Marketing my Charity/Free Service

[Bronya]

Through a freind in MI, I started a free service in my home town. I am blessed that I can afford to offer help to a family that might be in need, especially during these hard times. I have had several families that I have been able to help but not sure how to "get myself out there". I put an add in Craigs List and surprisingly got a few responses (my friend only uses Craig's and has more than she can handle). Using the internet isn't the best idea I would think, because of lot of families in need, don't have a computer or can't afford an internet service. Children benefit from this mostly. How do I advertise and not spend a lot of money so that I have it for my kids I want to help?

[Jazperia Silverlion]

Have you considered getting in touch with some of the schools in the area? I'm sure they could get you in touch with some of the family's in the area who are in need.

[Gellis Indigo]

Have you considered getting in touch with some of the schools in the area? I'm sure they could get you in touch with some of the family's in the area who are in need.

This could be problematic due to privacy issues and FERPA.

ETA: Unless they could tell you what is needed and you "deliver" to the school, where the school can pass on the service.

[Gemdrite]

This could be problematic due to privacy issues and FERPA.

ETA: Unless they could tell you what is needed and you "deliver" to the school, where the school can pass on the service.
Actually, a lot of Christian schools (I can't speak for others, but I'm sure they do something as well similar to this) have a Christmas tree with cut outs of angels or something hanging from it. On one side of the angel is a family or a name (no last names, typically), or even just "A girl, age 2-4." On the other side are some ideas for what to get them for Christmas. You pick a name, buy the gift(s), and turn both back into the school. Bronya, you might be able to do something similar with your service, and reach out to many people that way.

[Phoenix McHeit]

Post flyers in your local grocery stores, laundromats, welfare office, church bulletin boards, etc. Tuck some under car wipers in parking lots.

You might even be able to get a Kinko's to 'donate' the printing for you. But even if you can't, a basic one-color flyer isn't all that much.

And thanks. From one who has been there in the past - help is always appreciated. :aok:

[Bronya]

I love all of your suggestions. I am really excited that I can do this and it is fun too! I love being able to 'pay it forward". One year when I was small after my Mom died, and Dad was still paying hospital bills,one Christmas morning on our porch was a hug trash can filled with presents and food. There wouldn't have been anything that day if not for someones kind generosity. You guys are the best pals ever...

[SHpepperKat]

Places to enquire about those needing help.

Churches, Schools, CPS, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, ask your daughter about suggestions on how to contact some of these places.

Some of the shelters are going to be totally private and not allow much of anyone to know where they are for security reasons. But most have a phone number to contact them.

Those are my ideas for now. I will add more as I think of them.


THANK YOU for doing this. I have been on both ends of the spectrum and there's nothing like knowing that you can do something for someone else. It's also amazing to know that when I have been in need, There has been someone out there who said "I can do this" and provided something that i needed.