Hi,

 I have approached my District Manager about organizing something for Any Soldier at our office. Things mover super slowly here, so I would like to coordinate something so I can send them in October in honor of Veteran's Day. I have been using Any Soldier for a while now but only for things from me. I'm wondering if there are any of you who coordinate things on behalf of an organization that can give me pointers. I was thinking of putting the focus on a letter-writing campaign because I know everyone here is insanely tight money-wise, but I would also like to send care package(s). My office staffs about 70 but we also have over 125 technicians. This is just my branch, and the project might be extended to the other branches in the district. So, any pointers or suggestions would be absolutely wonderful!

 I wish you luck. I always get promises of help with postage, or "next time you're sending a box, let me know and I'll bring some stuff to put in it," but very little actual following through. I have explained many times that I am ALWAYS sending care packages, I can ALWAYS use help with items or postage, it's not just a once-in-awhile thing. One co-worker says over and over again "I've collected some money from my adult Sunday school class for postage; I need to bring it to you tomorrow." and tomorrow has never arrived. I'm not good at hounding and harrassing, or even just plain old reminding. I figure if someone REALLY wanted to help, they'd just do it without me having to beg and plead. I set up a couple of boxes around the building with lists of items that would be helpful; simple stuff like flavor packets for water bottles, snack items, beef jerkey, etc. At the end of a month's time I may have two or three items in one of the boxes. It's just not in the cards for me. So at the risk of repeating myself...good luck; I wish you well.

I guess I should've clarified. I'm organizing an actual drive. Like a letter-writing campaign. The company is picking up the cost of postage and we will be sending all packages and letters at one time. I am not pushing it to be an ongoing thing because I just know it won't hold here. If people want to pick it up on their own, I'll happily send the information for Any Soldier their way, but I am thinking of doing this as a sort of Annual or Bi-Annual event. 

 So I guess I was curious if anyone has had any experience coordinating something like that?

My co-workers (plus friends and family members) happily donate items all the time!  This week, I sent out 23 packages, weighing 360 lbs.  Although this is not typical, I usually do send 10-15 packages a month.  I send out an email everytime I send out packages, updating the people on what was sent to whom, what is needed for the upcoming care packages and just to generally give them news of the soldiers we support.  Postage costs is always paid from donations and if I happen to "get in the hole", I let people know and I usually have the money in my hands within a couple of days.  I don't know if this is typical of other office environments, but my co-workers are the best!  I think part of the success is keeping them informed and letting them know how much all the support is appreciated.