The Power of ONE

Kelsey Hayes, from Blake School
ran her own supply drive
collecting 40 bags of supplies
for Free Arts Minnesota.

I thought I'd tell you about an art supplies drive I performed this week with my neighborhood. All in all, I collected 40 bags of supplies and 1 monetary donation, and I think my process could be repeated across the state to benefit Free Arts even more.

I was given this list when I expressed interest in Free Arts Minnesota at a community service fair at the Blake Upper School.  I first composed a letter that explained who I am, what Free Arts is, and how one could help. I photocopied this sheet on bright paper and also photocopied a list of supply needs from Free Arts Minnesota.  

I then went into my local Byerly's and asked for 50 brown bags with handles for my project. I had been saving up bags for a few weeks, but I wanted to make sure I had enough. Then I stapled my flyer and the copied list to the bags and started to deliver them to my neighbors. I spoke with many of the residents of these households about Free Arts and how great of a cause it is, and gave them the bags with the papers. For those who didn't answer the door, I hung the bag on their door knob. I dropped of 81 bags, and got 40 bags of supplies in return.

I noticed that when I talked to people, they were more likely to donate. There was a very positive response from many because 1: it gave people a chance to recycle their art supplies they didn't need or use, 2: the drive was different from the usual door-to-door solicitation for money, and 3: Free Arts is a great cause.
 This was a great experience for me and it got me thinking about expanding the drive to a broader level and increasing the amount of supplies that Free Arts would receive. I have a process: an explanation flyer, a list of needs, and a thank you note. I think other students can use this process and really aid Free Arts. I also believe many grocery stores such as Cub, Lunds, and Byerly's will be interested in helping out because using their bags advertised their company to each household. There may be an opportunity to take what I've done here and expand it. I collected 40 bags, but could we make it 400? 4,000?

I really enjoyed the process of helping Free Arts and hope others will join in to keep their mission of healing an ongoing one!