5 Ways Your Business can make an Impact this Holiday Season

The Holiday Season is a chance to see growth in your own business and also an opportunity to reflect on the year and make an impact on others.  Regardless of it being a lot or a little, choosing to give back during the holidays is a fantastic way to make a difference, either in your community or abroad.

It is also a chance to connect with your audience by inviting your customers into your mission, sharing the spirit of giving, and bolstering your brand identity. 

In this blog, we will give you five impactful ideas for how your business can give back this holiday season as well as the joys and benefits of doing so!

1. Host a Toy or Food Drive

This is one of the easiest ways to make a big difference in the lives of others.  The holidays can be a difficult season for some and this is a great way to give back and inspire employees and customers to participate.

Consider hosting a company-wide competition to reach a pre-set goal of toys or food to donate to a local charity. Have an option for shoppers to also get involved by asking them to either donate at the point of purchase and allow them to really get involved by having them cast a vote for which local charity will be selected. 

At the end of the drive, volunteers from your business can collect all that has been donated and take it to the receiving charity. Don’t forget to snap a picture and follow up through email or social media with customers and employees that participated to show how their contribution has made a difference! 

2. Sponsor a Child or Family

Choosing to sponsor a family is an incredibly personal and meaningful way to give back during the holidays. This is one of our personal favorite ways to make an impact during the holidays and throughout the year if you wish to continue your sponsorship past the holidays! There are many organizations that you can partner with to find a way to sponsor a family or child locally or abroad!

Depending on the size of your business, consider breaking it up into departments and have each department contribute a gift for a family or child to make this holiday season extra special.

3. Donate a Percentage of Your Profits

This may seem like a simple gesture but it can certainly make a lasting impact. This is also an opportunity to share your brand story and partner with your customers.
Pick a charity related to your industry, a  local organization, or a charity that relates to your brand story and mission.  

With this option, you also have the ability to decide which charity aligns with your company's mission, you have the flexibility of deciding the percentage of profit that will be donated, and the duration of time that a percentage of sales will last.

Shoppers are happy to purchase from a company that is focused on giving back and it makes them feel connected with your company. Make sure you let your customers know that a percentage of their purchase will go towards a selected charity and communicate with shoppers the importance and impact of their purchase. (A follow up thank you email and a small discount to be used in the new year is a great way to show gratitude to customers!) This may also encourage them to make a purchase in the spirit of giving.

4. Donate Your Product or Service

Not everyone can easily do this, but depending on your products and services, consider donating to a non-profit this holiday season! If you own a children's boutique consider donating a selection of clothes or items to a program that helps support children in need!

Or find a non-profit that is hosting an auction or fundraiser and consider donating to help them reach their funding goals! 

This is an opportunity to get creative, donate within your means, and make a difference this holiday!

5. Business Volunteer Day

This option is a fantastic way to make a difference in your local community. We understand that it’s not always feasible for a business to donate funds, products, or services but with this option, you can give the gift of your time!

Host a company-wide volunteer day and build company culture by volunteering together for an event or charity to show appreciation to your community! Go the extra mile by wearing branded t-shirts and making it a fun festive activity for your team! 

Feeling Inspired?

Besides making a difference in the lives of others by giving back this holiday season, donating your time, money, or resources will lead to a stronger connection with your local and online community. It doesn't have to be extravagant or over the top but making sure your customers have the opportunity to join in the spirit of giving makes for an extra special connection. 

Another way you can give back is by partnering with another business to do a joint donation to a non-profit or charity! Grow your connections AND boost your impact! 

As far as advertising goes, you can call out your donation campaign on your website landing page; spread the news on social; send email newsletters or promo messages; put a sign in front of your brick-and-mortar establishment; include digital donation options at checkout; or update your eCommerce product titles and descriptions. 

With all the growth that has happened over the last year, choosing to give back is a beautiful way to show appreciation this special time of year. Cheers to growth, giving, and gratitude!