Share advice or ask questions about hosting a kit build!

[Debbie Durham]

Are you Coordinating a Caregiver Kit assembly and you're not quite sure what to expect? A fun aspect about hosting a Caregiver Kit event is there are many different ways it can be done. Over time, we’ve learned no matter how much planning goes into an event, there’s is usually something the coordinator chooses to do differently next time. It’s practically a given! I’ll post tips that may also shine new light into the world of Caregiver Kit Event Coordinating :-) Let’s share the knowledge!

[Debbie Durham]

Tip #1: Box cutters, box cutters, box cutters!! You can never have enough box cutter blades on hand! I recently hosted a Caregiver Kit event and I was lucky enough to have 35 volunteers help with set up. I brought 8 box cutters blades, and thought that would be plenty. WRONG! We could have easily used 20. They come in very handy, not only for opening the boxes, but also for cutting the tops off the boxes.

[Debbie Durham]

Tip #2: Designate two volunteers (more or less depending on the size of your build) to take pictures throughout your Caregiver Kit event. You can put together a slide show with the pictures to show at the next church service. This is a wonderful way to celebrate in the great work you and your church did! There is something very gratifying about seeing everyone come together to help.

[Karen Schoenherr]

Thanks for this and the other great suggestions, Debbie! I think I found this site just in the nick of time!

-Karen

[Debbie Durham]

Tip #3: If you are using 2 assembly tables (or 4, 6, etc), try stocking the extra product between the 2 tables. The volunteers who are monitoring the assembly tables can stand between the tables, and the kit assemblers can go along the outsides of the tables to fill their kits. This is an easy way to help the volunteers stock the assembly tables!

[Debbie Durham]

Tip #4: Count before setting up. When the product arrives, your first inclination can be to get the boxes open and start setting up the assembly table(s). It's best to take a moment to look over the boxes and make sure everything has arrived in the correct quantities. If you're using multiple assembly tables, decide the quantities that should be at each table so they are equal. Move the boxes to the tables, then start opening them and setting up. This simple step in planning can help you catch potential errors early on, and it'll also prevent you from having to repeat any work. For precise information on taking inventory and determining equal quantities for multiple assembly tables, email [e-mail].

[Debbie Durham]

Tip #5: Don’t worry! You have my personal guarantee that I will help you every step of the way when you organize your Caregiver Kit assembly! I’ll give you all the support you need to pull off a great event, so please never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I am here to help you make this a wonderful experience for your group! The thought of coordinating a Caregiver Kit assembly may be intimidating to some who have never done it before. HOWEVER, I can’t tell you how many coordinators are surprised by how easy it actually is after the event is over!

My direct contact info – [e-mail] & 800-478-5481

[Debbie Durham]

Tip #6: Channel your group’s momentum. You raised money, purchased the product and got a passionate group of people together to assemble Caregiver Kits. You did it! You have empowered your group to make a life changing difference for those in need. Now, don’t lose the momentum!

Here are two ways you can equip your volunteers to stay engaged: 1) Give all your participants the new Special Edition: Caregiver Kits Gift Catalog. This catalog has 10 ways to make a positive difference in the life of another. 2) Have each of your participants create their own account on this site. This will keep them up to date with the Caregiver Kit program and the latest AIDS statistics.