E-X-P-A-N-D Your Aluminum Can Fundraiser

1) Schedule Appointment - start out by making a list of the civic organizations in your area. The reason you want to start with these organizations is they are in a volunteer/help frame of mind. When you are talking to the Group Chair or President be respectful of their time. Explain you are not looking for money, just the opportunity to make a 5 minute presentation with the purpose of each member collecting aluminum cans for your ___________ need. (fill in blank i.e., choir trip, boy scout adventure - you get the idea)

2) Call for Coupons - this is fun... when you give your presentation, hand out a coupon to a local store OR call the regional distributor for a soda company and ask for coupons. Again, you're not looking for a cash donation, just coupons. Explain that you are trying to raise money for _____ (fill in blank) through an aluminum can drive and this would be a great way to get your volunteers to "prime the pump" so to speak...

3) Bring Soda - again, to "prime the pump" hand out a can of soda! Tell them "the first one is on you" then give a coupon so they can buy more soda!

4) Plastic bags -- again, this is to help you... hand out plastic bags to your audience. Nothing like giving them a can of soda, coupon and a bag... you want this project to be as easy as possible for your new volunteers!

5) Add a Label to the Bag -- this is so they can visit your website for more information or call you if they have questions! It just is a nice touch to have a "thank you" on the bag...

6) Presentation - Practice on your parents. Keep your speech to less than 5 minutes. Be organized!

7) Hand out your bag, coupon & can of soda! -- This is pretty self explanatory

8) Pre-schedule with the Group Chair or President the day you will return.. It is advised to make sure this is fairly close to the next aluminum can pick up in your area. If done right you'll have to "store" about 30 bags in a garage... so I'm sure Mom and Dad will be happy with the shortest amount of time they have to park outside!

9) Bring Cans to the Recycler - again, pretty self explanatory!

10) Send a "Thank You" note to the group! Tell them how much they helped you raise!

Repeat this with another club or group! (unless this group offers to continue to help, don't wear out your welcome) - there are plenty of people willing to help you... then again, if individuals in the group are willing to continue to save cans... don't turn down the help, it's like free cash! (if you a dollar on the sidewalk you'd certainly pick it up... same goes for aluminum cans!)

Scroll down and you'll find all the supplies you need for a successful Aluminum can collection!