• Written requests for donations can raise funds during a health crisis.ICHIRO/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Medical expenses can become an overwhelming burden for a person suffering from an illness. In addition to dealing with failing health and enduring treatment, the person also has to worry about how to pay her medical bills. With the help of family, friends and the community, she can raise money to go toward these medical expenses. However, let donors know that their contributions to a private individual are not tax deductible.
  
  

Donation Request Letter

• A donation request letter directly from the sick individual can arouse the emotions of the recipients and encourage them to donate to his medical expense fund. Unlike other energy-sapping fundraising ideas, writing a letter is simple enough that the person in need can write it and send it out. The content of the letter should succinctly explain why the writer is asking for donations. Discuss your struggle with the illness or the amount of debt you are facing. If you're unable to work, explain why. Conclude the letter by asking for a donation, and make it easy for your recipients to donate. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope in the package so that your recipients can send you a check. Or, set up a bank account or PayPal account for donations, and provide the information in the letter.
  
  

Pledge Walk

• Bring together the community by hosting a pledge walk in honor of the person in need. Perhaps your close friend survived a serious car accident that required multiple surgeries, and although she is healthy now, she has mounting medical costs. Encourage family and friends to participate in a 5-km run or walk and to find people to donate a flat fee or per-mile fee for the cause. Pledged donations can go toward the person of honor's medical expenses.
  
  

Community Dinner

• A community dinner can bring together supporters of the beneficiary and help raise money as well. Plus, if the person feels well enough, he can attend the event in his honor. Choose a low-cost entree, such as spaghetti, to serve, and get volunteers to donate the food and supplies. Prepare the food in a school or church kitchen, and set up the event in a nearby gym, parish hall or community center. Since volunteers contribute and make the food, the ticket sales at the door can go toward the person in need. By giving people a dinner in exchange for their donation, you can attract a larger crowd than if you simply ask for money outright.