Stories, updates, and insights from our community
When Devyn set out to build an in-kind giving program at Easterseals, she quickly ran into the reality of managing donation drives across 11 locations, each with different needs. What followed was a shift from “chaos” to a streamlined system that made it easier to engage donors and support every community they serve.
For many nonprofits, donation drives start with the best intentions…and a spreadsheet. At first, it seems simple enough. Create a list of needed items, share it with volunteers, and track who signs up for what. But as more people get involved, spreadsheets can quickly become difficult to manage. Multiple versions start circulating, items get accidentally duplicated, and staff or volunteers end up spending hours updating rows instead of focusing on the mission.
When people think about donation drives, they often focus on the items being collected: holiday gifts, school supplies, winter coats, or hygiene products. But the true impact of a donation drive goes far beyond the items themselves. At their best, donation drives bring people together around a shared purpose and strengthen the fabric of a local community.
For many nonprofits, gift drives are a powerful way to rally communities around a shared mission. Whether collecting holiday gifts, school supplies, or essential items for families in need, these campaigns create tangible impact. But behind the scenes, traditional gift drives often require significant time, coordination, and resources to manage.
For 45 years, the Lamoille Family Center has relied on the community to make the holidays bright for local children, but gaps in donations meant staff often had to fill in last-minute with their own funds. This year, Julia, the Center’s Director of Development and Communication, introduced GiftDrive, allowing donors near and far to contribute online. The result? Over 400 gifts collected, nearly $8,000 saved, and a holiday season made brighter for 436 children.
The most successful donation drives don’t just ask for items, they tell a story. When supporters understand the “why” behind the wishlist and can clearly see the impact of their gift, they’re far more likely to engage. Here’s how to turn your next drive into a story people want to be part of.
Item-based giving feels personal, tangible, and immediate. When donors can see exactly what they’re contributing, whether it’s food, clothing, or school supplies, the impact feels real. Here’s why so many people prefer giving goods, and what that means for nonprofits.
Stephanie knew the food bank network well after years of volunteering with Colchester Community Food Shelf, but heading into Thanksgiving during a government shutdown, need was rising fast. “Prior to COVID, we served about 100 families. Now we grow nearly 20% every year.” By using GiftDrive to request exactly what was needed and sharing it online, Stephanie helped her community step up at the right moment, bringing in over 650 items just in time.
Amazon Wishlists are a common tool for nonprofits, but they weren’t built for donation drives. They provide limited donor information, no automatic tax receipts, and little transparency or reporting. Replacing them with a purpose-built platform allows nonprofits to track donations, provide receipts, show impact, and build stronger donor relationships. With better tools, organizations can run smoother, more effective donation drives and focus on their mission.
Donor expectations are changing. In 2026, donors want giving to be simple, transparent, and meaningful. They expect clear needs, easy ways to give, and visibility into the impact of their contribution. Donation drives that reduce friction, build trust, and show real outcomes consistently perform better. As nonprofits move away from patchwork tools toward purpose-built platforms, those that prioritize donor experience will build stronger, longer-lasting support.