So, why $550?

Let’s break it down:

• “gifts” (This item is in quotes because, in truth, much of what these families receive are necessities – which we’ll explore further in another post). We like to use $100 / per person as our benchmark. Since we shop at Meijer, management allows us to take advantage of their sales that day. Last year, most of our volunteers signed up for mPerks and clipped electronic coupons to decrease prices and increase the blessings for these families. **We use Meijer gift cards to pay for these items during our 1st Saturday of December event day. So, like the $50 cards, we can purchase these, on-line, before our event. If we have enough donations in our account, we can pay cash and get the full 4% discount ($18/family). If we don’t, we can use our VISA for a 3% discount ($13.50/family).
• a $100 Meijer gift card -$100 is $100, right? Not if you purchase these ahead of time, on-line, at a 4% discount. Cost: Roughly $94, there is a cost for shipping to our location.
• tree supplies: Only 60% of our families request trees, which are donated by Blue Grass Farms in Anderson. However, the price of the other items vary widely, depending on if they are donated, on sale, or full price. That’s why we love those after Christmas sales and encourage our supporters to snatch up those items and donate. Costs: $0-35
• a Bible: the price of which also varies depending upon receiving donations and the quality of the item given. Costs:  $0-10 (We are currently receiving wonderful, quality Bibles from Hope Church in Anderson as a gift to this ministry.)
• HOPE – priceless

Our board has already met and have some terrific fundraisers in the works to get a head start on helping 100 families be able to experience the joy of Christmas. Here’s what we have planned so far:

• July 19th –  Christmas in July Motorcycle Benefit Ride (see fundraisers menu for details)
• August 23rd – 5-8pm Coopers Bowl-a-thon
• October – Craft/Vendor fair at mall with BINGO activity-  date TBD
• November – Pancake breakfast – date TBD
• laundry soap purchases from our website (on-going, see fundraisers menu)

If you’d like to help us get to that goal, here are some things you can do:

• Plan your own fundraisers for us – rummage or bake sales, dances, etc.
• Host a meal (dinner, cookout, dessert & coffee)  at your house and invite people who you
  think will support this ministry. Share the story or invite us to present the story
• Have targeted conversations with families who have not been involved
  or that you think can do more.
• Invite us to speak at your group/church to give a presentation
• Give us a hand at our fundraisers, help work registration tables, invite friends, spread the word.

Help us christen the new blogging portion of our site by posting your terrific fundraising idea below.