Funding Our Summer of Service

Unfortunate as it is, sometimes the service we want to do takes more than just a sacrifice of our time. 

Sometimes it takes cold, hard cash. 

And that's where this project comes in . . .

 !!

We have actually done a yard sale fundraiser every summer for the last few years, and it is a GREAT way to get an extra chunk of cash to donate without dipping into your budget.  For the last two years, as I have traveled with HELP International, we have supported that and I also let my boys choose another non-profit they wanted to give to.  It helps give them purpose and get them excited about the whole endeavour.  One year, Corbin had seen the devastating effects of the earthquake that hit Haiti and so we decided to contribute to UNICEFs work there.  The next year, we participated in a walk for some family members who have Cystic Fibrosis, so we gave money there.  It makes it more meaningful when your kids understand who and what they are doing all this work for!

This year, our fundraising was two-fold again.  We knew we could do more with our Summer of Service if we had more financial resources, so about 1/3 of the money we made is set aside for our awesome projects.  The rest of it is the beginning of the savings for my 9-yr old's first humanitarian trip (which will actually occur when he is 10).  We don't have all the details yet, but we're thinking Peru?  So needless to say, he was on board and excited about raising money.

Corbin and his cousin manning the "treat table".

The one important thing (ok, two) we learned this year, that in all my expert experience I hadn't taken into account - always do it Friday and Saturday if you can and DON'T do it on a weekend when there are literally dozens of other yard sales going on.  We didn't make nearly as much money as we have in past years and I think this is probably one of the biggest factors.  So plan accordingly. 

If you want to read other tips, check out this previous post.  And don't wait until you're rich to start being philanthropic - plan your yard sale and donate now!