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Best of Blog | 2015

Best of VolunteerSpot Blog in 2015

Check out what people were reading and sharing in 2015 with our round-up of top posts from the blog! Find them below by topic . . .

Volunteer Recruitment and Management

8 Ways to "Reach" Volunteers

Free Twitter Volunteer Recruitment Images

Volunteer Incentive Ideas

Maintaining a Successful Volunteer Program

5 Volunteer Manager Resolutions

30 Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Fundraising Ideas

Alternative / No-Hassle Fundraiser Idea

Holiday Fundraising Ideas for Schools and Nonprofits

Nonprofit Fundraising Trends

5 Easy Ways to Spread the Word About Your Fundraiser

8 Community Garden Ideas

 

Parenting / Family Giving 

15 Volunteer Ideas for Kids of All Ages

5 Ways for Families to Live Generously

Holiday Giving Ideas for Families

Strategies for Parents Overwhelmed by Kids' Apps

5 Organizational Tips/Tools for Busy Moms

Fun Summer Activities for Kids

 

Back to School / Classroom

8 Back to School Door Decorations

INFOGRAPHIC: School Volunteering 101

12 Back to School Night Games / Ice Breakers

Free, Online School Volunteer Interest Forms

4 Apps for Every Parent "Type"

6 Unique Teacher Appreciation Events

7 Classroom Carnival Game Ideas

Helping Kids Drink More Water

 

Sign-ups and Scheduling

Fall Carnival Sign-ups

Summer Sign-up Sheets (Potlucks, Parties)

Swim Meet Sign-up Sheets

Book Fair Volunteer Scheduling

Charity Race Sign-ups

 

 

 

 

 Also see:

Best of Blog 2014

Best of Blog 2013

Best of Blog 2012

Best of Blog 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 New Year's Crafts for 2016

Crafts for the New Year

Ring in the New Year with creative and fun crafts kids will love! 

Pop-Up Firework via Kids Craft Room

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Firework Rings via Fantastic Fun and Learning

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New Year Chalkboard Banner via Crafts Unleashed

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Wishing Tree via No Time For Flashcards

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Fireworks in a Jar via I Can Teach My Child

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Countdown Clocks via Buggy and Buddy

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Related Posts:

Your Go-To Resolution: Volunteer!

Holiday Class Party Ideas

5 Apps for Busy Moms During the Holidays

8 New Year's Potluck Dishes

Ideas for New Year's Potlucks

Whether you're ringing in 2016 with family, friends or neighbors, these New Year's inspired treats are sure to please!

Oreo Cookie Balls via Kenarry

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Mini Parfaits via Home Is Where the Boat Is

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Sakura Jelly via Hunger Hunger

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Coconut Champagne Cupcakes via Sugar and Soul

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Gold Glitter Cake Pops via Celebrations

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Eggnog Cheesecake via Baked By An Introvert

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Sparkly White Chocolate Mousse via Tablespoon

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Blue Velvet Cupcakes via Amy Bites

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Related Posts:

5 Apps for Busy Moms During the Holidays

5 Free Apps to Boost Parents Involvement

5 Steps to Potluck Perfection

Happy Holidays from Team VolunteerSpot

From our families to yours, may your holiday be filled with lots of love, family, friends, and FUN!

 

Don't miss our holiday resources:

Free eBook: Holiday Party Ideas for Kids

5 Ways to Recruit More Holiday Volunteers

Winter Bulletin Board Ideas

8 Winter Crafts for Kids

 

 

 

New: Mobile Sign-ups and Scheduling

Enhanced Mobile Features for Organizers

Organizing school and nonprofit volunteers with VolunteerSpot? Now you can do even more on the go! Whether you're standing in line at the grocery store and waiting with a little one in the doctor's office, in minutes you can monitor and manage your free, online sign-ups right from your smartphone!

From your mobile device, quickly:

Invite and message participants

Post sign-ups on social media

Access check-in sheets

Capture reports & sign-up data

And more!

Save time (and stress less) organizing volunteers, participants and school parents! Get started today >

 

Also see:

New > Easy Invitation Sharing with VolunteerSpot

How to Collect Money, Dues and Fees with VolunteerSpot

Organizing School Volunteer Interest Forms

 

7 DIY Holiday Gifts From Kids

Holiday Gifts the Kids Make

Grab the glue and paint and call the kids! It's time to DIY some festive and thoughtful gifts for grandparents, neighbors, coaches, friends, teachers, you name it! Check out these super creative ideas for DIY presents kids can make:

Oven Mittens via All Things With Purpose

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Photo Block via My Simple Obsession

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Personal Mug via Glued to My Crafts

 

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Photo Wreath via Crafting Chicks

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Pasta Decor via DIY Enthusiasts

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Photo Coasters via The Frugal Girls

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Waterless Snow Globes via Tidy Mom

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Related Posts:

8 Winter Crafts for Kids

6 Winter Carnival Games

Winter Bulletin Board Ideas

"Don't miss more great snack, craft and game ideas in our free eBook with FamilyFun! Teacher gift guide and room parent checklist too!"

Holiday Class Party Ideas for Kids from VolunteerSpot

 

VolunteerSpotlight | Simonton Elementary

Free, Online Parent Teacher Conference Scheduling

Susan, Special Education Teacher spends most of her time helping her students the best way she can at Simonton Elementary, Lawrenceville, GA. Find out how she is using VolunteerSpot to save time scheduling parent-teacher conferences.

Please tell us about your organization and coordination needs.

I work for Gwinnett County Public Schools at Simonton Elementary –a Title I school, where we are required to do parent conferences twice year. I use VolunteerSpot to set up my conference times so parents have the option to choose the time slot that they want. 

Please explain how you use VolunteerSpot.

I set up several different conference times over a period of four days. I send the link to all of my parents in an e-mail asking them to sign up and we also have a computerized 'daily report' for each child, which includes a link to sign up. 

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

Many teachers in my school send home a paper sheet asking parents to choose from several different times, the teachers then have to go through all of the returned papers and assign times, while at the same time trying to give the parents their first choice. I don’t have to worry about that with VolunteerSpot – it makes my life so much easier by saving me time, energy and paper!

What’s one piece of advice do you have for organizing parents?

My advice would be to use this 'free' resource! It makes life simple and easy, and you may end up getting more participants than you had originally anticipated. 

What else would you like people to know about your work in schools?

Public schools need your help; there are never enough volunteers or supplies. When a teacher asks for time, please give it to her. If a teacher asks for supplies, please consider donating as much as you can. If you, the volunteers and parents, don't supply these items, then everything comes out of the teacher's pocket. 

We salute Susan 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!

10 Snowman Crafts for Kids

Snowman-Inspired Activities for Kids

We love these DIY alternatives to your average snowman - and your kids will too! Great for class parties, winter carnivals or simply over holiday break - check them out >> 

Snowman Terra Cotta Pots via Home Dit

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Snowman Coffee Creamer Containers via The Fantastic Five

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Snowman Baseball Ornament via Grassy Branch Farm

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Snowman Giftable via Wholesome Mommy

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Snowman Mason Jar via Craft At Home

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Snowman Personalized Mug via DIY Home Sweet Home

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Snowmen Decor via In the Storm

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Sock Snowman via I Love This Pic

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Yarn Snowman via Made In A Day

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Snowman Candy Jar via Better Homes and Gardens

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Related Posts:

 Free Holiday Printables

5 Green Holiday Activities For Your Classroom

"Don't miss more great snack, craft and game ideas in our free eBook with FamilyFun! Teacher gift guide and room parent checklist too!"

Holiday Class Party Ideas for Kids from VolunteerSpot

 

Holiday Class Party Ideas

Family Travel Tips

Free eBook: 11 Expert Tips to Better Family Travel

Traveling with kids can be one of the hardest things a parent has to do - and during the holidays, it's even more chaotic! Stress less (and save time and money) with these hints, tips and tricks in our NEW free eBook with the experts at TravelingMom! Download and share today >>

In this eBook:

• Packing tips and tricks
• Fun ideas for helping kids lead
• Family safety musts
• Top-rated travel apps
• Easy ways to save money
• Stress-reducers for eating out
• And more!

Traveling this season? Download and share our free eBook: 11 Expert Tips to Better Family Travel

 

Also see:

6 Secrets to Family Road Trip Success

9 Must-Haves for Your Family Road Trip

Spring Break Safety Tips for Families

Family Road Trip Music Kids (and Parents) Love

 

9 DIY Ornaments for the Holidays

Ornament Crafts for Kids

Make your Christmas tree a little more DIY this year with these sentimental ornaments you can make with the kids. Check out these creative and fun ideas:

Painted Pinecone Tree via Paging Fun Mums

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Metallic Scribe via Ben Franklin Crafts Hawaii

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Hot Cocoa via Bubbly Nature Creations

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Glitter Designs via Create and Babble 

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Fingerprint Snowman via Buzzfeed

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Rolled Paper Christmas Tree via Her Tool Belt

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Paper Fan Ornaments via Whipperberry

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Jingle Bell Snowflake via Crazy Little Projects

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Scrabble Ornaments via Crafts By Amanda

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Related Posts:

8 Winter Crafts for Kids

Winter Bulletin Board Ideas

Classroom Winter Party Ideas

"Don't miss more great snack, craft and game ideas in our free eBook with FamilyFun! Teacher gift guide and room parent checklist too!"

Holiday Class Party Ideas for Kids from VolunteerSpot

 

5 Easy Ways to Spread the Word About Your Fundraiser

Fundraising Ideas

No matter if you have the best product, the most entertaining event, the hardest working volunteer staff – you name it – if people don’t know about your fundraiser, it’s going to be hard to ask them to contribute. For schools and teams, the typical note home or community flyer is proving to be an outdated standby without enough traction to really tip the needle. 

Break away from the traditional and try out these modern-age tech tools for getting the word out about your fundraiser!

1. SmartRaiser: What if you could give your entire team or school community access to your product or ticket sale fundraiser, right from the convenience of their mobile device? Enter SmartRaiser, the newest SMS and mobile store application for busy groups that are looking to raise money fast! Learn more

Save time and boost profits with easy-to-use mobile store and payment services plus NEW text-to-fundraise technology and social media integration tools. Get started

2. VolunteerSpot: Streamlining volunteer coordination and communication online with free sign-ups from VolunteerSpot means more volunteer participation and support for your big event. Spread the word about volunteer shifts and events news by posting your online sign-up links in emails, on social media, and via apps like Remind. Count on mobile access, eCalendar syncing and automated reminders to keep everyone track and showing up for the big day! Get started

3. Pinterest: Hosting a gala auction or carnival? Share pictures of auction items, centerpieces, decorations, carnival games and more with your school Pinterest community. Include event hashtags, i.e. #EastElemWinterCarnival, with links to the event landing page for more information. Follow our Fundraising Ideas board on Pinterest today.

4. Periscope: One of the hottest free trending livestream apps, Periscope allows your school-parent group or nonprofit leaders to livestream a fundraising event, webinar or conference right from their smartphone. Tweet and facebook links out to your school community during the event to encourage people to check out the attractions and boost last-minute attendance!

5. Instagram: Nothing boosts fundraiser turnout like awesome incentives that encourage participants to do something fun for a chance to win. For a live-action event like a carnival, Book Fair, or community night, ask parents and kids to snap a selfie with the school mascot or honorary guest and post on Instagram with the fundraiser hashtag. Hold a raffle based off those posts and count on the free publicity to help bring in some last-minute stragglers.

Thanks to SmartRaiser for this great post!
Check out their mobile store and text-to-fundraise program today, it's easy!

8 Candy Cane Crafts for Kids

Candy Cane-Inspired Activities for the Holidays

Break out the candy canes this Holiday season and have them inspire your planned Holiday crafts with your kids. Check out these ideas to incorporate the season's staple for some added decor. 

Candy Cane Name Ornament via Fun-A-Day

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Candy Cane Wreath via At The Picket Fence

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Candy Cane Platter via Munchkin Munchies

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Peppermint Monogram via Centsational Girl

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Candy Cane-Themed Vase via Pro Flowers

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Candy Cane Sleighs via Tips From A Typical Mom

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Peppermint Bowls via Purl Soho

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Puzzle Piece Ornaments via That's What {Che} Said

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Related Posts:

Winter Class Party Sign Ups

5 Green Holiday Activities for Your Classroom

Fun Holiday Kids Craft Ideas

"Don't miss more great snack, craft and game ideas in our free eBook with FamilyFun! Teacher gift guide and room parent checklist too!"

Holiday Class Party Ideas for Kids from VolunteerSpot

 

Busy Mom’s Holiday Survival Guide

5 Key Ingredients to Save Time & Stress Less this Holiday Season

Whether you’re shopping, decorating, or organizing the class party, the holiday season has likely got you strapped for time (and cash!). Check out our top 5 holiday survival tips and resources to save time and money this season, and make sure to share with your family & friends!

1. Print Shop: Transform your precious memories into magical gifts for your family, child’s teacher, friends and neighbors, and save BIG with Photobucket’s Print Shop and holiday giving guide. Discounts up to 80% off on Canvas Prints, Blankets, Photo Albums, Puzzles, Framed Prints, Holiday Cards – and more – available for a limited time. Shop now!

2. VolunteerSpot: Save time organizing holiday class parties, performances and potlucks with free online sign-ups from VolunteerSpot. Coordinate parent helpers, donations, holiday volunteers and even collect money for the teacher gift with VolunteerSpot’s free online scheduling and sign-up tool. 

Rely on 24/7 mobile access and eCalendar syncing keeps everyone on track too! Get started

3.. DIY Holiday Decorating Hacks: Spend less mula decking the halls this season with DIY decorating hacks for every occasion. Turn cheap plastic ornaments and a clothes hanger into a beautiful wreath like this crafter did:

Try these cute name labels and printables for your favorite potluck dish, click here. Or order personalized holiday Acrylic Blocks, Framed Prints and Blankets with Print Shop from Photobucket, big savings here.

4. Family Giving Guide: A great way to reduce stress and stay healthy is to volunteer with your family! Add family giving to the holiday calendar and find easy ways for you and your kids to help others and truly live the spirit of the season. 

• Donate gently used coats/blankets to a local shelter
• Volunteer at a foodbank together
• Pack sandwiches and water bottles in a pair of gloves to hand out to homeless people
• Write holiday cards for a local nursing home
• Bake a sweet treat for a new neighbor

More ideas in our free Family Volunteer Ideas eBook, click here. 

5. Easy Teacher Gift Ideas: Don’t torment yourself finding that perfect gift for your child’s teacher! Go with tried and true advice straight from teachers > think money, gift cards, gourmet coffees and tea, a handwritten card from your child, charitable donations, and personalized gifts (check out Print Shop for customizable oliday gifts and cards, click here). And don’t miss the NEW teacher gift guide in our Holiday Class Party eBook too.

Free eBook: Holiday Class Party Ideas

Teacher Gift Guide Too! | VolunteerSpot & FamilyFun

Whip up a magical and memorable holiday party for the kids this year with fabulous snack, craft and activity ideas in our brand new FREE eBook with FamilyFun - download and share it today! Plus, you'll find handy room parent checklists, free online class party sign-ups and teacher gift ideas too!

In this free Holiday Party Ideas eBook:

• Room Parent Checklist
• Holiday snack ideas for kids
• Multi-cultural holiday stories for kids
• Holiday craft and game ideas
• Teacher gift guide
• Kid-made teacher gift ideas
• And more!

VIEW AND SHARE THIS FREE EBOOK TODAY, CLICK HERE!

Also see: 

5 Apps for Busy Moms During the Holidays

Holiday Bulletin Board Ideas

8 Holiday Decorating Hacks

 

 

5 Organizational Tips & Tools for Busy Moms

Getting Organized in the New Year

What’s trending in organization tools for busy moms in the New Year? We’ve got you covered with a top 5 list of expert recommendations to help you save time and stress less in 2016!

1. Label, label, label: Save time tracking down your child’s belongings and get organized in the New Year with StickerKid name labels, wall decals and posters. With personalized stickers for everything your kid owns, wears and plays with, StickerKid offers an array of fun colors and designs for you and your child to choose from. An intuitive and quick selection and design process will have you ordering just the right labels in minutes – with iron-on versions for clothes too! Learn more


Bonus: Just in time for the holidays, StickerKid has great deals on holiday-themed wall decals, gift labels and posters for the home. Learn more

2. Use free online sign-ups: Busy moms do it all – wrangle class party helpers, manage team snack schedules, and keep the car pool calendar organized. There’s a simpler way than last-minute phone calls and frustrating ‘reply-all’ emails though! Free, online sign-ups make it easy to organize groups of people and projects of all sizes. Mobile access, eCalendar syncing and automated reminders keep everyone on track too. Try it for free!

3. Find an app for that: 2016 is officially closer to 2020 than it is 2010 – we’re living in the future and it’s time to start thinking like that! Chances are your pet peeve or biggest time management woe has an app solution. Having trouble keeping everyone on track with the family calendar. Try Cozi Family Calendar! Need to share team rosters and game schedules. Try TeamSnap! Looking for a mobile school directory for your PTA? Try DirectorySpot!

4. Routinely reduce: Make the New Year the time to stop acquiring and start giving. Place three boxes in the garage labeled “Can it,” “Consign,” and “Charity.” Routinely make the way through your house with the kids, be it once a month or once a season, and rid rooms of unwanted and gently used items to trash, sell or donate. Bonus: The free app, It’s Deductible, from Intuit helps you keep track of all the items you donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army etc. Learn more

5. Make use of line time: Waiting in the carpool line? How about at a doctor’s appointment? Stash key lists, bills and reminder notes in a tote bag in the car for you to tend to when you have a few minutes waiting. Return phone calls, check your volunteer sign-ups, pay bills, schedule appointments, etc. You’ll be glad you made use of what could be “wasted time”!

Our friends at StickerKid make it easy to label and keep track of your family’s belongings, but did you know they can also help your school raise money? It’s easy for schools to turn a profit selling items parents really need and love like customizable and iron-on labels, get started with the unique fundraiser today – click here!