Before Sharing Your Adopt-a-Family Wish Lists, Check These 4 Details
A wish list that says “clothes and toys” leaves donors with questions. What size? What kind of toy? How many items?
A quick review before sharing can save your team repeated emails and help donors shop with confidence.
Check each request for:
- A specific item. Replace “winter clothes” with “winter coat” or “a pair of gloves.”
- The right size or age guidance. Include clothing and shoe sizes. For toys or activities, include the recipient’s age and interests.
- The quantity needed. Make it clear whether the request is for one item, a pair, or several.
- Preferences and substitution instructions. Identify important preferences and explain whether donors can choose an alternative or should contact your team first.
For example:
“Shoes for a child” becomes:
“One pair of athletic shoes, children’s size 4. Blue or black preferred. Please contact us before choosing a different size.”
The goal is to give donors enough information to act without guessing.
Try this before sharing: Ask someone who didn’t prepare the wish list to read it. Could they shop from it without asking you a question? Update anything that leaves them uncertain.