(scroll to the bottom of the page for forms & resource material)
Candy Day helps to generate not only the funds needed for the LIF to operate, but also to raise funds for local Clubs. This single event provides the arena for Lions, Lioness, & Leos Clubs the chance to tell the public who the Lions of Illinois are and what our Foundation is dedicated to providing Illinois citizens with vision and hearing loss.
There is no secret plan to Candy Day success. Simply plan ahead for the best locations, appropriate number of volunteers, and underwriters, combined with active publicity to make it a success. Enthusiasm will help boost any group who knows they have taken the proper steps to prepare.
There are three popular campaign types, although your Club may wish to adopt a variation to best fit their needs. Even the smallest Club can hold an effective campaign, if well planned.
1). Street Corner Solicitation
2). House to House Solicitation
3.) Underwriting Sponsors
4). Counter Card Contributions. We suggest for maximum benefit that Clubs combine counter collections with the other campaigns types.
This type of campaign is the most common approach used for Candy Day. Keep in mind to select areas of high usage, such as busy intersections, factories, street corners , shopping centers, and train or bus depots. Safety is of utmost concern for members in these environments. Dress your volunteers in matching bright Lions aprons or vests (the LIF has a supply of aprons with traditional colors of yellow & purple accented with the Lions Logo). Give each volunteer the chance to sign up for their hours. If the shifts are not full contact those members who did not have the opportunity to sign up, many will work when approached. Volunteers can be members, family, friends, senior citizens, even cooperative business and or community groups.
Each volunteer should have these tools including the apron:
For intersections, the best hours are between 6am & 9am, with evening rush hour running a close second. All day special stations should be manned in shifts so that every person in Illinois has the opportunity to give to help the vision & hearing impaired of Illinois.
This technique has been successful in many small communities and in rural areas. Member should wear identifiable aprons or vests, and carry donation canisters that clearly display the Lions Emblem or Club name. It is very important in this type of campaign that each volunteer be friendly and prepared to answer general questions about how the funds are used and about the Lions in general.
A form of door to door collection, called the porch light campaign, where advertisements ask those who wish to donate turn on their porch light at specific hours, can be quite effective. Members wearing matching aprons and carrying donation canisters with the Lions Logo can then go to each house with the porch light on.
The Lions of Illinois Foundation does have posters which can advertise Candy Day. These posters can easily be placed in businesses, post offices, and elsewhere to make the event known. In small communities their may even be the opportunity to distribute flyers to schools and churches, even local industries.
Each of the campaign strategies is further supported by underwriting, a means for local businesses, groups, or individuals donate the cost of a case, or more, of candy for your campaign. The person selected as the Underwriting Chairperson should concentrate there efforts especially at the beginning of the campaign. By recruiting Underwriting Sponsors possible Club profits can increase dramatically. The LIF can provide a sample letter to prospective underwriters and Underwriter Appreciation Certificates for participants. Also, each Club will receive a complete Candy Day packet with guidelines & paperwork for a successful Candy Day campaign
How many times have you donated money after you have received change at a store? This technique of providing a donation canister and candy at a cash register can be a highly successful strategy. The colorful collection cards, combined with candy, provide customers an impulse donation many are happy to make.
Clubs using this campaign should contact local businesses to gain their approval for a display. Canisters may then be delivered and monitored by the Club for collection. While children under 16 years of age cannot collect donations, they can be used to help deliver canisters. This is an excellent chance for youth groups, such as the Boy Scouts, to join in on a community project.
Counter card contributions can add up fast. Here are are the positive results that five Clubs enjoyed in 2004: Roselle Lions collected $11,500; Lombard Lions $8,795, Aurora Evening Lions $3,657, Mount prospect Lions 2,805, Darien Lions, $2,500, and Chicago Heights Lions $2,227.
Every Club can have a successful Candy Day campaign with the proper advance planning and an energized core of volunteers. Remember to include inactive members, they might be able to help. Don't fail to publicize Candy Day in advance and often. No event is successful if it is not advertised and welcomed by your members and communities. Most importantly say thanks to your volunteers, underwriters, and community. Hold a special meeting or celebration to recognize each of the underwriters, members, and the media for their support. Certificates of appreciation are available from the LIF for both volunteers & underwriter sponsors.
The following supplies are available to order from the Lions of Illinois Foundation by calling 815-756-5633. Forms may be downloaded by clicking on the selected form listed below. Every participating Club is sent a complete packet with necessary forms via mail.
The following supplies are listed on the the Candy Day Order form: