Non-Monetary Ways to Give Back During the Holidays

With a recession on the horizon and tough times for so many communities, it’s more important than ever for businesses to give back to the people who support them all year round. Any non-profit will tell you that donating money is always welcome, but if that’s not feasible for you, there are other non-monetary ways you can give back this holiday season.

Donate your time

Donating your time is a great way to get involved. Nonprofits and community organizations are constantly understaffed and can often use more help in order to get things done. Your time is precious and by choosing to give back this way, it shows you also care. Bring your team together by working with a community partner as a group. It can create memories, give a sense of purpose and reiterate your company values with your team and stakeholders.

Donate your time

Donating your time is a great way to get involved. Nonprofits and community organizations are constantly understaffed and can often use more help in order to get things done. Your time is precious and by choosing to give back this way, it shows you also care. Bring your team together by working with a community partner as a group. It can create memories, give a sense of purpose and reiterate your company values with your team and stakeholders.

Donate your expertise

If you have a particular expertise, offer that to a community organization as part of a Board of Directors or volunteer. You can offer to mentor someone on their team or use your own skillset to help them advance their cause. This can be done on an ongoing basis or for a set amount of time. For me, offering my PR skills to my provincial autism program is something I’ve already inquired about.

Donate your product

Does your company make a product that is in need? Do you have old stock that you’ve taken off the shelves and want to discard? Consider giving it to a community organization who needs it at no charge. Did you know that socks are the #1 most in-need item at homeless shelters? Call your local charities and ask if they are in need of any of your products.

Donate partial sales

Another monetary option is to ask if customers want to round up their purchase and donate the extra to an organization in-need? This one always gets me at the mall during the holidays and that extra change can add up! During December customers are more apt to agree because we’re in a feel-good time of year.

And remember, there is nothing wrong with you letting everyone know about your good deeds. Your purposefulness can inspire others and the more you talk about the community organizations you align with, the more of a spotlight you also give them.