How to handle numerous one-time contributors

[jmc9954]

We have several annual mission trips and receive hundreds of donations (checks) from people that are not of our congregation. I do not want to create individual numbers for all these people, chances are most will never give again. If I would to give everyone a number, we'd be up to the 10's of thousands by now.

I have been making a separate spreadsheet outside of Power church to keep a record of these people & their donation, so the team can create a merged thank you letter at the end of the trip. Each week I have been recording a lump sum for the 'Mission Trip' using a special #998 for one-time givers each week. We use a different acounting software to enter more info.and record the income and expense. Any suggestions on what others are doing with numerous one-time givers?
thanks!

[Zorak]

Aside from the risk of not having a history of the gifts given by these people if they later join the church and begin giving regularly, you can enter these contributions into the anonymous or cash in the plate envelope. Most users have added a "dummy" contributor in the Membership side and assigned an envelope number to record anonymous or loose cash in the plate.

[jmc9954]

As i said in my message the special number is #998 (dummy number for checks or #999 for loose cash) and I do keep a record of every contributor, because if they do become a regular giver or member, I will be able to assign them a 'real' number, so there is no risk here.
Okay, so it looks like my #998 for the one-time mission donation is the way to go as I have been doing all along.
Never hurts to ask to make sure.
thanks much for your feedback.

[NeilZ]

FWIW ... we only give envelope numbers to non-members if they give to our Sunday collection by check with a name & address, by cash if they fill out a Pew Envelope, and if they give $250 or more to any special collection, as that is the cutoff for IRS required contribution statements.