For civics we have to do a community service project. I have decided to do something for the Haitian earthquake. Based on what I've read, money is better than supplies. So I'm looking for ways to raise money that are fun/require little effort on part of the donor, and are simple enough for a school environment. Do you know of any offhand?

Have students donate loose change in their pockets

Hold a car wash

Sell candy and cookies to students after school

Ask students to volunteer to do lawn chores for people in your community. Accept donations from the people served.

Yes, there are several fun and simple ways to raise money for a cause like the Haitian earthquake relief effort in a school environment. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Coin Drive: Organize a school-wide coin drive where students and staff can donate spare change. Set up collection jars in classrooms or a central location, and provide regular updates on the progress towards the fundraising goal.

2. Bake Sale: Host a bake sale where students, teachers, and parents can contribute homemade baked goods. This could be a one-day event or a weekly/monthly occurrence to maximize donations.

3. Dress-Down Day: Organize a "Dress-Down Day" where students and teachers can pay a small fee to wear casual clothes or a specific theme. This can be a fun and easy way to raise money while also encouraging participation.

4. Craft Sale: Organize a craft sale where students can make and sell their handmade crafts. This could include items like friendship bracelets, artwork, keychains, or other creative products.

5. Fundraising Events: Host special fundraising events, such as a talent show, movie night, or sports tournament, where participants can buy tickets to attend. You can also consider partnering with local businesses or sponsors to donate prizes or support the event.

To make your fundraising efforts successful, here are some additional tips:

1. Spread the Word: Utilize various communication channels to inform the school community about the fundraising initiative. This can include announcing it in school newsletters, posting on social media, creating posters, or delivering classroom presentations.

2. Set Clear Goals: Clearly define your fundraising goals, whether it's a specific monetary target or a certain number of donations. Sharing these goals will create a sense of achievement and motivate others to contribute.

3. Provide Incentives: Consider offering small rewards or incentives to encourage participation. For example, you could create a friendly competition between grade levels or offer recognition for the class or individual who donates the most.

4. Express Gratitude: Remember to show appreciation to all donors, whether it's through personalized thank-you notes, certificates of recognition, or public acknowledgments.

Remember, the key to successful fundraising is effectively communicating your cause, creating a sense of community involvement, and making it easy and enjoyable for people to contribute. Good luck with your community service project!