We just got a positive response from American Girl. They will donate one item for your organization one time. If you check their website and send a note to the customer service organization, they will direct you to the proper forms that need to be completed. We also got a nice package from "Highlights for Children". We searched them using their website as well.
Good luck -
Hit up all the companies in your city,county and state chamber of commerce. Hit up every company that advertises in your local parents magazine. Get every company that pays for advertising banners at the Softball, football, and soccer fields. All the local restaurants, local TV and Radio Stations. Zoo;s, attractions, karate and dance studios! It is all there for you locally.
Usually your local chamber will list members, their address, and FAX online...What a great opportunity!!
I've been working on this for months and now the donations are starting to trickle in; our event isn't until mid November, I'm hoping it'll be the biggest one yet.
Your best bet is to look in your own backyard for most of your donations. I've spent a lot of time with the Yellow Pages and the local Business Association Directory.
For national companies, decide who you want to contact and go to their websites. Usually I find contact info under "About Us" or "Contact Us". Some companies have a Community section that will tell you exactly who to contact for donations but you have to look for it.
Any major sports teams generally donate, as do museums, restaurants, zoos, and anything to do with kids (bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc). I read somewhere that only 3-5% of donation requests receive a positive response, so don't let the negative responses get you down. Good luck!
