Today’s post was written by HFF volunteer Sherry Cluver, who gives some great advice about how ordinary people can take small actions that can make a big difference to families in Haiti.
Believe in the work of Haitian Families First and yearn to help, but aren’t sure what li’l ol’ folks like you and I can do? That was exactly my question when I was given the reassuring answer–“Any little thing will help!”
So, that’s precisely where we began–with a small idea from my husband Chad, a high-school coach, to dub an upcoming home basketball game “Hoops for Haiti” night. After checking for approval from our building principal and the head coach of the team we would play, T-shirts were ordered and public service announcements written. Then, friends decided a banner would lend legitimacy to the atmosphere, and they covered the cost and delivery. Another friend, who works in the non-profit world, disseminated a press release, and two different papers and a pair of radio stations came calling.
That was it.
Net profit from T-shirt sales totaled a surprising $1,200, and an additional $800 was given in unsolicited donations–several of which were $100 or more each. Providing an outlet for people’s desire to help is all we did, and the community stepped forward with a deep interest and generous hearts.
Having done one fundraiser, we could easily decide that our work is done, at least for now. But support and enthusiasm from our community keep coming in beautifully unexpected ways. Two days after mailing off the proceeds from “Hoops for Haiti,” a former student approached me with a $70 donation.
So, because of the palpable enthusiasm of our local community surrounding this cause, as well as the hunger Chad and I have for healing from our unusual adoption journey, we are forging ahead with our work. My friends suggested that I form a local fundraising committee, and all dozen women of different personalities and talents whom I invited to join replied with warmth and energy. So onward we go to approaching civic organizations and large corporations, sending out small business mailings, and conducting follow-up radio interviews and newspaper stories.
To get you started on your own “any little thing,” perhaps consider selecting a comfortable task or two from the list below. If you wish to contact me, I’ll gladly share with you tips I’ve learned and samples we’ve created along our grassroots journey.
Family preservation makes good, plain sense to people, and it’s easy to support an organization that operates without overhead–frugal, smart, and dignified. It takes only small steps to get that sort of word to spread and the inspiration to catch on.
Sherry Cluver, proud supporter of Haitian Families First
Comments