NURSES II

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

nurses ii

first of all, let me begin by wishing all members and the staff of allnurses.com a great nurses weeek.

clearly then, some of you asked me to inform you on how did i go about setting up this fiasco for nurses week. point in fact, i belong to several committees where i work, and it was brought to my attention that our facility had in mind just to buy some coffee-mugs to hand out on nurses week and call it a day. as i stated on my previous post, the facility where i work had a budget of $600.00 dollars so i had to become creative, mind you it's not part of my duties. therefore, i have compiled this post on how did i addressed local businesses and got them to donate food and more for our nurse's week. having said that, getting free food and other items donated from businesses demands charisma, and a willingness to ask for what you want even though several people will tell you no. with that said, you must know when to back off when confronting such, although you will find it much easier to get food donations from businesses for use at an event or for an established facility. admittedly, you must create a donation letter asking local businesses to donate items to a cause or a raffle per say. furthermore, give example of what kind of donations you are looking for if you have a theme in mind, if not it is best to give examples to the individual company so you may not unknowingly exclude someone from giving. always include the name, number, and email address of those in charge when calling any business so any questions can be addressed, get familiar with the business courtesy; find out rather if the manager or business owner prefers people to just stop in or if they need a appointment. needless, to say, one can get the best results by visiting the restaurants and grocery stores in person. certainly, when making the call ask the hosts/ hostesses or managers who you need to talk to for food donations or items. pursuing this further, show them your organization credentials and/or event flyer and information sheet if you have them. for wholesalers and food warehouses, it is best to call ahead to connect with a contact person who can meet you at the warehouse. obviously, stay personable and friendly at all times, if someone tells you no move on to the next business on your list. unquestionably, businesses aren't in the business to give charity, but if you think about it there are bound to be ways they could benefit by giving, or being involved with future costumers. on the same level, sponsorship, advertising, being associated with a good cause, connecting people etc, gives them something to think about, like what they can get out of the deal, other than the feel good factor. however, sometimes managers will say they won't have time to sit and talk with you, so it's better to just walk in with your presentation ready to go, and just ask to talk to the manager for a few minutes advice them that is not regarding a compliant. generally speaking, i've gotten donations from just about every store you can think of, most of the time you need to do it in person, in your best professional attire; and with a formal letter on non profit letterhead. if you come prepared with the above mentioned, you'll usually walk out with a donation in one visit. to be sure, get together a group of your most trust worthy staff member that are willing to help you contacting companies. no doubt, if you have some staff members that just do not feel comfortable contacting local businesses, let them do other things to help but make sure to get information on any businesses they may have contacts with. granted, some individuals will feel only comfortable talking to businesses that have a relationship with and that is fine as well. of course, this is because most businesses are more inclined to give more or more often to organizations that they feel they have a relationship with. assuredly, you must be prepared for those staff members that commit themselves; however, when the time arrives they're nowhere to be found, or unable to perform the task. always have a plan b for this type of scenario. undoubtedly, a business will always be a business first when asking for donations for a cause or event always let them know how their donating can help them, as well. in addition, when they agree to sponsor or donate let them know you will bring them a receipt for their generous donation. because, the following year you might need them once again, and it's always good to keep doors open. in conclusion, if the parties involved show up to deliver the goods, ask everyone to join you by applauding their good gesture, this goes a long way. lastly, with the hopes that i have answered any concerns that you had regarding this subject, i once again would like to wish all of you a great nurses week... it doesn't matter if your celebration is big or small, just keep in mind the ones who really matter, value your efforts more than you'll ever know...aloha~:redbeathe

[LovedRN, BSN, RN]

Ohh wow. This is fast. I thought you will post in a couple of months or so.

Nice. Thank you.

I wish I could work with you. Hire me!!! I will be your best nurse!!!

[Old.Timer]

I am sorry, i just can't get on board going out all nursed up begging for money so we can hand out some little cha-cha or trinket or have a food party. I don't get into all the "fill in the blank" weeks with umbrellas and mugs and lunch bags. I would far more appreciate a sincere personalized note thanking me for x, y, z that I contribute to the unit or group etc . That would be meaningful to me. I know I sound like a big grouch........whatever :)

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

i am sorry, i just can't get on board going out all nursed up begging for money so we can hand out some little cha-cha or trinket or have a food party. i don't get into all the "fill in the blank" weeks with umbrellas and mugs and lunch bags. i would far more appreciate a sincere personalized note thanking me for x, y, z that i contribute to the unit or group etc . that would be meaningful to me. i know i sound like a big grouch........whatever :)

this is the reason why i wrote at the end the following....

it doesn’t matter if your celebration is big or small, just keep in mind the ones who really matter, value your efforts more than you’ll ever know…aloha~:redbeathe