SUPPORT EMPLOYEES, COMMUNITIES, AND CUSTOMERS WITH THESE IMPACTFUL WAYS TO GIVE BACK.
Giving back to your community is a terrific team bonding activity and a favorite way to get into the spirit of the holiday season. But this year, many businesses must reevaluate their giving strategies. Singing carols at a local senior home or packing boxes and bags at the local food pantry are out; virtual fundraisers and e-greetings are in.
Here are some ideas of socially-distant ways to give back to your community this year:
- Support service members and their families
- Hit the road
- Donate blood
- Host a digital food drive
- Sing for seniors (or just say hello!)
- Adopt a family
- Don’t forget your furry friends
- Team up for a good cause
Keep reading to learn more about these creative and safe ways to give back this holiday season.
SUPPORT SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
There are many opportunities to show your support for veterans, those on active duty, and their loved ones at home. For example, you can help make the holidays brighter for military families through Operation Holiday Joy or donate to an organization supporting veterans.
HIT THE ROAD
Most official races and fun runs are canceled or postponed this year, but you can create your own socially-distant event for good. Choose a charity, ask employees to donate, and set a time for participants to walk or run in their own neighborhood. The event could be anything from a one-mile walk over a weekend, a 5K “Turkey Trot” on Thanksgiving, or completing a 10K run by the end of the year.
DONATE BLOOD
Did you know? Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. One donation can potentially save up to three lives! The American Red Cross has raised concerns about potential blood shortages after the COVID-19 crisis shut down many regularly scheduled blood drives at businesses and schools. But you can still donate on your own! Read more about safety protocols that are in place to protect donors and staff, schedule an appointment for yourself, and encourage your team to do the same if their health allows.
HOST A DIGITAL FOOD DRIVE
Instead of filling up bins and boxes in your company breakroom, start a team and compete to collect financial donations online. Food pantries can stretch financial contributions further than non-perishable donations, so you’re often more than doubling your impact! Check with your local food bank to see how you can help or join existing online fundraising efforts through national organizations such as the Goodman Community Center, Feed America, or No Kid Hungry.
SING FOR SENIORS (OR JUST SAY HELLO!)
Contact a local senior residential facility or nursing home to arrange a video conference where you can safely connect with residents. You might try singing some traditional holiday songs as a group or “adopt” a senior for some one-on-one conversations or video call-friendly games. You can also ask to start an old-fashioned Pen Pal program connecting your team members with interested residents.
ADOPT A FAMILY
Many organizations offer the opportunity to support families in need during the holiday season by purchasing gifts from a wish list. Depending on your team or company’s size, you might split the wish list and have each employee take responsibility for buying one item, or you might choose to adopt several families.
DON’T FORGET YOUR FURRY FRIENDS
Donate used blankets and towels, treats and food, cleaning supplies, or a monetary gift to your local animal shelter, such as the Dane County Humane Society.
TEAM UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Even if you’re working remotely, holiday giving can be a fulfilling team activity. If you’re not sure which charity to work with, have employees submit suggestions or rally for their favorite cause. Set aside an hour to spread cheer together: write letters, craft cards to send those who might be lonely this season, or volunteer with the USPS Operation Santa program. You can also host a good-natured fundraising competition among team members to kick the giving up a notch!
One final note: before you donate time or money to a charity of any size, do your homework. It’s a good idea to consult resources such as GuideStar, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, or Charity Navigator so you can make an informed giving decision.
As we navigate these challenging times, check out our blog for ideas on keeping employees connected, improving work-life balance, and more.
You can count on EZ Office Products to supply everything you need for success. Shop our online catalog or call our local customer concierge to set up your business account at (608) 310-4300 today.