What is the best way to get sponsors for a community service event?

I am planning a workday at a fellow church member's home. She is a single mother of three children and cannot afford the upkeep of her home. Because of her stressful financial situation, and the recent loss of her father, she is fighting a constant battle against depression. There are numorous MAJOR repairs that need to be done, and our church group is determined to help her out. We need to raise money, and are looking for help finding sponsors. If anyone has any ideas, please share them with us, so that we can make this event a success!What is the best way to get sponsors for a community service event?
Ask! Seriously. Call up places you think would be interested and explain what you're doing. Ask for their manager or community service liasion (or similar title). A lot of times it's just that easy. I spent 2 months doing just that duing hurricane recovery almost 2 years ago now. Home Depot is a great company who'll almost definately help you out with something. As much as I can't stand them, I'd doubt Wal-Mart wouldn't give you something at least.

Think out your plan and exactly what you want from them before you call.What is the best way to get sponsors for a community service event?
Our library had good response getting sponsors for our summer reading program by sending letters to doctors and lawyers. Many responded with $100 checks.

We felt the fast food places were overloaded with requests for freebies. Our staff also walked door-to-door in the business district asking for merchandise donations. They need to carry a letter explaining the project and verifying their affiliation with the church.What is the best way to get sponsors for a community service event?
Not knowing your location, I can only suggest that you go to the web. There is an organization Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) See if they have a branch near you. There are christian organizations (again, check the web) where members of your group {Baptists, Methodists, etc} who are professionals in the field that you need repairs would donate their time and services. Investigate. Publish a "Wish List" in your church bulletin or in local area newspapers. Get the media involved. Have her listen to books on tape if she is too busy to read (with children, that could be the case) that will help to lift her depression and the books are available from the library. One of the best books is "YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE" by Louise Hay. Good luck.
First, I appreciate your wanting to help out someone in need. There is an organization that is nationwide that might be able to help you (assuming there is a local chapter in your city/area).



Here in Pittsburgh, PA it is called Rebuilding Pittsburgh. The national website is: http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/index.鈥?/a>



They do exactly what you are trying to do - they rebuild and repair the homes of those in need.



The way it works in Pittsburgh (don't know if it's the same for all places) is that people who have work that needs to be done on their house fills out some paperwork. If approved, a team of people (6-12 people, depending on what needs to be done) comes to the house on a designated day. The team is supervised by a person who's a contractor or other experienced professional. The team stays one day and works on tasks that have been worked out between the homeowner and Rebuilding Pittsburgh.



I hope this helps - Julie