Q: I’m a philanthropy day chair for formal recruitment this fall and we’re trying to come up with a new, cute, easy, budget-friendly philanthropy activity (for example last year we did tie blankets) to do during formal recruitment. I was wondering if you knew of any good and unique options?
A: The first thing to consider is a tie-in with your philanthropy. For example, if you work with terminally ill children, then you might craft small teddy bears. But If you assist senior citizens, your craft would be totally different. Rather than planning just a random activity, it would be ideal to have a connection with your main philanthropy in some way. If there’s no direct link to your charity, then a simple and sweet project is wonderful too. Some education about your chapter’s philanthropy activities should accompany the projects during each philanthropy round.
Also, don’t make your recruitment crafts too sticky, gooey, or messy. Avoid staining paints, lacquers and the need for sharp cutting tools or sewing needles. Keep it simple and approachable even for the non-crafting types. Research exact crafting instructions online before you launch your project. Pinterest is a superior source for DIY instruction links. You can find complete instructions for the ideas listed below via Pinterest or Google searches. Lots of these ideas would be fun for sisterhood socials and retreats too. xoxo ;)
✄ 20 Crafty No-Sew Philanthropy Round Project Ideas: ✄
Felt build-a-bear project. Make small teddy cut-outs from felt, offer a station for making felt vests/clothes and another station for crafting little necklaces for the bears. A mini Build-A-Bear workshop would be super cute for children related philanthropies.
Toiletry totes. Women’s shelters, hospitals and resident homes need tote bags filled with sample size necessities. Buy plain totes in bulk, offer craft supplies and decorate the bags during rounds. Also have a drive, or purchase, small size toiletries to put in the totes. Mini shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap, lotion, bandaids, kleenex, etc are the types of things you need to collect.
Patient scrapbooks. There are special things you can craft for illness related charities and sick patients. it helps children in the hospital to chronicle their experience. Buy small scrapbooks in bulk. Offer them with craft embellishments during recruitment rounds. Have the PNMs decorate the front of the scrapbooks and later donate them with a packet of scrapbooking supplies for the interior of each book.
Affirmation bracelets. Purchase beads and supplies in bulk and have tables set up for fun bracelet making. Along with brightly colored beads, include letter beads for spelling out positive a word on each piece. The jewelry would be a wonderful donation to a teen related charity or family shelter.
Pretty plastic cups. Paint pens, jewels and flowers can be used to embellish plastic tumblers for a children’s shelter. They make a nice duo with the shelter tote bags too. Beware of small sized decor and choking hazards. Stick to larger gems and blooms.
Keepsake boxes. Small wood memory boxes are welcomed by hospital patients and the elderly. Paint the outside with just one or two colors and a simple accent. The insides can be filled with stickers, or other small treats appropriate for the recipients.
Sick patient calendars. For recovering patients, it’s really nice to have a calendar of events to look forward to. Find calendars in a style that allows embellishment on the front or around the frame. Decorate with flowers, stickers, paint pens, etc…
Dreamcatchers. Supply the hoops, yarn, string and decorations for crafting dreamcatchers. Perfect for the needy or ailing of all ages.
Assemble sandwiches. No gluing or painting involved! Buy bulk ingredients at a wholesale store such as Costco and ask PNMs to assemble peanut butter and jelly (or turkey) sandwiches while you talk. Later donate them to the nearest homeless shelter.
Stuff backpacks. Set up a “buffet line” table of school supplies and inexpensive backpacks and have the PNMs stuff the bags for needy school children. This system works for stuffing other packages or bags too.
Windsocks. Supply construction paper, streamers, glue sticks, markers and string for hanging. The PNMs can assemble the windsocks and decorate them for children’s hospital rooms or shelters.
Fleece caps. Instead of fleece blankets, make no-sew fleece hats for children. Find simple instructions online and spend your philanthropy rounds making beanie style caps. No fuss and so cute.
Fabric covered bookmarks. Buy inexpensive fabric remnants, poster board and ribbon. Cut the board into bookmark size strips. Using a hole punch, punch a hole at the top of each strip. PNMs can then decorate the bookmarks by gluing on fabric and attaching a pretty ribbon. Rickrack, fringe and other trims add more decoration. The same process can be used to make decorated door hangers.
Motivational drink packages. Provide water bottles, powdered drink mixes, rubber bands, colorful ribbons and hole punched tags for notes. Remove the labels from the water bottles. Ask PNMs to attach two powdered drink packages to each bottle with a rubber band, decorate the top with several ribbons and attach a note of encouragement. The perfect gift for relay race participants or volunteers working on a strenuous project.
Fleece pet beds. Another alternative to tying fleece blankets is to tie fleece “pet pillows.” Make them the size to fit cats or dogs, insert a layer of fiberfill and hand tie using the same method as a blanket. Donate them to a local animal shelter or humane society.
Ribbon & bead keychains. These are easy to make with ribbon, beads and a keyring. No gluing or sewing involved. They can be given as favors to the runners in your next 5K, or used as a fundraising item to sell.
Random Act of Kindness bags. Provide ziplock bags, an assortment of candy, large paper labels and Sharpies. Each girl fills the bag with candy, then decorates her label with inspirational words and designs relating to your mission. When the label is decorated, she should stick it on the bag. Distribute the bags to your charity or a local shelter. A list of inspirational sayings can also be provided for the girls to use.
Knee sock heating pads. A great idea for patients. Use kid’s knee socks, white rice bought in bulk and string. The end result is colorful heating pads that can be warmed in the microwave.
Bandana bangles. Make no-sew banana bracelets for a family and teen charity. You can purchase cheap bandanas and plastic bangles in bulk from an online store such as Oriental Trading. PNMs can have fun cutting the bandanas and wrapping them onto the bracelets.
Scented sachets. Fabric squares filled with lavender and tied with ribbon make delightful gifts for senior citizens or families in shelters.