Table of Contents
It’s not always easy to find enough volunteers during the holidays. Everyone is juggling busy schedules, and even people who want to help often feel like they just do not have the time. But if your school or team is gearing up to sell cookie dough for fundraising, getting extra hands can make a big difference without becoming a big headache.
The good news? It does not have to feel stressful or overwhelming. With just a few tweaks to how we ask for help, we can make volunteering feel doable and even fun. And since cookie dough is such a crowd-pleaser during the holidays, people usually want to be part of making it a success. We just have to show them how simple it can be.
Start by Making it Easy to Say Yes
When people hear the word “volunteer,” they often picture something big and time-consuming. That is where we lose them. So we focus on small, quick jobs that anyone can handle.
- Break things into manageable chunks. One person can manage pickup signs, another can post updates online, and someone else could remind students to share links.
- Be super clear about what the job is and how long it takes. If it is only five or ten minutes, say that up front.
- Give options that fit different comfort levels. Not everyone wants to speak in front of a group, but they might love texting reminders or organizing names on a signup list.
People are a lot more likely to say “yes” when the ask feels simple and specific. If it looks easy and there is a choice that fits their style, they are much more likely to jump in.
Sometimes it helps to have examples ready to show just how quick volunteering can be. You can point out that setting up a table or sending a text reminder actually takes less time than most people think. When you give a clear picture of what’s needed, parents and students may feel more confident that they can help, even if they are busy.
Ask the Right People at the Right Time
The best time to ask for help is when people are already thinking about the group or their kids. That is why it works well to bring it up when everyone is already gathered for something else, like a game, performance, or practice pickup.
- Start with parents who already show interest. If they have helped with snacks, uniforms, or other events, they might be open to lending another hand.
- Ask students too. Some need volunteer hours, and this kind of help is a good fit. It is organized, easy to track, and helps their own group directly.
- Tap into natural moments, like a post-practice huddle or team group chat. People pay more attention when plans are already fresh in their mind.
Timing really makes a difference, and when you meet people where they are, you will likely find more volunteers ready to join in. You might start the conversation right after a team wins a game or at the end of a concert when spirits are high. Even sending a gentle follow-up after a meeting can help those who need a little more time to think about jumping in.
When we time our ask right and talk to the people most likely to say yes, we make it easier for everyone to respond right away. It’s helpful to reach out to people who have already shown interest, as they often welcome more ways to support the group. Students often like knowing their help makes a difference right where they spend time, so mentioning the direct impact of their efforts can encourage more participation.
Use Quick Tools to Spread the Word
We do not need complicated systems to organize volunteers. What works best is using tools people already know, ones that are fast, familiar, and right on their phones.
- Make a simple sign-up list. Break it into small tasks and match them with specific days, especially leading into busy holiday weeks.
- Share the link in group texts, parent messaging apps, and school email newsletters.
- Keep the tone casual and friendly. Nobody wants to feel guilted or pressured during the holidays. A laid-back ask gets more attention than a big formal message.
Even a low-effort reminder in a school app or a shared note in a Google Doc can go a long way. As long as it is easy for someone to see how and where they can help, we have taken half the work out of organizing. Make sure those sign-up tools are simple and require just a quick tap or click to join in. People are more likely to respond quickly when the tools are right at their fingertips.
Sometimes just adding a quick note about how much every little bit counts can encourage more people to say, “why not,” and join in. Keeping your communications short and friendly will make volunteers feel more comfortable and less pressured, which is important during the holidays, when people have a lot on their minds.
Keep Everyone Engaged Through the Sale
Getting help is one thing. Keeping that help going is another. We do not need a big system to do that either, we just need to stay in touch and appreciate the small things.
- Send quick updates so everyone knows how the sale is going. If someone sees we are halfway to our goal, they are more likely to stay involved.
- Shout out the small wins. A simple thank-you in the group chat or a photo of a pickup table looking awesome reminds people what they have been part of.
- After the sale ends, invite people to join in the celebration. Helping hand out prizes or send student thank-you notes gives everyone a happy wrap-up moment.
People feel good when they know their effort mattered. Even small thanks or simple updates can turn quick jobs into positive memories. It is also helpful to send personal messages acknowledging specific things volunteers have done, because being noticed for your effort can inspire people to pitch in again later.
Keeping the group updated helps everyone stay in the loop, and group energy stays higher when you share stories or photos. Sharing achievements, like how many cookie dough tubs have been sold so far, makes each volunteer feel like they are part of a winning team.
Look Ahead to Build a Volunteer Crew That Lasts
Once the fundraiser is done, that is not the end of the story. If we take a little time to thank our helpers now, they are more likely to say yes again next time.
- Thank every person, no matter how small the task they handled. Gratitude sticks.
- Ask what they liked doing best. Someone might say, “I am not a signup sheet person, but I would love to pack orders next time.”
- Keep a short list of who helped and what they did. It will be a big time-saver for the next round of fundraising.
When people feel seen and appreciated, they are more likely to raise their hand again later. That means less scrambling in the future and a group of helpers who actually enjoy helping. Remembering what each volunteer liked doing makes your next fundraiser even smoother, because you already have a sense of where people fit best.
Building friendships and good feelings through these small thank-yous can also make the volunteer group stronger year after year, which helps the group rely less on just a few helpers.
Build a Lasting Volunteer Base for Your Fundraiser
Getting enough help for cookie dough for fundraising is a lot simpler when we stop thinking of it as a big job and focus on small steps. Most people want to support what their kids are part of, they just need it to fit with the rest of their busy lives.
When we make the ask friendly, keep the jobs small, and keep people in the loop, volunteering does not feel like a gigantic task. It feels like being part of something fun and meaningful. Plus, when everyone does just a little, there is more time to enjoy the activities we care about.
Why Teams Choose Team Butter for Fundraising Success
Group fundraisers work best when you remove unnecessary barriers. Team Butter gives groups a digital storefront that is easy to set up and mobile-friendly, letting supporters shop and pay online from anywhere in the United States. By offering 50% profit and eliminating door-to-door sales, Team Butter makes fundraising both profitable and simple for schools or clubs looking to maximize results with less stress.
Launching a group fundraiser is always easier with the right support in place. Whether you are coaching a middle school cheer team or organizing a choir trip, planning ahead and having expert help can set your group up for success. We have seen firsthand how selling cookie dough for fundraising brings communities together when everything is organized from the start. At Team Butter, we believe every group deserves a stress-free path to reaching its goals. Reach out to us and let’s make your next fundraiser a success.
