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Workload Requirements to Accomplish This Program: Low
Target Number of Participants: As many as possible
Approximate Length of Program: 1-2 hours
Overall Program Description:
Due to limited financial resources and with the stress of finals, residents don’t always have the time to purchase holiday gifts. This program provides a gift making opportunity that does not take long or require a lot of planning.
As the RA you will have a couple of craft ideas that residents can make for friends and families. Tons of great craft making ideas are available on-line…select ones that require low cost supplies and are easy to make.
During the program you also provide supplies to make gift-wrap. Start with brown paper bags from the grocery store and provide supplies to decorate the bags and create gift-wrap.
Major Goals for this Program:
Provide an opportunity to allow residents to make gifts for family and friends when they don’t have time to shop, or are dealing with limited financial resources.
Promote community building in the halls at a time when residents might not be spending much time together.
To Do Check List:
Initial Planning
_____ Identify date, time and location for event
_____ Decide what types of crafts you will be doing. Do a google search for “simple craft ideas”, and select crafts that have low cost supplies, and are easy to complete.
_____ Talk to other RAs and see if they would like to help plan this program with you
_____ Create a budget for the event which includes publicity and craft supply costs
Advertising Options for Event
_____ All advertising materials must include date, time and location of event/s
_____ Create flyers, mailbox stuffers, or any other material that you think would get people excited for this program
Budget Planning/Projection
_____ Obtain cost for craft and gift wrap decorating supplies
_____ Develop cost for advertising materials
_____ Develop overall budget and obtain funding through on campus allocation boards
During Week Prior to Event
_____ Purchase all materials needed for the craft stations
Day of Event
_____ If you have paints and other messy items, cover all surfaces and floors under tables
_____ Organize different crafts and gift wrap making areas on different tables so that people can pick and choose what they want to do
_____ Provide written directions on how to accomplish the different craft items
_____ Be available to answer directions and provide guidance on the craft items
Clean-Up/Follow-Up
_____ Make sure that you clean thoroughly
_____ Send follow-up thank you notes to all event sponsors
Suggestions for Changes/Variations to this Program:
Set up the craft area for an ongoing period of time, so that residents can take a break from studying to periodically work on their projects.
Closing Thoughts on this Program:
This program is fun and it gives people a chance to make presents and gift wrap when they are too busy to shop. Crafts are also a nice way to eliminate stress through the use of creative energy.