charity’s email system.
Accounting and Collections
The beauty of most charity’s’ site is that people can use a card to pay online if they want (make the donation) and you both get an immediate acknowledgement. Cash collected is submitted using the same forms as any other cash donation.
Shipping
Make sure to include your cost of mailing the bracelets if needed!
Make Bracelets for the Cause a fun family project while helping the others!