We provide lunch (donated) during our meetings each month and we have a little basket that we put out on the table with a little sign that says "Donations Appreciated". All money that is donated is just pure profit for us, as the food is donated. I have no problem with that.
Shelly

We put them out at Donuts for Dads and Family Movie Night--just a couple of strategically placed baskets with a note saying "donations appreciated." We don't advertise it in advance, and we don't announce it at the event. We just figure if people are willing to throw money at us (literally!), we're willing to take it! We collected a few hundred dollars this way last year.

There is nothing wrong with putting up a donation bucket. You are providing them with a meal for free. No one is under any obligation to give you anything. If they feel like dropping some cash in your bucket they will.

We have one event during the year in which we put out a donation bucket. We take in about $300 in donations and we are a small school. No one has ever complained.

We always run our chili supper this way. We put out a flyer stating that it is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. We don't use it as a fundraiser, and generally just take in enough to cover the cost of the supplies. We have never had anyone complain about our asking for donations (at least to my knowledge.)

Last year we had 2 donation boxes...one at the head of each line, but this year we are going to put boxes on each of the tables. Just make sure that they are large enough so that they can't easily "walk away". We also wrapped ours in brightly colored/patterned paper so they were easy to notice.

I've seen it done at school's. I don't know how well it goes over though. Maybe put a note explaining why you are asking for donations. Did you get the food free or at a reduced price? I know that local Bakery Thrift Stores will do that for you. We always get ours that way.

Would it be incorrect to put out a donation can at our Back to school Night Dinner! This is the first time we are holding this dinner. It's during our Open House the night before school. We are serving Hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks. ??? Thanks.