At Woodside Houses, we use a random lottery to hand out numbers. Numbers are distributed randomly and then called to the table sequentially. The goal of this process is to encourage fairness by making the opportunity to be first in line random. The example below uses numbers 1-30, but the actual numbers distributed day of will vary depending on how many people are waiting.

Steps

• [ ] Before starting the line, check the FreshDirect bags for a clear Ziploc bag of cardboard numbers. The bag should also have a Sharpie
• [ ] The Ziploc bag should contain both random numbers from 1-50 and also blank cardboard numbers. The blank cardboard numbers are spares.
• [ ] If you can, take a few minutes to organize the numbers from 1-30. Keep numbers 30+ handy.
• [ ] Put only the numbers 1-30 and take the rest out of the Ziploc bag
• [ ] At 2pm ET, ask neighbors to please form a line
• [ ] Randomize the numbers 1-30 in the Ziplog bag by shaking the bag around
• [ ] Pass out a randomized number for each neighbor in line
• [ ] Ask neighbors to get in line based on their numbers
• [ ] Everyone who comes after 2pm should roughly receive numbers 30+ (or whatever number you use as a cut off)
• [ ] If you can, put the numbers back in order and then wrap them in a rubber band to make it easier for the next line manager 🙂

Tips

• It's OK if there are a few numbers missing, just make sure to initially distribute them out randomly
• If two people accidentally pull the same number, have them draw again
• If a number is "missing" in line for whatever reason (like you call a number and no one responds with the number), just skip to the next sequential number