Asking for Donations Instead of Gifts

If you would like people bring donations to a good cause in lieu of presents for the birthday kid, the more specific you can be about where the donation is going, the better. People like to know what charity will be receiving their gifts.

Examples of local community organizations:

1. Library
2. Animal Shelter
3. Ronald McDonald House
4. Children’s Hospital
5. Women and Children’s Shelter
6. YMCA
7. Food Bank
8. Soup Kitchen
9. Salvation Army
10. Good Will

People typically are used to buying a gift for the birthday kid, so instead of asking for a straight cash donation, provide them with some specific ideas of things they can bring for that charity.

Call up the local charity and/or organization and ask what, in particular, it needs. Include this information in your invitation. As an example, the library may need donations of new books or the animal shelter may need leashes, kibble, and bones. Provide a list in a moderate price range.

By giving them a little information about the charity or organization and a list of things needed, you will be providing a very good guideline for donating to a charity in lieu of birthday gifts.

People will feel comfortable donating to a charity instead of bringing birthday gifts, and will have fun going out and purchasing a “gift” that is going to a good cause!