Community service ideas for #GivingTuesday, [Planning Template]

Thanksgiving 2015 is on its way and with it, the highly anticipated Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping frenzies. Eager shoppers will be crowding and waiting hours in line for signature deals that only come around once a year. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday spending is forecasted to increase by 3.7% to $630.5 billion during this season of holiday gift giving.

Although retailers look to the holiday shopping season to bolster their bottom line, charitable organizations are looking forward to the holiday season with an average 38% uptick in volunteer activities this time of year. Out of the frenzy of gift-wrapped fruitcakes, tacky sweaters, and holiday parties a recent movement called #GivingTuesday is shifting the holiday momentum back to our communities. 

Celebrating its fourth year, #GivingTuesday will take place on December 1st, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Its concept is simple; to promote a global celebration of community based generosity.   Using the catalyst of social media, many community-minded companies, civic organizations, and individuals are focusing at least some of their holiday energy on giving back for #Giving Tuesday. 

According to the 2014 Civic 50 report, companies that promote these types of activities typically stand to gain more than just financial profit. Among the value ads are increased employee engagement, company and community profit sharing in skills-based volunteering, company-sponsored advancement of social change, and alignment of profit with a purpose. Getting involved on #GivingTuesday and promoting it via social media is a great way for your company to get started moving in this direction.

If you’re ready to jump on the #GivingTuesday bandwagon, here are some great holiday community service ideas to get you started.

 1.  Adopt a family

Due to circumstances out of their control, many kids don’t have much to look forward to when the holidays come around. With 14.8% of the American population officially under the poverty level, organizations such as the Salvation Army and Project Angel Tree offer a glimmer of hope by providing an organized and easy way to put gifts under their tree.

2.  Volunteering

Giving of your time and talents is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute during the holiday season. Charitable organizations are often understaffed and lack the talent necessary to maximize their impact on the community. One great example of how you can actively participate is through the Habitat for Humanity program, which helps to provide decent, affordable housing for those in need. Offering your skills in this or a leadership capacity on a non-profit board may lead to a year-round way to get involved and leave a long-lasting impression on our community. 

3.  Be a friend

Another holiday community service idea is to bring some cheer to those individuals who find themselves alone or experiencing a health crisis during the holidays. NFL Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson has discovered how making weekly visits to Seattle Children’s Hospital has made a positive impact on his life. Similarly, hospice facilities are always looking for volunteers to bring some holiday cheer to those who could use a friend at the end of their life journey.

4.  Fundraisers and Donations  

Taking time out of our hectic work and family schedules to volunteer isn’t always practical. It seems everyone is overwhelmed during the busy rush of the holidays. For some, making a financial donation to a charitable organization is a great way to get involved without making a hefty time commitment. In some instances, a few dollars goes a long way. In the case of our local food bank, I was excited to learn that every dollar donated purchased enough food for five meals. What an inexpensive way to make a huge impact in our community!  Organizations like United Way and Feeding America make getting involved easy. 

5.  Tangible gifts

For some, providing a tangible gift brings the most meaning to the holidays. Whether putting food on the table by coordinating a food drive, creating a smile on a child’s face by giving to Toys for Tots, providing warmth through Coats for Kids, or saving a life by donating blood to the American Red Cross, these tangible gifts are certain to leave a lasting impression on both the giver and the receiver.

Get Started

The list of holiday community service ideas goes go on an on as there are so many unmet needs in our community. Choosing, planning and promoting the right community service project for your organization can be overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools.  Ready to get started? 

What holiday community service ideas will you be promoting?  Please share your ideas and success stories in the comments section below.  

Learn more about how Ignitium may help boost your company’s social media presence.