• Every penny counts when is comes to paying medical expenses.feeding my piggy image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  Just as the causes for medical expenses can vary greatly, so too can the ways people find to raise funds to cover these costs. A small community can band together to do whatever it takes to help, or the individual and her family and friends can find assistance on their own. For those who do help individuals monetarily, it may be important to know that donations given to individuals are not tax-deductible as they would be if the donations were given to a registered charitable organization.
  
  

Ask for Money

• Asking for help can be difficult.Cash image by Greg Carpenter from Fotolia.com
  
  Simply ask for help. This is a difficult thing to do for some as pride may get in the way. You can ask your friends, family, and neighbors. You can also ask your fellow church-goers, PTA members or other individuals you may see on a regular basis. Your friends might also be able to help out with donations from their place of employment.
  
  

Set up Donation Cans

• Donated pocket change can add up fast.to save money image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Donation containers are an easy way for an individual to raise some funds for medical expenses. A professionally printed label on a commercially purchased fundraising receptacle will do a lot to establish validity, but may also cut into the profits. If you cannot afford the commercial cans and professional labels you can gather some coffee cans, paste on a homemade label with information about your cause along with a few pictures or a logo. Ask your local merchants if you can set one on their counters. Many merchants are glad to help out those in their community who have a need. Remember to go back weekly to collect proceeds. Be sure to be specific on your labels about where donations will go.
  
  

Create a Website or Blog

• Don't be daunted by the World Wide Web.adress bar image by Wiktor Osiecki from Fotolia.com
  
  You needn't be extremely computer savvy to do this. There are numerous hosting providers--such as Homestead.com--that offer free websites and set up tools including tools to walk you through building your page. You can create one simple webpage to tell your story, add some photos and include a donation button. PayPal, an online business that allows online money transfers and payment solutions, makes adding a donation button to a website very easy and it is free to sign up and use. A blog is another way to go. A blog is different from a website in that you will be able to continually update users of your progress in small posts whenever you have news to share.
  
  

Have a Car Wash

• Having a car wash is a great way to get the whole family or neighborhood involved in your cause.cleaning and sanitation products studio isolated image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  The traditional car wash on a warm summer day is not only enjoyable but will result in earnings for a good deed and a good cause. Plan the date for your event at least a month or more in advance to leave time for planning. Get as many volunteers as you can as this will result in more cars washed and more customers. Choose a good, visible location such as a grocery store or restaurant parking lot; contact the manager for the details. You will need supplies. Get plenty of soap, buckets, towels, hoses and sponges but don't forget the donation buckets and signs; make sure people know why they are donating to your cause. You can set a price and ask for donations or simply work for donations alone.
  
  

Hold a Bake Sale

• Very few people can resist baked goods.gourmet cupcakes in elegant bakery image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
  
  Planning should start at least two weeks in advance. Set a date that will have the least number of conflicts with holidays or when a large number of people may not be in town. Choose a location, such as a park, church or school, and talk to those in charge about the logistics. You will need to start recruiting volunteers right away; place sign-up lists at locations such as the church bulletin, the school bulletin board, or a clipboard at work. To obtain the products you will be selling, you can ask for donated materials from local bakeries in exchange for advertising, or you can have volunteer bakers donate their time and baking supplies to your cause. Get the word out through strategic placement of fliers, banners and signs and perhaps the local paper. Ask for donations above the prices of your items by placing collection cans in plain view.