I'm trying to organize a cleanup day for a site. A few people I know said they'd come and bring either students or their own teens/tweens. The kids will get student service learning hours toward high school graduation.
There would be two shifts on different days to accommodate the kids' sports games and other activities. Neither shift is near a meal time. I would like to give the volunteers hot drinks and a light snack at the end of each shift.
The closest place nearby that sells food is a Starbucks miles away. It would be too expensive for me to just buy everyone a $4 latte and $2 cookie. Will those big cardboard carryout coffee things stay hot in the car for a couple hours? If not, what else might work?
Thanks!
Thanks for the great suggestions.
If I can't borrow an insulated cooler, I'll try to use the GPS for my car to find the nearest Dunkin Donuts. I hadn't thought to have hot drinks and snacks out during the cleanup, but love the idea.
This is my first ever time organizing this type of event. If there are any other tips I should know, please fill me in, Thanks!
Thermos of hot water/hot chocolate packets/cider packets.
Maybe an insulated carafe?
Muffins from a big box store.
String cheese?
Get a big insulated thermos. You can get them in the camping section of any store, and they are inexpensive. They will keep water, coffee, or hot chocolate hot.
You can also have a small cold cooler and keep some bottles of water in there too for whoever wants a cold drink. A case of water at the store is only $3 or so.
You can also get an assortment cookie tray, doughnuts, or whatever pastries are on sale at the store. Look in your local paper.
I agree though that you should bring out the drinks and snacks and not wait until afterwards. People need to take small breaks and that is where all of this comes in.
Good luck!
I have a large, insulated beverage dispenser that I use for these types of events. I can fill it with coffee, hot chocolate or any cold beverage at home and it keeps drinks hot or cold for a couple of hours. It was a good investment as we get lots of use out of it. For snacks you could do a big box of donuts or an assortment of granola bars.
The big Starbucks containers are awesome, we've had those at several school/sports set up/tear down events. They stay hot for a long time and people appreciate it! But have it out DURING the cleanup, that makes more sense. Nothing like a little caffeine to get people moving! Our parents club also provided bagels and/or doughnuts, and (limited) water bottles. If that's not within your budget cookies are good too, and cheaper, and sometimes a grocery store bakery will donate them if you ask.
When it gets close to the end, have someone go to Dunkin Donuts and pick up the box coffee and donuts. Order the day before so they will be ready.
With my sons scout troup I bought one of those big round coolers (like this one - link below. Put hot chocolate in it. It kept it hot for several hours. Then bake or buy some cookies or cupcakes and serve those. If you dont have a cooler like this see if you can borrow one from a friend or neighbor.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bestfun.bi...
I love your name :) because I love persimmons.
Anyhow, most fast food chains, like McDonald's offer group size containers to go. Some want a deposit. I haven't used them in years, so I hope that's not outdated advice.
And they stay hot for a long time. Remember, it's the thought that counts. After working and cleaning, most people will want a bottle of water.
Okay maybe I'm a dense doorknob, but why does it have to be "hot" drinks?
To me, cold drinks are easier, and also after doing clean up and all that work, if I were thirsty after all that, I would want a cold drink.
Will kids/tweens/teens want, or drink a hot drink? ie: coffee, hot chocolate?
Sorry that is just me.
If you have access to electricity just get a party size coffee pot. Goodwill and St Vinnies often have them or you can rent one. Fill with hot choc or coffee and call a grocery store or bakery and order a selection of donuts or bagels or both. Maybe also have a big bowl of fruit available.
Do you have an insulated water cooler (like what you would put ice and Gatorade or water in)? You can boil water and fill the water cooler and it should stay hot for you. Take either instant coffee or hot chocolate (or both). When you are ready to serve, fill the cups as needed.
Get a tray of cookies from the store.
Contact you local Starbucks and talk to the manager. Locally they have been supportive and have provided (donated) hot coffee and tea to community non-profit events. I don't know what their specific criteria is, but they supplied free coffee (and their big containers) for a charity walk I participated in and also a Special Olympics swim meet. Perhaps they will be able to help you. I think I would visit Sam's or Costco and pick up handy snack packs to give out to volunteers. Good luck! Hope your clean up day goes well. That's a great idea to get teenagers involved too!
Granola bars
Mini donuts
Cookies
Crackers
Bottled water
Big huge metal coffee dispenser (the kind w/the black spicket you pull fwd
to dispense the liquid).
Another one of those dispensers w/hot water then provide hot cocoa pkts
