Most charitable folks are quick to turn to their crowded closets when looking for possible donations. While shelters and philanthropic organizations greatly appreciate gently used clothes, their popularity often leaves other high-demand items overlooked. People experiencing homelessness struggle to access new soap, shampoo, and other toiletry items frequently.
Hygiene products are essential to maintaining good health and—when donated—can provide relief to individuals and families who are struggling financially. To host an efficient charity drive, consider 2moda’s tips for a successful toiletry drive.
What To Accept
As toiletries are imperative to good health, charitable organizations require toiletry donations to be unused. Organizers should emphasize the need for new items to prevent folks from making donations that they cannot redistribute to those in need.
Craft a checklist specifying the items your drive hopes to reel in. Be sure to share this checklist with individuals participating in the drive, social media channels, and any donation drop-off locations. Your checklist for toiletry items should include a few of the following:
- Dental hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc.)
- Sanitization and PPE items (face coverings/masks, sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves)
- Underwear and socks
- Bathing products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, etc.)
- Menstrual products (tampons, reusable pads, disposable pads)
2moda offers various toiletry items in bulk to make large donations affordable. From wholesale makeup tools to hygiene kits, we offer an abundant variety of products that will set your donation drive on the right path.
How To Organize
Proper planning will be crucial to creating an organized donation drive and is one of the essential tips for a successful toiletry drive.
Set Goals
Aside from determining what your drive will accept, you should set donation goals. Do you want to reach a certain number of shampoo bottles? Or a certain number of assembled kits? Solid goals will help inform the best course of action for the charitable drive.
Find Locations and Partners
Before gathering donations, find a charity that is willing to accept toiletries. Partnering with a charity ahead of time can be useful for creating a checklist of acceptable items.
Determine where the donation drive and drop-off locations will be. You may need to acquire a permit for drop-off boxes.
Establish a Sorting System
A sorting system is necessary for taking donation inventory. A sorting system will ensure that all the donated items are unused and ready for redistribution. Because of the pandemic, sorters should wear gloves when sifting through donated goods, and sorters should sanitize items.
Market the Drive
There are different ways to bring community awareness to your donation drive. People are spending more time indoors due to colder weather and the looming pandemic, so be sure to take advantage of digital marketing perks. Three ways you can digitally market your drive include:
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing (sponsored posts and regular posts)
Mobile marketing (marketing that targets smartphone, tablet, and other portable device users)