R Demetzer said:

if at all possible, i don't want to have to create statements/invoices, receipt journals, etc. when all i really want to do is make the deposit and credit the revenue account.

From the Invoice screen, It's possible to create a new customer / donor and print / email and record receipt of a donation with a payment, all in one step.  If the receipts are fairly similar you could use a 'recurring transaction' as a template.  If you have a few dozen types of different items, set up service items.

Then, from the Bank Deposit screen, print a couple deposit slips.    

Use a separate 'cash and cheques on hand' (a 'till' account) and record the deposits from that account into the bank account.

R Demetzer: Remember as a small health charity you have to have proper set of financial records and all receipts must contain the information required by the CRA Charities Directorate. Be sure you are meeting at least the minimum requirements.