Looking to host a donation drive, but you need a lot of items in a short amount of time? A “Cram the Van” event is a one day drive that can do double duty as a both donation drive and a tabling event where your volunteers get to meet the public and share information. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your drive.

You can host a donation drive at any retail location that sells pet supplies, such as your local grocery stores, pet supply stores, and other retailers (like Target) and retail pharmacies (like CVS). A “Cram the Van” promotion allows your volunteers to pass out a wish list at those stores, and have a mini van, cargo van, or trailer near the front entrance where people will put all the items inside. Of course, you’ll be working with the store, and you’ll have their permission to be set up outside during a specific day, usually a pay day Saturday when shoppers are most plentiful. Your group will have a table set up near the van, and have a volunteer near the entrance passing out the wish lists to customers. This will help remind people to shop for those items inside. And, the van will be nearby, parked on the curb away from the fire lane, so donors will be able to drop off their purchases with your group and receive a donation receipt. Be sure to have lots of literature and donation receipts to pass out to people! (For more info on tabling, please see our articles in the Tabling folder.)

Inside the Store
To go along with the Cram the Van, I’d recommend asking the store to allow your group to put up some special paw print markers in the pet supply aisles highlighting some of the specific items you need. This would only be up for one day, so the managers usually don’t mind. Don’t forget to include office supply items, storage items like Rubbermaid containers, and cleaning supplies that your group may need. Group similar items together on the shopping wish list, and note the aisle numbers to help facilitate shopping. You could also put a small sign at the check-out reminding people to separate their items for the charity so the customers won’t have to dig through every bag looking for things. I can’t tell you how many times I ‘thought’ I had all the items in one bag to donate, and then discovered something at home later on.

Publicity
Partner with your local radio station to inform people about the donation drive and the good work that your group is doing in the community. The radio station may be able to host a live remote at your location during the day, or send some of their morning DJs and talk show hosts to your event to draw a crowd. Many times, the radio station will bring along their ‘prize mobile’ and give away free promotional items to donors who give items to your drive. I’d also recommend sending out a press release prior to the event to all local media, and especially targeting a local reporter who is charity friendly to write about your cause and upcoming event. If you have some lead time prior to your drive, place your event’s info on local calendars, particularly those for newspapers and local TV stations.

Large Ticket Items
For the larger ticket items like crates, used saddles and tack items, you might have better luck asking for them from Craigslist, Freecycle (with the moderator’s permission), or in newspaper advertisements and radio Press Releases. Have a volunteer keep an eye out in the local papers for other ads and yard sale notices that mention pet items, too. Some families start off crate training, and then their dog graduates to being allowed more room to roam. And, many times, people buy a crate that the dog eventually outgrows, and now have one that is too small. These would be perfect for your rescue group!

Uniforms
It’s always best to have your volunteers wear something similar, such as your group’s shirt with logo, to help unify your volunteers. If your volunteers do not have group t-shirts, you could suggest one color shirt and jeans to wear during the event, or use nametags printed on a computer. If you’re daring enough, get a volunteer to dress up like a dog, cat or other rescued animal while passing out the wish lists! This is easy to do with a white, black or tan sweatsuit (top and bottom), and then add some “patches” of faux fur or colored felt either by gluing it on or using a basic sewing stitch so it can be removed later. Add a lightly painted face with a black nose, some whiskers, add a headband with felt ears, and a collar with tag! You’re sure to draw attention!

Perhaps you can even get the radio DJs to dress up, too, or at least wear the headbands! I believe you can buy them (and usually animal noses with a stretchy cord) from Oriental Trading (www.oriental.com) for just a few bucks. These are worth the cost, since it helps ‘unify’ your group members with their t-shirts, their ears and noses. These items can also be reused for your next event, and may become a gimmick that people look for at larger events!

Annual Event
Some groups host a “Cram the Van” campaign annually, such as the nonprofit groups who collect school items for underprivileged kids before school starts. Many groups use a vinyl banner in front of the minivan, attached from the side mirror to the tailgate, advertising the event. Vinyl banners can be purchased online from various companies, and by using the same logo and pertinent information, the banner can be used every time you host this donation drive, making it a great investment for your group.