A Christmas fundraiser is an event, usually held around Christmas time or shortly before it, in which a group will raise funds for a specific goal, organization, or individual. The specific details of a Christmas fundraiser can vary significantly; sometimes the volunteers who are running the fundraiser will sell Christmas-themed items such as wreaths, ornaments, or even Christmas trees. In other instances, the fundraiser may take the form of an event that raises money to benefit groups who will help provide gifts or food to families around Christmas time. Such fundraisers can vary drastically depending on the organizer's goals.
Selling wreaths is perhaps one of the most popular Christmas fundraiser events. The wreaths can be purchased ahead of time by a wholesaler, or they can be made by volunteers before the fundraising event takes place. Sometimes volunteers will approach potential customers well ahead of time to place an order for a wreath; payment is usually due either up front or at the time of delivery. This method allows the volunteers to know how many wreaths must be made or ordered; once the wreaths are available, they can be delivered to customers who prepaid. Other wreaths may be presented in a public space so the general public can take part in the Christmas fundraiser without pre-ordering.
The same model can be used when selling ornaments or Christmas trees. In many cases, the fundraising staff will set up a table or booth in a public area or at a private business location. This means the organizers of the Christmas fundraiser must get permission from that business or permits from a local government in order to set up in that space. Permits may be free, though they may also have a charge associated with them. This sometimes depends on the status of the group organizing the fundraiser.
Sometimes a Christmas fundraiser can be as simple as collecting money for a soup kitchen or other group intended to help the poor. The Salvation Army is famous in the United States and some other countries for holding a Christmas fundraiser every year in which volunteers dress up as Santa Claus and ring a bell outside various shopping centers. People can drop money into a donation can or bin to help this group fund its many philanthropic projects aimed at improving the lives of people in need. Other similar groups may conduct similar fundraisers to collect funds for various groups or segments of the population.