Novice Recruiter badge and material donations

Hi all. I'm a fairly new member and was trying to figure out how one reports new recruits to get the 'Novice Recruiter' badge that I've seen on some profiles (like Randeth, who recruited me). He doesn't recall how he got it, and I haven't been able to locate the information myself.

Also, when browsing the marketplace listing for items in high demand, are those items just to be mailed to a certain individual, if there aren't any open orders for them? Or are items in high demand still only requested when there's also an open order for them?

Thanks for the info!

The items on the "Earn Contribution" page which appear under the "The Hot List" can be sent directly to Foghladha (Guardian) or Foghlada (Defiant) for contribution credit. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT IF YOU PUT IT IN THE VAULT. Please follow the instructions that appear on the Earn Contribution page to make sure that you earn your contribution. You can also donate all Purple Items and Any Color Recipe.