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Best of Blog | 2014

Check Out the Best of the VolunteerSpot Blog 2014:

See what had people reading, sharing and getting inspired in 2014 - from volunteer management news and trends, to time-saving apps, class party ideas & more >>

Parent School Resources:

5 Free Apps to Boost Parent Engagement in School

Don't Say No to Volunteering in School

5 Tools to Organize Your School Parent Group

Teacher Appreciation Week Survival Guide

5 Ways to Go Paperless at School

Event & Fundraising Ideas:

6 Carnival Food Station Ideas

35 Field Day Prize Ideas

Messy Carnival Booths Kids Love

11 Ways to Make Your Festival Booth Stand Out

Last-minute Halloween Party Ideas

Volunteer Participation & Coordination:

25 Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

6 Things to Say to Grow Your Volunteer Base

10 Family Volunteer Day Ideas

5 Steps to Promoting Your Cause at Big Events

Volunteer Appreciation Printables

5 Things Nonprofits Should Be Doing

Just for fun!

Fun April Fool's Day Pranks for Parents

7 Fun, Educational Rewards for Students

5 Ways Busy Moms can Capture Family Memories

Fun Team Snack Ideas for Kids

33 Random Acts of Kindness

8 Holiday Decorating Hacks

Feel Good Friday | Inspiring News of Hope & Kindness

 

Related:

Best of Blog 2013

Best of Blog 2012

Best of Blog 2011

 

 

New Campus Plan Features Makes Organizing Even Easier!

Posting Sign-ups to Group Pages

Just in time for the New Year, VolunteerSpot is making it easier than ever for your school  to get organized! Our brand new update now lets ANY organizer in your Campus Plan add Sign-ups to your Group Pages (without adding them as an Assistant Organizer) - whoop!

This help article describes how easy it is, click >> How can another organizer post a sign-up to my Group Page?

Group Pages allow organizations & schools with lots of sign-ups, i.e. for the Spring Carnival, specific grade activities, Booster Club events, you name it, post them all in one location for parents and volunteers to access and sign up. To get started, simply create your school's new Group Pages, and give other Organizers permission to add their Sign-ups to it. You can then open your Group Page to change the sort order of the activities listed. Learn more

 

Also see:

Campus Plan from VolunteerSpot

New Feature: Quick List Builder

Auto-fill Feature Makes It Easy to Schedule Spots

 

 

Happy Holidays

From our VolunteerSpot family to yours . . .
Have a Very Merry Holiday Season
& a Happy New Year!

Winter Bulletin Board Ideas

Bulletin Board Ideas for Winter

Check out these fun and creative bulletin board ideas for those chilly winter months . . .

Some People Are Worth Melting For (via MyCarolinaClassroom)

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Weather Outside (via GrowingKidsMinistry)

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It's "Snow" Secret (via Pinterest)

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Brrrrr (via KinderTeacher)

 

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Sliding Into a New Year (via HandMeDownIdeas)

 

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Reading Makes You Bright (via MyClassroomIdeas)

 

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Cool to Be Kind (via CorneronCharacter)

 

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Warm Up With a Good Book (via Pinterest)

 

 

Related:

7 Fun, Educational Rewards for Students

Pun-tastic Bulletin Board Ideas

 

VolunteerSpotlight | Best Friends Animal Society

Free Online Signups Power BFAS Volunteer Efforts

Cheers to Monica Blair, Best Friends Legal Analyst shares her experience organizing volunteers and how VolunteerSpot is her go-to!

1. Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.

Best Friends is a national animal society that has a sanctuary in Angel Canyon in Southern Utah, but also sponsors fundraising events in several cities around the US.

Strut Your Mutt is an annual fundraiser that not only raises money for the Best Friends sanctuary, but also for local shelters, rescues and animal benefactors, through Best Friend’s partnerships with those local organizations.

This year’s Houston Strut Your Mutt was fortunate to have more than 100 volunteers! The volunteers helped walkers get signed in, handled entertainment, crowd control, event set up and break down – basically every position required to present an event that was attended by more than 1,100 people in Houston.

2. Explain how you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate these volunteers.

This was our second year to use VolunteerSpot for Strut Your Mutt in Houston. We recruit and sign up our volunteers through Best Friends.org and then the volunteer information is passed on to a local coordinator. This year in Houston, it was I.

3. Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

I chose Volunteer Spot because several of last year’s volunteer coordinators, in various cities, used Volunteer Spot and had high praise for the service. It was my first year as a volunteer coordinator and I needed all of the help that I could get!

4. What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there?

Using Volunteer Spot was invaluable for me. I always knew our volunteer status was able to move around, change or entirely eliminate or add positions. One piece of advice for volunteers is to sign up early, but be flexible, in case the volunteer needs change. My advice for volunteer coordinators is to really encourage all of your volunteers to sign up via Volunteer Spot!

5. Anything else you’d like our readers to know about your organization or volunteering?

Best Friends is a very compassionate organization with the goal of “Save Them All.” We have incredible volunteers who gave 110 percent to the Houston Strut Your Mutt this year. Best Friends has many fundraisers, initiatives and programs that benefit all types of animals throughout the United States. It is hard not to get involved when you see those beautiful animal faces on the website and read about all of the good that Best Friends does!

We salute Monica and all the other teachers and volunteers making a difference in their communities.  Check out how VolunteerSpot’s Volunteer Software can save you time and stress and boost parent involvement in your school. Take a tour today!

5 Steps to Potluck Perfection

Holiday Potluck Hints & Tips

Scrambling to coordinate a last-minute holiday potluck or party? Follow these 5 steps and you'll be smooth sailing before you know it:

1. Set up an online potluck signup: Quick - go here and quickly schedule all your potluck needs, i.e. vegetarian main dish, appetizer, drinks, side, meat entree, etc. Rely on mobile access, eCalendar sync and automated reminders to keep everyone on track. Did we mention they're free online signups, get started now - click here!

2. Make cool food labels and card holders: Take your holiday event to the next level with creative food card holders that help keep all your dishes organized and even share recipes for each with all your guests. Click here

3. Find the perfect dish on Pinterest: It sounds cliche, but seriously, Pinterest is your go-to resource for delicious recipes & potluck ideas including dishes that fall under gluten-free, vegetarian, sugar-free, and really any dietary restriction you can imagine. Follow our popular potluck ideas board today.

4. Pull off these easy holiday decorating hacks: Add all the festive flair and flavor to make your potluck shine with these time-saving, DIY decorating hacks. 

5. Stash an emergency kit: You'll be glad you did. Stock up on extra napkins, baggies, crackers, chips, salsa, tooth picks, nuts, painter's tape and a sharpie (for labeling your guests' containers) and crayons and paper for the kids. Whip this baby out if things go awry or you're short on snacks.

 

 

Related:

More Holiday Decorating Hacks

Online Potluck Signup Sheets

8 Fun Potluck Themes

VolunteerSpotlight | Christmas Clearing Council

Cheers to Sarah Hein, Christmas Clearing Council Board Member for using VolunteerSpot to improve event organizing!

The Christmas Clearing Council spreads joy to numerous children during the holidays. With the help of their friends and now VolunteerSpot, the CCC plans to successfully bring Christmas joy to more people this year.

1. Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.

The Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County has promoted and coordinated giving to local families in need during the Christmas season since 1949. We provide a clearinghouse that matches these families with area groups, families and businesses, who wish to help those less fortunate on a person-to-person basis. The Christmas giving program includes a sponsorship, a Toy Shop and gift certificates for older children (ages 12-18) who were not matched with a sponsor. Each eligible child receives the value of about $60 in gifts.

We staff more than 50 volunteers working between six and 30 hours each season. Volunteers host toy drives and organize groups to sponsor families. With the help of more than 900 volunteers in three days, we organize a Toy Shop that provides gifts to more than 1,000 children, aged from birth to 11, who have not been matched with a sponsor. We estimate that several thousand-community members give generously to help struggling families by donating toys or money, sponsoring families, and volunteering in our office or at our Toy Shop.

2. Explain how you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate these volunteers.

VolunteerSpot will help us schedule Toy Shop volunteers in seven different shifts over a three-day period and send reminders with parking instructions. It will save us hours of staff time coordinating this event.

3. What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there? Remember who are doing this for and why.

4. Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

We wanted to improve the process for volunteers and reduce staff time spend managing the schedule.

5. Anything else you’d like our readers to know about your organization or volunteering?

Our program provides services only to Waukesha County families. Without our volunteers there would be no program. We succeed because people give generously of their time and treasure.

We salute Sarah and all the other teachers and volunteers making a difference in their communities.  Check out how VolunteerSpot’s Volunteer Software can save you time and stress and boost parent involvement in your school. Take a tour today!

Teacher Gift Guide

Gifts for Teacher 

You don't have to go broke or pull out your hair scrambling to find that perfect gift for your child's teacher. We've done the research for you and found the best teacher gift advice out there - check it out:

SoloMomTakesFlight is dishin' big time on Teacher Gifts that Don't Suck, she writes

"Teachers have your kids and at least 19 other adorable troublemakers for about 7 hours a day. Sure your kids’ teacher may not drink but guess what is easily regiftable? Booze. Its win-win."

Find out what your teacher drinks or stick with a staple (red wine anyone? or some champagne for New Year's?). 

Our guest blogger, Pernille Ripp, shares the Do's and Don'ts of Teacher Gifts, including the best gift in her mind - the handwritten note . . .

"Do write a note. Often this is the best present we can get.  If a teacher has shaped your life somehow or if you like what they are doing - tell them. This present beats all of the other presents hands downs every year.  I have half of a drawer filled with the notes I have received and I pull them out on days when I need a pick me up."

Keep it simple but heartfelt, and include your child's own words.

Our friends at CoolMomPicks asked teachers what they love to get and one of their top answers, books! They share, 

"One of the top gift requests from teachers by far, is a book. We found so many teachers who would love to receive something for their library or even a book store gift card so they can purchase what they need for their classroom."

Having your child sign the book with the year adds that great personal touch - as does a beautiful bookmark.

In addition to booze, books, and notes, also on the list:

• A charitable donation in the teacher's name
• Chocolate (the good stuff)
• Gift cards (even small ones)
• School supplies
• An event (i.e. free babysitting, massage, etc)
• A lunch or latte delivery

 And don't miss more great ideas in our free eBook:

Greatest Gifts For Teachers & Teacher Appreciation Week from VolunteerSpot

 

Feel Good Friday | December 2014

Check out our favorite stories of inspiration, compassion and GOOD news:

Man inspires kids with same genetic disorder as him
via BuzzFeed

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Random Acts of Pasta | Feeding the Homeless
via SunnySkyz

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UPS driver makes little boy's dream come true
via YouTube

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The U.S. Air Force Band conducts a flash mob at the Smithsonian
via LittleThings.com

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NFL player making millions, quits to farm and feed the hungry
via BusinessInsider

 

 

Related:

Feel Good Friday (November)

Feel Good Friday (October)

Feel Good Friday (May)

Feel Good Friday (June)

Feel Good Friday (July)

Feel Good Friday (August)

 

5 Gifts that Give Back

Give While You Get This Holiday Season

 Check out our top list of holiday gifts that give back, and do GOOD while you give this season:

1. Yoobi > Colorful, quality school supplies from Yoobi make fabulous stocking stuffers and teacher gifts. Plus, every Yoobi item you buy gets another item donated to a classroom in need! Shop now

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2. Soko + UNTF Bracelet > Proceeds from each bracelet purchased benefit the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women (UNTF). Get it now

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3. Faircloth Supply > Check out high-end classic fashion Faircloth Supply where one school uniform is donated to a girl in Nepal for every item bought. Through their partnership with General Welfare Pratisthan (GWP), the girls receiving these uniforms are enabled to attend school and achieve the education they rightfully deserve. Shop now

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4. Kiehl's Spa Set > This deluxe set of Kiehl's customer favorites for skin and hair make the perfect gift - and 100% of Kiehl’s net profits up to $100,000 from the US sales of this Limited Edition set will support Feeding America®. Get it now

 

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5. Oxfam Gifts > Shop OxfamAmericaUnwrapped to pick out a symbolic gift for a friend or loved one that provides funds and opportunities for Oxfam beneficiaries around the world. Per their website, "Oxfam creates lasting solutions by working with communities and listening to people when they tell us what they need to change their own lives, whether it’s a dozen baby chicks or a chance to start a small business." Shop now

 

 

Related:

Shopping for Good | Cause Shopping

Your Guide to Holiday Gift Guides

The Busy Mom's Holiday Survival Guide

 5 Steps to Stress-Free Holidays

Does your holiday to-do list have you in a frenzy? Could you cry at the sight of your family calendar this month? While we all wish the holidays were more like this:

. . . the simple truth is, they aren't - especially not for busy moms. Not to fret! We have your 5 steps to stress-free holiday fun right here.

1: Enter to Win a Lifetime of See's Candies! What's better than knowing you could win the most delicious chocolate for life? Plus daily prizes of candies and other goodies up for grabs too! Exp. 12/12/14. 

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2. Don't cry when the holiday cookies don't turn out absolutely perfect. Laugh at #PinterestFails instead, like Mr. Snowman here >>

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3. Keep class party crafts and snacks simple. The great thing about the holidays is that pretty much anything looks like a reindeer if you have googly eyes and a red craft ball handy. Snack pack anyone? More ideas on Pinterest

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4. Coordinate holiday events and potlucks online. Forget 'reply-all' email chains and last-minute phone calls that leave you stressin' - use free online sign-ups with reminders and eCalendar sync instead! Trust us, you'll be 'Target Lady' happy when you do. Get started

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5. Get that holiday work out in. Remember, exercise releases endorphins which make you happy. So do tannins . . .

 

Have a happy holiday season!

 

Related:

8 Food & Name Card Holders for the Perfect Potluck

8 Holiday Decorating Hacks

10 Peppermint Party Ideas

5 Hot Cocoa Stand Ideas

We love adding a hot cocoa stand to a big winter event like a fundraiser, class party, winter carnival, volunteer appreciation party or even a potluck! Check out these 5 creative hot cocoa stand ideas below . . .

A Side of Gingerbread via We Heart It

 

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Perfect Printables via How Does She

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Ornaments On-the-Go via Bubbly Nature Creations

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Hot Cocoa Bar via Hostess With the Mostess

 

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Decked Out Cocoa Stand via Giggles Galore

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Related Posts:

8 Food & Name Card Holders for the Perfect Potluck

8 Holiday Decorating Hacks

10 Peppermint Party Ideas

10 Peppermint Party Ideas

Peppermint Snacks & Decorations for the Holidays

Add a festive red and white peppermint punch to your holiday events with this fab collection of snack and decoration ideas! Great for a potluck, class party, you name it!

White Chocolate Peppermint Oreos via Kara’s Party Ideas

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Peppermint Cupcake Stand via Pizzazzerie

 

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Peppermint Topiaries via Stephanie Lynn

 

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Peppermint Sugar Scrub via Mommy Musings

 

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Peppermint Ornaments via Centsational Girl

 

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Peppermint Cheesecake Dip via Food Folks Fun

 

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Candy Cane Vase via Pinterest

 

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DIY Peppermint Wreath via All Things Handmade

 

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Peppermint Chow via Sally’s Baking Addiction

 

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Peppermint Marshmallow Dip via Rose Bakes

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Related Posts:

Holiday Decorating Hacks

DIY Holidays Gifts Kids Can Make

8 Food & Name Card Holders for the Perfect Potluck

Volunteer Recruitment Ideas

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Recruit More Holiday Volunteers

The holidays boast a range of volunteer needs > from bell ringers to service project doers, from class party helpers to fundraiser volunteers, the list goes on. Boost turnout and participation with these go-to tips & ideas:

 

1. Use free online sign-ups: Set up an online schedule or volunteer calendar so the opportunity to sign-up and offer to help is more available to everyone during the hectic holiday season. 24/7 access from a computer or mobile device makes it easy for everyone to get involved, and automated reminders keep everyone on track. Try it for free now

2. Socialize your need: Spread the word about your organization's special holiday service needs - tweet about it, post on facebook, even Instagram and pin it! Don't have active social communities, connect with organization members who do and make them ambassadors of your message and opportunities.

Related: Tweeting for Help, 8 Best Practices

3. Don't forget about your website: Those volunteers looking to serve this season will seek you out - and they'll do it online! These are the folks you really want to capture and bring on board. Don't forget to put links to your online sign-ups right from your website. Display upcoming volunteer opportunities very visibly too along with contact info and links to social channels for new-comers to learn more.

Related: 10 Ways to Pump Up Your Volunteer Webpage

4. Invite volunteers to invite others: The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, and what better way to boost turnout for your holiday service project then to encourage volunteers to bring others with them! This warm introduction to your organization will encourage new-comers to return again on their own.

5. Be specific about what you need: The holidays can be chaotic so help your volunteers out by being specific about what is needed, i.e. exact dates and shift times, tasks to be completed, donations to be collected. People serve because they want to feel like they are helping others - giving them real jobs and goals helps them acheive satisfaction in making a difference.

 

Also see:

6 Things to Say to Grow Your Volunteer Base

10 Ideas for Volunteer Recruitment

Facebook Tips for Volunteer Engagement

5 Giving Tuesday Ideas

Make Giving a Holiday Priority

Scoring the best deals doesn't have to be a Black Friday or Cyber Monday-only affair. The best gift this season is what you give to others. Join the #GivingTuesday movement sweeping the nation and get caught up in the spirit of helping others . . .

1. Donate to your favorite charity: Get online now and make a donation to make a difference. Whether it's your favorite national cause or a local nonprofit with a special place in your heart, your contribution big or small is a great way to get involved on Giving Tuesday.

2. Spread the word online: Giving Tuesday is largely a social media initivate driven by people sharing how they are giving back - follow hashtags #GivingTuesday and #unselfie. Giving Tuesday crosses generations, cities, states

3. Serve with a charitable organization: Get out and DO GOOD on Giving Tuesday. Volunteer at your local food bank of animal shelter, cook a meal for a homeless shelter, help an elderly neighbor run errands, clean up your local park, the ideas are endless! Connect with a local organization taking part in the movement or coordinate your own service project with family & friends.

4. Donate goods & items: Make Giving Tuesday your deadline for cleaning up and cleaning out - find gently used coats, blankets, hats, and scarves and take them to a local re-store or rescue mission. Go out and buy kids toys and drop them at a local toy drive or giving tree.

5. Just give: Get out and give - hope, help, love, kindness, smiles - whatever you can, wherever you can, however you can.