Which provokes you to donate more?

Question

Every year this local radio station raises money for a local children's hospital. They ask listeners to collect as many donations as possible and the listener with the most gets a prize. Usually a car or vacation.
I've decided this year to do it. My plan is to get a bunch of friends and sit in front of a local grocery stores with 10 gallon water jugs asking for donations.
My friends and I are in a minor debate which provokes people to donate more. My plan was to dump the jugs every 15 minutes leaving only a few dollars so people think that no one is donating so they'll donate more. My friend said keep the jugs near full so when people see that everyone else is donating they'll feel guilty and donate too. Which would provoke you more?
As for the prize, if we win it, we're probably going to auction it off and give the money to the children's hospital.

Answer 1

Maybe keep the jugs about 25% full

Also, if you get any $10's and $20's, leave those in

When you're sitting out there, be as friendly as you can, even if it feels dumb. Keep greeting people and asking them in a nice, cheerful way to give money.

Answer 2

I don't think that either of these things provoke me to donate. It's my ability to identify with the charity that makes me want to donate. Be sure that people know who they're giving to. Place the logo for the hospital on the jugs.
If I had to choose, I wouldn't just hit the grocery stores, either. I'd ask a local day care or toy store if they would allow you to collect money there.
I think that I would keep the jugs out until they were full. You don't want to "trick" people into charity. This is a really noble cause, although it's a contest, and I think people will recognize that on their own. Let people know what you plan to do with the prize, as well. Most people would like to help you win, but would rather be sure that the money is going to a good cause.

Answer 3

I defiantly think you should donate the prize money to the children's hospital. i am only 12 years old but i had to have surgery because of appendicitis. Luckily my parents had insurance and we didn't have to pay much the bill without insurance was $20,000. My stay at the hospital was not that great but the money for the children's hospital would defiantly make a difference. I think that you should keep the jugs full like ur friend said.

Answer 4

Face it, 10 gallon water jugs will not get full or even close to it in 15 minutes. They are huge!

Personally, I think goals help. If you can say "We need to fill it XX full so the hospital can get YY" people will be inclined to give more.

Make sure you have documentation showing you are participating in this drive, and not just a bunch of guys scamming beer money.

And also check with the stores - many of our local stores require people to get permission (sometimes a week or weeks in advance) before they are allowed to ask for money.

Answer 5

Get something from the charity that you can put on the containers, proving that it is a real cause. Talk to people that stop about the cause, what the money is going for, how their donation can help. The more informed you are about the charity the better.

Good luck ;)

Answer 6

I've done this before. Put $5s and $10s til your jar is about a quarter of the way full. If you have a lot of change in the jar, people will put change.

Answer 7

neither. I do not like being made to feel guilty. I think you should have alot of info to hand out-know your cause well and pictures always melt my heart.

Answer 8

keep the jugs full.Great for you and your friends.

Answer 9

I guess an empty jar

Answer 10

money coming in