We often become so wrapped up in our shopping lists and holiday events that we forget what we’re celebrating in the first place. But we’re only in the middle of the holiday season—changes can be made that could positively impact the way others in your community celebrate this year.
You may be surprised to discover that small businesses can effect big changes in the community when they focus on giving back during the holidays. In an AllBusiness.com article entitled “11 Heartwarming Ways Real Small Businesses Are Giving Back for the Holidays” we found some inspiration and joy. We hope sharing the way the following five businesses are giving will do the same for you:
- For over 17 years, Anton’s Cleaners in Lowell, Massachusetts has been dry cleaning coats donated through its annual Coats for Kids drive. They coordinate the service by distributing flyers and posters. About 200 New England businesses participate and donate the coats which are then cleaned by Anton’s for children in need. Last year 68,000 kids enjoyed warmer winters as the result of Anton’s Cleaners’ desire to give.
- The Tunkhannock Business & Professional Association has given businesses and individuals the opportunity to literally light up main street in historic Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. For just $40, one can adopt a vintage street lamp to ensure that it will decorated with greenery, lights and a bow from Thanksgiving until Christmas.
- Davison, a new-product development company in Pittsburg, coordinated a project that benefited needy children in their area. First they raised more than $1500 for the KISS 96.1 Stuff-a-Bus event, and then Davison employees used those donations to purchase toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
- Association Headquarters, a management company in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, holds a food drive for the Food Band of South Jersey every year. Last year they expanded their efforts and invited kids from Urban Promise, an after-school and summer program, to their holiday party. There Association Headquarters employees served dinner to 60 kids who also received personalized gifts. The kids were then encouraged to pay it forward by donating a nonperishable food item to the Food Bank of South Jersey.
- Ryan and Katie Linnel, owners of ShelfGenie in Colorado Springs, CO, design customized, easy-glide shelving. They have partnered with Homes for Our Troops to install shelving in homes designed for disabled veterans needing easy-access cabinetry.
Regardless of your specialty or prominence, your business can make a tremendous impact for good in your community. We challenge you to consider ways you and your business can give back this holiday season, changing the lives of others as you sincerely embrace the holiday spirit.
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When it comes to topics like this one, it can be difficult to find a group of small business owners with whom you can ask questions, share insights, and offer advice. Luckily there are online discussions groups, listservs and forums to help you connect with these individuals. Universal Accounting Center has developed a forum for financial professionals to provide just that community environment for which you may have been searching. Please join us and make our community stronger, and to “talk” about issues that matter to you. Members are free to ask questions, provide resources and take advantage of the resources others may offer. Join us today!
Resource
–. “11 Heartwarming Ways Real Small Businesses Are Giving Back for the Holidays.” AllBusiness.com