How to Make a Giving Tree

Find a place to display your giving tree. If you are representing a charity, then you will need a public place to set up your tree. Preferably, your tree will be displayed in a retail outlet or other place where the kinds of gifts you are soliciting can be purchased. The space available may determine the size of your tree or when it may be displayed.

Appoint a guardian or guardians for your giving tree. Some retail stores are willing to collect gifts and hold them until a representative from the charitable organization can pick them up, but others will not. Be clear on whether or not you will need one or more persons to stay with your giving tree and receive donations.

Choose a theme for your giving tree. Typically, giving trees are decorated in a seasonal manner. For example, if you are collecting gifts for the elderly at Christmas time then your tree could be an evergreen decorated in holiday style. If your tree is intended for collecting money during a spring fundraiser then it may have an Easter or spring theme.

Make information cards to hang on your giving tree. Information cards may have the first name, gender and age of a child or adult and a suggestion for a gift. If your organization is trying to raise money the information card may have the address where a cash contribution can be made. If gift requests are for clothing, be sure to include sizes where applicable. Make information cards from card stock decorated in your theme. Use a hole punch or scissors to make a hole and thread a piece of ribbon through the hole to hang the card from the tree.