Suggestions for Company Requests for Donations - Chicagoland Area

I would suggest talking to the manager of different stores. The manager should be able to give you an answer or will know who to ask at their company. My sister has had good luck with grocery stores because they want to get their name out and look good to the public - they might donate treats or small gift cards. Target, Wal-mart different toy stores, the Dollar Store and Card Factory Outlet/Party City would be good ones to try. There is probably a lot places like Chuckee Cheese and "kid oriented" entertainment places. I would also suggest going to a McDonald's - they tend to support a lot of children's stuff too. Good Luck!

Oberweis or Baskin Robbins might have $1 coupons to submit. Also check with local fire/police stations for pencils, stickers. Real Estate agencies usually have stickers or magnets too. Think of places that are in parades and what they give out. Look at Oaklee's Guide or Chicago Parent found at libraries, park districts & daycares) for places geared toward children. Many parents and kids like coupons towards admission/food.
Start with the store manager and don't give up if it's a place that you'd really like to have participate.
Enjoy your project.

McDonalds! A GirlScout leader friend Talked to the corprate office and they sent free Happy Meals for everyone! Most businesses want a request letter on official stationary (church/school). Good Luck!

Ty Warner has donated beanie babies in the past. Contact them and they'll direct you to the appropriate person. Just let them know you are putting together 200 goodie bags for the children and I'm sure they will help you.

I run a foundation, we support 170 families in the appalachian mountains. We put together shoeboxes. Go to the dollar store. You will find a lot of nice things to put into your bags and it's cheap.

As far as fundraising, get on the phone, or go door to door, which I found to be better then they can talk to you directly, explain what you are trying to do. Give them some type of handout that explains everything as well.

Be strong, be brave, but it is very difficult to do. You can do it though. If you do it every year your community will start to recognize you and it will become much easier and more widespread. People have big hearts, it's just very time comsuming. Go up one side of your downtown area, then the other side and stop at every storefront and beg! It is actually fun to do once you get past the first couple, then it's a breeze. Good luck!! Don't forget the handout though, very important!!
Barb R

Hi--You should check with the church, they probably have some type of letter that they use when they ask for donations for different events. A lot of places will donate, but ask for a state issued number for tax purposes and again the church should have one.

I did ask for donations for a school event that was recently held and WalMart, Target and other local agencies were more than willing, however they needed that #.

Good luck! I would also call McDonald's Corporate offices in Oak Brook.

I'll echo to check with your church to see if they have a general type letter seeking donations. Check out Target--they've given our church gift cards in the past to help with purchase of items for our kids' events. Wendy's is also a great one & Burger King. Have fun!

Put an ad in your weekly church newsletter.