How to Have a Goods Drive

Collect Food, Baby Products, Hygiene and/or Household Products

During the summer months, children don't receive free lunch at school and the demand for food at VEAP increases. Business, church and neighborhood food drives are especially needed in July and August but are important all through the year.

Things You Might Collect

• Food Certificates
• Gift Cards
• Hygiene Products
• Household Products
• Baby Products
• School Supplie (More about our Back-to-School Program)
• Holiday Gifts
• Office Supplies and Furniture
• Click here for our Most Wanted Items List

Five Steps to a Successful Goods Drive

1. Set a Goal
Set a goal for the amount of goods to be raised. Setting a target helps your group to build momentum. Goals can be set based on previous year’s drive amounts, based on the number of participants, or based on a number that means something to your group. For comparison purposes, count each dollar donated as equaling 5 pounds of food! Periodic updates on your progress maintain excitement throughout the event or drive.

2. Rally the Troops!
Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, faith or civic community groups are ready-made fundraising groups. Brainstorm fun ideas together and plan the event and the logistics of your campaign. Feel free to call VEAP at 952-888-9616 to let us know about your drive, so we can answer any questions you have and offer our resources.

3. Promote Your Goods Drive
Share information throughout your community and/or organization to raise involvement early in the process. Get the word out for your drive with posters, flyers, emails, newsletter articles, payroll inserts and public service announcements. Provide clear information about your goals, the types of donations you are looking for, a deadline for donations, and a contact person who can answer questions. VEAP has some general posters available for promotional use.

4. Determine the type of container for collecting the items.
VEAP has a limited supply of collection boxes that can be borrowed. Please pack boxes to weigh no more than 35 pounds. Arrange volunteers ahead of time to pack boxes and load items into vehicles.

5. Complete Your Drive
Your campaign has ended. It’s a success! It’s time to bring the donations to VEAP:
    9731 James Avenue S
    Bloomington, MN
We are open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am – 4pm, and Thursdays from 9am – 7pm.

Increase the value of your donation by delivering it directly to VEAP. Please call ahead if you expect to bring in more than 1,000 pounds (more than a mini-van full) so we can prepare for your delivery.

However, if you are unable to deliver, you can arrange to have VEAP pick up your donation. Please call 952-888-9616 and ask for the Food Program Manager to set up a pickup for Food items and the Seasonal Programs Manager for collections of Food certificates, Gift cards/certificates, School Supplies and Holiday Gifts.

Thank you for Giving where You Live.
VEAP greatly appreciates your generous support!