Author |
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Egbok
Member
07-13-2000
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 12:27 pm
I'm looking for our wonderful and creative TVCHer's to help me out!!
During a week in April, it's National Volunteer Appreciation Week. I would like to put together a little something for the 250 high school student volunteers that I oversee at our hospital. I was thinking of passing out a candy bar with a note of thanks tied on with ribbon. Can any of you come up with a short and sweet rhyming ditty, to say thank you for volunteering at our hospital? And what kind of candy bar do most teenagers like these days? Or do you have another suggestions for me to distribute, rather than a candy bar. I'm open for all and any suggestions. Thanks TVCHers!!
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 12:56 pm
ipods! 
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Maris
Member
03-28-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 12:57 pm
Why dont you all design a button for them to wear with the date. Include that with your thank you note. It would last longer than a candy bar and you could do something fun. http://www.affordablebuttons.com/index.html
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 1:38 pm
A Tshirt? A certificate? Also do they get community service hours? If you go with the candybar idea then you may have to have different kinds of candybars for their different tastes.
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 1:41 pm
I think the buttons is a great idea. If you go with candy, a plain Hershey bar should be good for 99%. You can make them a certificate too, maybe something some of them would be proud to frame.... A t-shirt is good too, but may be too costly depending on your budget.
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Heyltslori
Member
09-15-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 1:55 pm
A "sweet" little thank you for all that you do. Just so you know we appreciate you! Thank you...thank you... I'll be here all week. 
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Eeyoreslament
Member
07-20-2003
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:17 pm
I like the certificate idea, as it is something they can display, or use in a resume binder as a volunteer achievement.
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Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:22 pm
all high schoolers these days love those silicone bracelets. if you're doing 250 of them, you can get a pretty good discount. pretty close to the candy bars, and theirs would be embossed with something you want said.
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Calamity
Member
10-18-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:33 pm
I was a candy striper in high school. Very rewarding experience. I like the idea of a certificate thanking them for their work. Maybe you could also give them inexpensive gift certificates to local restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:35 pm
I have to say that's a great idea, landi.. if there is time for Eggie to get them ordered.. Certificates are nice but they should get them anyway once a year with their hours and I'd think they would automatically get a letter that could be used in many ways.. But perhaps a personal letter from you with whatever little gift you select? I like the bracelet idea.. it would be a bonding thing and also sort of an advertisement.. other kids would ask about it.
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:38 pm
You might also get some donations from local businesses.. like coupons to McDonald's or .. whatever. Last time I went to give blood I got a coupon for some deal on Cold Stone Creamery.. it was a special by the ice cream place specifically to be given out by the Red Cross as they deemed appropriate. Lots of possibilities, MsEggie!
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Egbok
Member
07-13-2000
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 4:36 pm
Wowza! I love these ideas!! My budget is very, very limited...however, I'm planning on putting in my own money to make it more special for these kids! Hey Lori....keep those ditties coming...I loved the first one!! And anyone else with this awesome talent!! C'mon, I know you're out there!! Where's Fanny!!?? LOL... landileeleigh, what are silicone bracelets?? (They don't have boobies on them, do they...LOL!! You know I'm just joking!!) Mocha, a lot of them do this for required community hours and some are here because they want for their own reasons. They want to see what goes on in a hospital environment and as a volunteer, they get to go "behind the scenes". And I do like the idea of a certificate for them to have a a keepsake as well...excellent idea!! Okay, keep the ideas pouring in...I'm excited about pulling together a great little "gift" as my own thank to them during the Recognition Week. gotta get back to work....bye!
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:20 pm
When do you need this by? Maybe email me the name of your hospital and I can come up with something or I know dh can, he's more artistic than I am. A colorful certificate shouldn't break the budget I think. Or get some of that pretty printer paper from Staples or Office Depot. Then again it's for 250 people, hmm.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:32 pm
Ok here are some gold seals I found on the Staples site: Add a touch of authenticity to your award certificates Embossed foil seals Choose from two designs in shimmering gold foil 1" x 1" 15/Pack for $1.99 per pack.
And certificate paper: Express yur appreciation or offer encouragement to employees, students and associates Easy to customize instructions inlcluded in the package Printed on 60lb paper Laser and inkjet printer and copier compatible 8 1/2" x 11" 100/Pack for $6.89 per pack
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Draheid
Moderator
09-09-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:52 pm
Perhaps you could get a bunch of digital pictures of the surroundings where they volunteer, maybe shots of as many of them as possible in their volunteer roles, then compile a slide show onto a CD for them. Assuming of course that you have a CD burner and the time to burn 250 CDs, the cost of the materials is fairly low. And you could add extras like a digital certificate and/or letter of appreciation, etc which they could then print themselves if they want. Good luck. If I can help in any way, just let me know.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:54 pm
Also think about something in aubergine. 
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Escapee
Member
06-15-2004
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:54 pm
The good thing about a certificate is this: They can use it in a portfolio for future job interviews and applications. Make it very professional and maybe even have the cheif of staff sign it as well, if possible. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
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Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:55 pm
eggie, you go 'splainin things to me again, and i'm gonna be ruined for life! here's the link: http://www.pinsource.com/home/en/new_products/wrist_bands/custom_wristbands.html
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 6:11 pm
Eggie, you might even be able to get some of the docs to pitch in some funds!! LOL, Mocha.. something in aubergine would be very nice and if Juju was around she'd want it to be names juju. Those are great supplies you found.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 8:06 pm
LOL Lori!!!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 8:07 pm
I like the certificate idea
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 8:29 pm
Hey, Eggie. Cool program!! I love Lori's ditty, the certificate suggestion, and the idea of those bracelets. I do think those bracelets are the in thing right now--and I guess that boys wear them, too. Right, landi? Here's how I handled something similar: For 10 years, I worked with our company's annually-selected YWCA Black Achiever and approximately 100 kids from local high schools who attended the program at my place of employment. I typically prepared: 1. A printed program of the event's agenda and honorees. I printed it on a pastel sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper, folded into thirds (a secretary or someone in communications could do that for you). On the front: a catchy title, company logo, the Program name and the date of the event. Inside spread: The event's agenda (with times) and all speakers' names. The back: all the children's names. Each year, besides the file I kept, the printed program became a kind of historical document. It helped us remember what was done from year to year, and by whom. 2. A tour of the building (you won't need that!) with hosts from various depts. Speech (with microphone) by honoree to (child) guests. Not about company, but meant to motivate kids about their future and their choices. 3. A personalized certificate of thanks for each participating child. I produced these myself on the PC, using a template our designer made for me--much like the frames you see in the prepared papers Mocha displayed in her response. The base copy was the same, with Program name, honoree, company name and logo and the date of the event. Then I was able to personalize them by including an individual child's name on each. These were placed in clear plastic (flexible) holders so they wouldn't get ruined easily. 4. A goodie bag filled with goodies. I used plastic bags (with handles) featuring our company name, and filled it with all of the freebie marketing gizmos I could get my hands on. Your communications dept/marketing/PR areas probably have a wonderful stash of items--all emblazoned with your hospital's name: including visors, koozies, bandaid packs, T-shirts, pencils, pens, health-related giveaways. Heck, we had softballs with the company logo on them. Course the same items were placed in each bag. They loved their goodie bags! Now, if that is not possible: I would not give a candy bar because you represent the health field. Instead, I would give a packet of fresh almonds (heart-healthy treat--can be ordered online or thru company vendors) or maybe something like a bottle of water with your logo on it. (We used to order those all the time--not expensive when bought in bulk.) Check with whomever orders that kind of thing for the hospital and get a price, if that appeals to you. 5. Balloon bouquets (usually 3) to make the event festive--placed on tables where the food was served. We used the company colors in the balloon bouquets. 6. Pizza and soda! A pizza party where the certificates were awarded and the goodie bags were distributed. ________________________________________________ After the talking and tours were over, we would have a pizza party in our cafeteria. The honoree would call up each child, shake his/her hand, present his/her certificate of appreciation, and hand him/her goodie bag. Now all costs came out of the President's budget. If I were you, I would ask if this could become a line item each year in the President's budget. If not, then in the communications' or marketing depts. Get a fix on what you think this year's do will cost before naming your requested amount, though! Just thought the scenario would help you flesh out exactly what you can/want to do--merely as an example. Good to have someone you can lean on for help in the planning or execution--or at least in charge of reserving rooms, letting security know, chasing down the goodies and placing them in the goodie bags, or ordering food or drinks or balloons, etc. Have fun, and let us know what you decide!
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 9:18 pm
Meant to say that if you want to prepare a video or Powerpoint presentation or even just a tabletop display---start snapping pix of the volunteers in action now! Then you can decide what to do with them as you think this thru.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, March 11, 2005 - 10:05 pm
Can you tell I am having fun with this? I went looking online for ideas--and found a site (http://academic.regis.edu/volunteer/songs/default.htm) that lists songs having to do with appreciation. You could pick a theme: Angels, Rainbows, Friends, whatever! Maybe you already have a way of referring to your volunteers--special angels, etc. Anyway, here is a list of songs that seem pertinent. Maybe some of the song's lines could be used in a creative way! A Little Help From My Friends (Beatles) Angel (Lionel Ritchie) Angels Among Us (Alabama) Calling All Angels (Jane Siberry) Because You Love Me (Celine Dion) Change the World (Eric Clapton) Circle of Life (Elton John) Greatest Love of All (Whitney Houston) Hero (Mariah Carey) If I Could (Ray Charles) Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) You Light Up My Life (various artists)
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Egbok
Member
07-13-2000
| Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 12:08 am
I just knew you guys would come up with some fantastic ideas!! Really and truly, you've given me a lot to think about and some great possibilities to ponder. The National Volunteer Appreciate Week is April 17-23, 2005. Every year our department has recognized volunteers with 5 year increment pins. It's a big deal to these long time adult volunteers. There are 20 who will be getting 25 year pins!! Amazing I'd say. Anyhoo these special pins are given during a huge Appreciation Brunch which is attended by the adults who will be getting this special pin, along with any other volunteers who wish to attend. It's a free Brunch and the setting is fabulous! Since students never stay to volunteer long enough to earn a 5 year pin, they usually do not attend this free brunch. And so, me being me...I wanted to do something special to acknowledge them during this Nat'l Recognition Week. And so I turned to you guys for suggestions...and I love them all! I'll also add that all volunteers, adults and students, receive a yearly "Hours Award Pin" in the month of November. This pin has their name engraved on it with the total number of hours they've earned while volunteering at our hospital within a year (ie: November 1, 2003 - October 31, 2004). It's a real big deal to all the volunteers and they wear the Hours Award Pin on their blue uniform jacket with pride. I really like Dra's idea about creating a CD with pictures of the students in various tasks they are doing. I'm going to show up tomorrow and Sunday with my camera and start taking pictures in case I decide to do this....<cough, cough>....with guidance on how to burn a CD of course! I believe my home PC has a CD Burner. I can make copies of musical CD's, so is this the same for burning CD's of pictures?? And the certificates are a must!! I'll be doing certificates for sure. Mocha, here's a link to our hospital http://www.torrancememorial.org/ Thanks to all of you for such great ideas!!
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 10:11 am
Okies I'll get dh right on it.
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Graceunderfyre
Member
01-21-2004
| Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 10:42 am
Egbok - there's a great site for inexpensive promotional items that I use all the time for work - it's www.westsky.com - since you are buying for 250 you should be able to find something for inexpensive there...you can get candy with wrappers that say thanks or someother personal message. I think the button idea is a REALLY great idea. I was thinking you could also get lanyards printed up that they could use for their ids (I'm sure you have them at the hospital). High schoolers def. like having tangible certificates/awards because they use them for their college applications.
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Graceunderfyre
Member
01-21-2004
| Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 10:44 am
oh if you aren't worried about personalization - a couple of other good sites for cheap award type things are: Oriental Trading Company - www.oriental.com or S&S Worldwide - www.ssww.com with both of these it's very easy to get a nonprofit account since it's for the hospital.
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 12:15 pm
Eggie.. to answer your question about the bracelets.. boys, girls, men and women wear them.. very hot items.. heck even Oprah wore one of Lance Armstrong's Livestrong bracelets the day he was on her show! When I was up north for Thanksgiving I noted that three of the young people I met wore the yellow armbands and clearly this was something they wear all the time.. landi's Miss Holly, our own Zachyd and my brother's nephew, Seth, who is in college. I believe two of our pals at the Joe T Garcia dinner in Texas were wearing them, so they are EVERYWHERE! I don't know the price but I looked around the site landi provided and there are some stock bracelets there and the one that might work says something like Courage to Care. I love all these ideas! AND, I love that you advocated to include the young people in the event!
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Graceunderfyre
Member
01-21-2004
| Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 12:41 pm
I think I saw something on the Today Show that said they cost around $1 each. I don't know if that's resale or wholesale.
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