That’s the Spirit! Creative ideas for giving back during the holidays

Feeling challenged to come up with an event more interesting than a toy drive or canned food collection? Look no further than the agency world. Marketers are known to turn their fundraising up to 11 during the holidays (perhaps they feel a bit guilty for all of the crass consumerism). Last year for example, a Toronto agency auctioned off some of their prestigious awards via Instagram (including this gold Clio) as a means of raising funds for their favorite non-profit.

 

If you’ve been following Direct Choice, then you may recall voting for our Ugly Sweaters or  Holiday Album Covers to raise money via Facebook. Both of those holiday campaigns motivated our staff, friends and clients to join together for a good cause. This doesn’t mean you have to create a social media campaign to get creative. Consider these alternatives:

 

Auction off some perks within your organization

During a holiday party, you could auction- off extra vacation days or primo parking spots near the entrance to your building for the duration of the winter. Imagine the bidding wars for something like that in Chicago or Boston!

 

Secret Santa for needy children

A more common but highly rewarding idea is to participate in a Secret Santa program that helps families who can’t afford to buy gifts for their children. Employees who volunteer will typically get a list of “wants” and “needs” for an individual child. Participants can shop together after work, share gift ideas, etc. Everyone who gets involved will feel a direct connection to making the holidays better for a child in need and their parents.

 

Roll up your sleeves

Escaping the office to get out and do something good for your community is especially satisfying. Direct Choice participates in service days throughout the year. In addition to helping our neighbors, it brings together people who typically do not interact much even though they are just a couple of office doors away. Volunteers are needed everywhere to assist seniors and vets, provide shelter, serve hot meals, etc.

 

Tip: Begin looking for service opportunities early in the year because many organizations find that they have an overabundance of people who are willing to give their time during the holidays. Or better yet, volunteer throughout the year. It’s always good for raising everybody’s spirits!

Direct Choice was honored to present this check to Alex Archawski from the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network (GPVN). GPVN’s mission is making Greater Philadelphia the Best Place For Veterans. #phillyvets #gpvn #communitymatters #givingback ...

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To celebrate the sentiments of peace, love and understanding, this year we are contributing to the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, who work to make our city the best place for Veterans. Happy Holidays from Direct Choice Inc!
#Phillyvets #GPVN #HappyHolidays
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A fun time and great food at our annual holiday luncheon and gift exchange held @autographwayne! Many alcohol-related gifts beginning with the letter “I”! Thanks Nick! (We missed you Beth!) #happyholidays #whiteelephant #funholidaytimes ...

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Had a fun and informative time at the @BCAPhilly Hospitality Breakfast last Friday. Speaker @TarynSouthern gave a thought-provoking presentation focused on how AI is changing our world. #ai #aimarketing #bcaphilly ...

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Proud to report that Direct Choice picked up 2 Benny Awards last night in the digital/social media marketing categories - Congrats to All!! #pdma #bennyawards #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing ...

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This holiday season, we’re continuing to support @philabundance to help them end hunger in our local communities. Happy Holidays from Direct Choice Inc! #philabundance #happyholidays ...

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Kudos for Direct Choice at the PDMA Benny Awards last night. DCI won the top award in 3 categories PLUS WON BEST IN SHOW! Congrats to ALL #PDMA #bennyawards ...

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Here`s something many of us can relate to in the era of virtual meetings - enjoy a good laugh and Happy Holidays from the DCI team! #virtualbloopers #Happyholidays #happyholidays2021 ...

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