We ask parents who own small companies to donate their services (ex: landscaper will do a plan for a small garden for you, a dad who owns a construction company donated a weekend with a bulldozer and a back-hoe). Also, we require everyone on our Exec Board to come up with 10 donations from local business -- it spreads the wealth of having to bug people for donations. Lastly, check with any large corporations in your area (ie, pepsi, motts, etc...). Chances are that you have a parent who works for the company who can go straight to the person that donates products to local events, or that person can put stuff that you want on their divisions budget and you can get it at cost.
When I send out letters, I open up yahoo yellow pages and search for anything that sounds good. I send letters to restaurants, service companies (dry cleaners, car washes, carpet cleaners, etc.), sporting goods, hotels, airlines, etc. Only you know what is local in your area. Let your fingers do the walking and look up companies and stores in your neighborhood.
I also asked our families to ask their companies. The personal touch went a long way - we got a lot of donations through our families simply cause they asked.
If you want others to give you addresses - then do a search on this site for "donations" and read each one. There are lots of addresses posted already here. I had positive responses from several of them. But again...I had to go and search and print and write myself.
I am looking for a list of companies that donate to local fundraisers, could someone please email me the list, it would be greatly appreciated. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
thanks