Donation Drive Guidelines

The CCE recognizes that donations are essential and beneficial to the community; however, recognizing donations alone as a form of service limits opportunities for impactful learning experiences. Additionally, we believe that equating donations with service hours can unintentionally privilege students with financial resources (this may include monetary, food, or in-kind donations). By aligning donation drives with the guidelines below, organizations can create a more inclusive and educational service experience for all students, while avoiding the privileging of those with greater financial means.

• Ensure Equitable Opportunities

Consideration must be given to students who may not have the financial means to donate. Service opportunities that are accessible to all ensures that active participation and personal growth are at the forefront of experiences. Organizations may offer additional service hours for a donation rather than making this the sole means to earn hours.

• Balance Donations with Active Engagement and Related Service Opportunities

Rather than substituting donations for service, students should combine their contributions with hands-on involvement at related organizations. Service hours can be enhanced with donations, but should not rely solely on physical or financial contributions. If an organization plans to host a donation drive, a hands-on, community-focused service activity must be required over purely financial or physical contributions. Students must engage directly with a service opportunity that aligns with the mission of a related community partner. Ex:

◌ Donating clothing: Dress for Success, St. Vincent de Paul, Matthew 25 Ministries

◌ Donating food pantry items: Bearcats Pantry, St. Francis Seraph, Our Daily Bread, Freestore Foodbank, CAIN (Churches Active in Northside), Meals on Wheels,  Shared Harvest Foodbank

◌ Baking goods for a fundraiser: Volunteer with the organization that these profits are intended to go to.

• Priotitize Learning and Reflection 

  In conjuction with donations, volunteers should engage in reflection activities that encourage critical thinking about the systemic issues contributing to unmet needs within our communities. This may be done through written reflections or group discussions, allowing students to deepen their understanding of social inequities and the root causes of community challenges. Example prompts could explore systemic inequality, the barriers to meeting basic needs, how service differs from charity, or challenge students to consider their role in addressing inequities.