If it’s a charity auction, or a dinner for the less fortunate I always find myself continuously looking for an item that for the life of me I’ll never find. Every year I spend half my time looking for something I spent an hour looking for last year. It never occurs to me to put together a list of things I need, until it is too late. I can only image that many of you have the same problem, so I thought it’s probably be easier if I made a list now that anyone can use.
Things that always come in handy:
- Pens
- Markers
- Paperclips/Stapler
- Note pads/Sticky notes
- Tape (carpet, clear, scotch, masking, electrical and duct tapes…The more the better)
- Scissors
- Clipboard
- Ink Stamps
- Raffle tickets
- A bowl/basket to put raffle tickets in
- Extra event tickets
- Money float (Would recommend at least $200 in $5 bills)
- Screwdriver & Hammer (Trust me there will come a day you will wish you had these)
- Snacks for you (Would also recommend getting some catered food for volunteers)
- First Aid kit (Make sure to restock after each event)
- Flashlight
- Lighter
- Batteries (Preferably new batteries)
- Phone charger (Make sure your phone is charged before your event starts)
- Water
- Music playlists (during a long prep day music helps keep volunteers moving and having a good time)
- Household cleaner (Lysol, Window cleaner, disinfectant wipes)
- Paper towel/Napkins
- Cutlery (Spoons, forks, knives)
- Cups
- Garbage bags (Again the more the better)
- Themed decorations (Banners, hangers, center pieces, hats, ordainments)
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- WD-40/Goo Gone
- Measuring tape
- Extension cords/Power bars
- Mop
- Broom & Dustpan
- Elastic bands
- Zip ties
- Bags (paper, plastic, reusable)
- Boxes
- Name tags (For volunteers or donors)
- Event signs
- Thank you gifts/cards for Volunteers (Wouldn’t recommend giving a favor to all volunteers but those who have helped you out the most by donating something or always being someone you can call for help.)
- Portable popup table (If your event needs a front door monitor for registration)
Trust me when I say you should double check the night before and before you leave the house. You will forget something, that’s why it’s always handy to have a list with you. Sometimes you’ll just have to roll with what you have and make it work. But, I am serious about the tape. If you can somehow manage to hook it onto your jeans do it, you’ll thank me later.
