Organizing a food drive can be simple, easy and fun! With the provided materials, you can run a successful food drive with minimum time commitment. This drive will make a difference in the lives of low-income children and families during the holiday season.

Step 1. Select the dates of your drive. We suggest holding it for up to five days, so your group has one designated week to bring their items in. No matter what length of time you choose, plan on receiving items after your deadline. Expect the actual deadline to be a few days after the deadline that you publicize. We ask that donations be delivered to Molding Hearts.

Step 2. Advertise! Publicity is key to a successful drive. Spread the word to as many people as possible and don’t be shy about reminding them. Send out an email and make announcements. People like to be informed about ways they can help.

Step 3. Distribute printed publicity materials. Print out a donation flyer with asking friends and supporters to donate and share it with the group who will be participating. Display them in public areas such as a front desk, break room, classroom or neighborhood community center.

Step 4. Set up a drop-off point. Print out a location drop flyer post it in an easily accessible area. Attach another flyer to the box or bin that you are using to collect the food. Be sure to place the box or bin where people can see it.

Step 5. Network, network, and network more. If you can touch base in person with 10 people per week for 6 weeks, you will have met 60 people.

Step 7. Collect, collect, collect! The hard part is over and it’s time for you to sit back and watch your group come together to help low-income families. After your food drive is complete, we hope you and your group will visit MEND when you drop off your donations so that we can personally thank you for your donation.

Step 8. RINSE AND REPEAT! Get out there and network more and locate another home!

Yes, this may be a simple illustration and example on how to start a Transitional Housing Program, but this is basically what needs to get done in order for the average person to begin serving the community and making a nice living by starting a transitional housing program for veterans. Just think, you could be the person that the community surrounds when veterans return from overseas and need a place to live. Your role as a community activist and provider of housing for veterans is a noble profession….and you can be the one that does it.