Delivery Arrangement
Two main options exist in arranging for the delivery of recovered supplies to your identified charity: 1) Contact a freight line directly and arrange for them to deliver your supplies pro bono for a charitable cause or 2) Arrange for a charitable group to pay for the delivery of your supplies.
Soliciting the Freight Line Directly
In deciding which freight lines to solicit, I found it productive to contact mid- to large-volume freight lines which had depots or operations centers near the origin and destination of the supplies. If they need an estimate of materials to be shipped, tell them about a pallet a month. This will hold true for a while, although eventually you will ramp up this amount to about 3-4 pallets a month if your program follows the evolution of 'Duke Recovers'.
When soliciting the freight line directly, don't forget to mention the potential for positive public relations if your program gets any attention. If you do follow this route and you are eventually interviewed, its important that you mention the freight line and send a copy of the publication to your contact at the company.
Arranging for Charity Funds
If you can't arrange for the optimal scenario in which the freight lines agree to deliver your supplies pro bono, the next best arrangement is to have a third-party fund your delivery. Third-party funding sources typically include:
Local Rotary clubs
The Charity to which you are shipping the supplies
The Hospital at which you are establishing the program
(don't mention this if your administration is highly cost-conscious)
Once delivery has been arranged, keep in touch with those who are providing for the delivery. These contacts must remain strong as this is a vital aspect of the program which requires continued commitment.
recover@doctor.com