"Can You Help With a Donation to

Our School Raffle?"

Does this sound familiar? Overwhelmed by so many requests, and don't know what to do?

I asked Chris Lowe, our Showroom Manager, who owned Bean Head Toys what she did.

"As a store owner in your community, you are probably bombarded with requests from schools, preschool programs, church groups, festivals, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts... for a donation to their raffle, fundraiser, or auction."

Can you ever say no? According to Chris you can. She kept a list of who she contributed to throughout the year. If someone came in she said "Let me see if I have already donated to your organization this year. If she had donated previously, she would explain to make it fair in being able to donate to as many organizations as possible, that she could only donate once a year.

I like the creative way Chris supported the community, while also moving out maybe not her best inventory.

"Grab all the items in your store that will just not sell no matter what you do whether it's because they are the last remaining item or it is just past it's heyday. Remove all price labels, and cross through the barcode so these items can not be returned or exchanged.

Sort the items by age or theme and decide the approximate dollar amount you want your gift baskets to be. I usually did at retail about $50 for each basket.

Make up the Gift Baskets in a pretty way, then wrap in a large cello bag and tie with a ribbon. Presentation is everything!

Then attach a $10 store gift card. This is how you get the Winner of the Gift Basket into your store.

This does take a little upfront effort, some creativity, but in the long run, it both helps move old items out and allows you to contribute to your community."