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Malls / Shopping
Centers
Christmas
Gift Wrapping
Wrap Christmas presents for free for mall shoppers. Depending
on your mall, you may have to rent the space, purchase the materials,
and do it at the hours they ask. On the other hand, some malls give
free space, provide the materials and are very accommodating regarding
wrapping hours. We've experienced both situations.
A common question is, "Isn't this sort of outreach expensive?"
Answer: It can be, but not necessarily. There are one-time equipment
investments that must be made. Beyond those, the cost is about a quarter
per package.
A second common question is, "Isn't something like this going
to conflict with the other groups who are wrapping in the mall for their
particular fund raiser?" Answer: We aren't in competition with
the fancy department stores. They do a classy job. Ours isn't bad, but
it doesn't compare with the nice wrapping places. We can help someone
who is in a hurry or has a small gift or just can't afford to spend
the money to get it wrapped at the fancy place.
Dollar
Drop
At local malls where any sort of programmatic evangelism
is not allowed, this is a way to get the attention of many quickly.
We attach a connection card explaining
our project to a dollar bill. We use Post-It note removable glue (available
at business supply stores). Then we go around the mall and nonchalantly
drop dollar bills on the ground. For some free entertainment, stand
a distance away and watch who picks up the dollar and how they respond
to the message.
Purchasing
Meals at the Food Court
One small group meets regularly at the mall for their group.
Occasionally, they take a spontaneous offering among themselves. They
then approach one of the managers of a fast food restaurant and offer,
"We'd like to pay the bill for as many customers as this amount
of money will pay for." On one recent outreach, this group paid
for $125 worth of food — that was about one hour’s worth of
sales. The manager became so excited he was explaining the gospel himself
to the customers even though he was a burned out church attendee. Go
figure!
Quarter
Drop
Are you one of those people who can't walk past a pay phone
without checking the coin return? For all those folks out there, here's
an outreach just for them. We place a sticker on one side of the quarter
and place these loaded quarters in coin returns of vending machines
of various sorts. This one also works by just placing the coin on the
ground or on a bench.
A note on the sticker: Make sure the sticker is larger than the quarter.
There are some folks out there who will leave the sticker on the quarter
and try to insert it into the phone or vending machine — then you'll
get a call from the repairman.
Phone
Cards for Long Distance Calls
These cards make great giveaways. Contact long distance companies
to find a good deal. Some companies offer a program that allows you
to insert a custom message which plays before people access their free
minutes.
The company we use says,"We like to provide these basically at
cost to churches. This is our way of giving back to the church."
If you are interested in finding out about this company, you can call
Bill Tucker at (317) 776-7654 Ext. 111. They also provide long distance
at low rates for Vineyard churches with 12% of the total amount going
back to the church each month. He would be glad to give you some information
on that as well.
Ice
Cream Cone Coupons
Contact a local ice cream store and explain your desire to
give away thousands of ice cream coupons. You might receive a deal on
the ice cream. Attach a connection card
to the coupon, and you have a project that just about everyone in town
will enjoy.
Package
Check-In
Shoppers are terribly burdened at Christmas. Build a booth
at the mall and set up a package checking system. You will be able to
talk with them when they drop off their packages and when they return.
Child
Care during Christmas Shopping
There are some liability issues to take into consideration,
but this can be a super helpful project during the holidays. Obviously
you will need to get some help with professional child care workers
to do this right and wisely.
Coffee/Hot
Chocolate Coupons
Purchase coffee coupons from a merchant in the mall and give
them away to customers. The merchant is grateful for the sale and the
steady stream of traffic.
Boxes
to Merchants with your Logo and Number Imprinted
Larger retail stores will not go for this one, but most stores
in a mall / shopping center will be grateful. Boxes are affordable when
purchased in large numbers.
Business
Blast
Surprise employees of businesses with a small gift such as
a basket of candy. Bring in one package to be shared by store employees
and have a connect card that says,
"We appreciate how you serve the community with your business,
and we wanted to share God's love with you in a practical way."
Make sure you only give items to employees, so they don't feel you are
"soliciting" customers. Ideas: Easter baskets in spring, Christmas
stockings at Christmas.
           
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