Set Clear Goals and Objectives

Define your desired outcomes for the activity and create measurable goals and objectives to guide the planning process. Some examples of goals include number of kits created, veterans impacted, or items collected. We encourage you to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into your activity and be creative with your approaches.

Plan the Details

Determine the need 

• Research and identify a specific group or community that can benefit from preparedness kits. This could be shelters, food banks, churches, or retirement homes. Reach out to the place and determine the delivery date.   

Work with the the determined group of interest to create a list of the more needed basic supply items.

Some examples could include:      

• Water
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Multi-purpose tool   
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area 

Determine the collection methods

• Determine how and where items will be collected. Place collection boxes at various places, such as your school or the community, to increase awareness.

*Please do not include items with glitter – it may cause respiratory distress in patients with compromised respiratory systems.  

*Please do not include any open items, used or near or past their expiration dates.

Coordinate the Logistics

Set a date and time

• We suggest a collection window of 2 to 4 weeks.
• Packaging the preparedness kits requires at least an hour, depending on the number of items that need to be packaged.

Secure a venue

• Find a spacious venue (e.g., school gym or cafeteria) to host the packaging activity to assemble the kits.
  • You can also reach out to local stores, organizations, or workplaces to see if they are willing to be a Prepare and Share collection site. Make sure you communicate the goals and objectives of this activity. 

Assign roles and responsibilities

• Recruit club members, friends, and family to help with collection drive outreach and kit packaging. Include information about How to Prepare for Emergencies during your outreach and the packaging activity.
• This activity requires volunteers to collect and package the basic supply items. We also suggest assigning volunteers to take turns visiting the collection sites every month to monitor progress. 

Gather supplies

• Create a list of needed supplies and make arrangements to acquire them in advance. You will need items such as
  • Boxes for collecting the preparedness items. Tape the official Red Cross logo and list of items on the boxes before dropping them off at the collection sites.
  • Reusable bags, tote bags, or backpacks for packaging the preparedness kits. 
  • Include a list of the items in each preparedeness kits in a box when packing. 

Spread the Word

• Advertise the activity through various channels such as social media, email, and school announcements.
• Send a reminder with important details prior to the activity. 

Facilitate the Activity

• Run through Step 2 and Step 3 in advance and engage the participants throughout the activity.
• Make sure you inform your contacts at the collection sites before you drop off and pick up the collection boxes.
• Arrive early to set up the packaging activity by grouping similar items and making an assembly line so volunteers can easily package the totes.
• Work with the place where you will donate the preparedness kits to determine the best way to deliver the kits.

Debrief and Thank Your Volunteers

• Invite participants to discuss their experiences and capture lessons learned.
• Thank everyone who contributed and participated.
• Remind volunteers to record their hours through Volunteer Connection.