Hi Aimee
Thanks for your post
I have tried to answer your questions one-by-one to the best of my ability
My first point though is that you should try to contact your chosen charity to let them know what you are doing. They will then provide you with an official collectors number, or at the very least some official headed paper on which to print your letters.
x_the_oc_luva_x wrote:
1. Is it best to handwrite or type the letter?
If you are going to be collecting for charity it is unlikely that you will have the time to write by hand

Typing is fine when collecting for charity. I would however suggest you sign each letter individually, and you will need to include an SASE with each request.
2. For the bigger celebrities, should i send a photo to sign?
Normally when collecting for charity you do not need to enclose photos, as the celeb will provide these for you. Also, you need to ask for "signed memorabilia" in your letter - not just signed photos. Signed memorabilia e.g. DVDs, CDs, books, clothing etc will raise much more at auction then standard signed photos.
3. In my letter should i include whether i'm a fan of the person or not, e.g. " I've been a huge fan for such a long time and i especially thought you were outstanding in..."
This is not neccessary when collecting for charity.
You really do need to clear your collecting with the charity involved though, as you may run into trouble if you just start collecting for one off your own back without clearing it with them
Remember, you will have to take your own costs out of whatever you raise (postage/printing etc) and your charity may well want to see basic "accounts" from you as you will be collecting in their name
I hope this helps you!
Please get back to me if I can help you further!
Ian
