Growing up my parents always encouraged us to write thank you notes to people when they gave us gifts.
So, don't forget to write your thank you notes after you receive a donation! It only takes a few minutes and they are an important part of fundraising! Hand written ones are always the best, even if your writing is terrible.
I am telling you all this because I have personally written thank you's to everyone who has given us money or donated to our project. The responses from the notes have been terrific and most comments are the same: "thank you for the note, we have given money to other organizations in the past and never get a thank you, so thank you for saying thanks!"
Good luck.
Being on the PTA board, I always try to send a handwritten thank you card for helpers of various activities.
In December, when we built our Phase I, I received a few cards from students/classes throughout our school thanking me for my part in the project.
I still have them posted on my wall and I know they help me keep on going, as the project leader, when things are getting tough.
Thank you notes/cards are a must. Everyone needs to feel appreciated. Do them and you'll be glad you did.
~ Cindy in Washington State