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The holidays are the perfect time to give back. For schools and student support organizations made up of parents and volunteers, this season isn’t just about festive decorations, it’s about unity, joy, and making a real difference. With the right holiday fundraising ideas, you can bring families together, raise funds for vital programs, and create memories that stretch beyond December.
Whether your goal is to collect holiday donations for new classroom tools or support extracurricular adventures, this is your moment to shine. The 12 days of giving framework offers fun, family-friendly challenges that bring together parents, volunteers, and students to celebrate generosity and strengthen the school community.
Think of it as a countdown to the holidays, but with purpose. For 12 consecutive days, your school or parent volunteer group runs a mini activity or fundraiser. Each day has a theme or challenge tied to giving, donations, and community. The cumulative effect? More joy, more involvement, more support for your school. (Plus, you will get some great holiday fundraising ideas!)
Day 1: Blanket and hot cocoa drive
Invite families to donate cozy blankets or hot cocoa kits. It’s simple, warm, and a great conversation starter.
Day 2: Letters to students and staff
Encourage students and families to create notes of kindness or holiday letters. Charge a small donation fee and deliver them school-wide.
Day 3: Holiday-themed fun run or jingle jog
Students and families raise pledges per lap or mile. Add festive gear, like reindeer antlers or jingle bells, to keep the mood lively.
Day 4: Parent-student craft night
Host a DIY ornament or wreath workshop. Families pay a fee to participate and get to take home their creations.
Day 5: Holiday shop pop-up
Transform a classroom or gym into a holiday shop where kids, siblings, and parents pick out inexpensive or homemade gifts.
Day 6: Virtual holiday donation drive
Open an online page for donations. Share the goal, show live progress, and highlight how funds will support your school.
Day 7: Holiday movie night
Turn the school auditorium into a cozy screening room. Sell tickets, offer snacks, and show a family-favorite holiday movie.
Day 8: Candy-grams or kindness grams
Let students spread a little cheer by purchasing small treats and a sweet note for a friend or teacher. It’s simple to organize and brings smiles all around.
Day 9: Giving tree donation tags
Set up a tree with wish-tags (coats, books, supplies). Families choose a tag and donate. It’s generous and helps build a strong community.
Day 10: Cookie kit sale
Package ready-to-bake cookie dough or decorating kits for families to buy and enjoy at home. It’s a sweet (and easy) way to raise funds.
Day 11: Ugly sweater day and donate
Charge a small donation for students and staff to wear holiday-themed or ugly sweaters to school.
Day 12: Celebration gala or auction
Wrap up with a school gala, silent auction, or raffle. Highlight all the week’s success, share totals, and thank families.
The spirit of giving peaks during the holiday season. Families are already gathering and seeking meaningful ways to support. That means your school holiday fundraising ideas can tap into a ready-made energy.
When you choose challenges that bring people together, it builds memory and morale—and yes, brings in holiday donations. At the heart of successful campaigns? Easy donation options, clear goals, and fun involvement.
And here’s the bonus: when parents and volunteers have a tool that makes it simple and user-friendly, you’re set up for success. With the Givebacks app, you can collect payments, track donations, and monitor progress—all in one place. No juggling multiple systems, no confusion for families, no lost checks. Just streamlined giving that fits the spirit of the season and supports your school.
This holiday, bring your community together with The 12 Days of Giving Challenge. With engaging holiday fundraisers that bring families together, active participation, and the right tech in place, you’ll raise more, stress less, and make memories that last. Let the season of giving shine for your school, your families, and every student who benefits.
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