Hi Jason,
Try not to take it to personally if people “don’t care”. I think about those poor souls on the street downtown who wait outside malls and restaurants asking people on the street to donate to a charity. Couple blocks down there are people for another one. I think people have become apathetic because were so used to charities.
Try to think of a “no” as a great thing. As soon as they say no, say “thank you for your time” and move on to the next person. Every person that says no is saving you time so you can spend it on someone who really wants to help you out. Aim for No and you’ll get a Yes. My friend and I were cold calling and for every No we would throw a quarter into a jar. And you know what? we didn’t have a lot of quarters in the end.
You have a big heart and I agree with Ella 100% , you never really know what people are going through. Maybe those who said No are having a hard day, bless them the most. I know sometimes i have barely enough change to get home and when someone asks me for change (I always give change) i feel like a jerk. They could be feeling awful for not wanting to help.
“We’re trying to find people who WANT to help donate to our volunteer fire fighters, are you interested or do you know anyone?” Maybe try that speech, most people don’t want to feel left out or useless lol I have a lot of experience with this, its sort of what I do for a living. Also approach larger companies, local businesses and ask them to help you raise money. Maybe put a jar by their cash register. You are dedicating your time to something amazing and everyday remind yourself of that.
Hope that helped and made some sense.

Jason first of all know that you are a great man for doing what you believe in.

I’m currently homeless at the moment. I’m living in my car right now waiting for school to start this fall on august. I work part time but I don’t have enough money to afford rent. I choose to eat instead. I’m currently trying to apply for another part time job but so far no bite.

You see last year I made the decision to move out of my parents house. I decided to leave the safety and comfort of my parents house to go out here and pursue my dreams. Yes as a result, I’m currently homeless, and yes as a result I’m currently broke. But you know what? I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Because although my progress is very little, I know I’m going towards the right direction. Although my improvements are as little as an inch each day, I know that that inch will become a mile someday and I’m willing to go through anything, survive any trials that gets in the way. I’m laying each brick of my life one day at the time. Every morning I get up excited to lay the brick of my life as perfectly as possible because I know, and I can clearly envision it now, my layers of brick of life will someday turn into an indestructable wall of life. It will happen and I will do it.

Every single day, is a painful rejection i go through. I’ve literary talked to over 80 employers(I’m counting) and so far no one has another part time job for me. Every time I come to work, I try very hard to hide the fact that I’m homeless, and I swallow my pride each day. It is painful yes, but the rewards in the future more than compensates for this.

Every week my parents and siblings calls me telling me I’m crazy, that I should go back to safety before I hurt myself, that I’m being delusional. But I can taste, feel, see, smell, touch my goals and I know I will be there so no matter what is happening now, it’s just a small obstacle.

My point is, WHEN YOU HAVE HEART, REJECTION IS NOTHING MORE THAN A NO. When you know what you stand for and know who you really are nobody can put you down. Live by your principles and soon those who disagree with them will not bother you while those you support you will forever be your aquantance.

My friend, all you have to do is believe in yourself, and know what you value at your very core. I wish you the best!

http://www.lesterdc.com