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r] GIFTS CATALOGS A Proven Marketing Technique To Help Meet Your Needs Have you ever bought anything through a sales catalog? Most of us have. Catalogs are an effective selling device. Merchandizing has never been the sane since Richard W. Sears and Alvah C. Roebuck teamed up to issue their first sales catalog in 1888. Catalogs made it possible to reach into homes in communities around the country. Today, sales through catalogs play a major role in merchandizing and are especially effective for reaching a large number of prospective buyers at a relatively low cost. Recognizing these advantages, public park and recreation agencies and non- profit conservation/preservation groups and leisure service agencies have begun adopting the catalog marketing approach to solicit gifts to help sup- port their programs. Whether you call them gifts catalogs, catalogs of needs, park improvement catalogs or "wish lists," the principle is the same. Gifts catalog make giving easy, specific, personal, and meaningful for as many people as possible! Last year, Sears, Roebuck and Company did 20 percent of its sales through catalogs -- $3.4 billion! Perhaps you could adopt a goal of soliciting 20 percent of your annual budget through gifts catalogs. What is a Gifts Catalog? A gifts cataloq'is a brochure, booklet, or portfolio which illustrates, de- scribes, itemizes and prices specific leisure service and conservation/preser- vation needs. Individuals, neighborhood organizations, school groups, service clubs, businesses and corporations can choose from among the catalog's list of projects and programs. Cash, materials, equipment, or services can be given to the community for the specific project or program which the donor wishes to support. Picture your prospective catalog as a Sears Catalog of community giving. Just as the Sears Catalog offers a variety of items cover- ing a wide price range, the gifts catalog describes an array of needs that can appeal to many income levels, funding preferences, and potential donors. Catalogs can suggest a variety of giving options. In addition to straight cash donations, it may be easier for some donors to give equipment, skills or services.