No matter how large or small, a business is part of the community in which it operates. This holiday season, put aside the holiday parties and look for creative ways to give back to your community.
Coordinate charitable donations. Consider taking up a regular donation for a local charity or other community organization. From providing a collection box where customers can donate money, food or clothing items, to adding a donation opportunity on the customer’s invoice, make it easy for your customers to share in charitable donations.
Donate products or services. Consider donating your products directly. Do you have extra promotional items such as apparel or school supplies in your inventory or as showroom samples? Donate them to a community shelter or school.
Become a sponsor. Many small- to large-sized businesses give back to the community by partaking in a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Host a 5K run, sponsor a youth sports team, local holiday parade or other community event. It’s a great way to support your community and has the dual benefit of providing advertising and exposure for the business.
Mentoring programs. Offer a mentoring or job skills training program during the holiday season, or provide part-time job opportunities to those who need extra income. It’s a great way to provide on-the-job training so that those in need can acquire new skills.
Source: Sara Melone has had a lifelong passion for writing. After finding a way to incorporate writing into every career manifestation for over a decade, Melone now spends her days as a full-time freelance writer and editor for a variety of online and offline publications. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing.