Gift Basket Companies Give Back

The great news about the holidays is that community giving back goes up, the bad news is that it has a tendency to fizzle come January, despite the needs of the community needing help. When I launched the Women's Networking Alliance back in 2007, I asked that it be a requirement each year that we do a community project and not during the holiday but rather in a time when no so many people are engaged. As we go national in 2010, all chapters are required to do the same thing.

When I sat back and asked the question of the members and suppliers of The Gift Basket Association, the answers were astounding. I specifically asked if and how they give back and to my extreme delight, the responses were wonderful. I hope these short stories will inspire you to continue to give back - all year around.

Debbie


"Last summer my then 7 year old son and I were getting bogged down in the economic slump. All we seemed to be focusing on was what we couldn't do, where we couldn't go, etc. So we decided to start doing random acts of kindness. Giving our new umbrella to the homeless guy in the rain, donating the money for a needy scout to go to camp, etc. I am most proud of all the activities that summer because now my son (and his friends that would randomly be with us) all continue doing these things at any opportunity. They have learned that the size of the gift isn't what matters and that in giving the gift they aren't just helping someone else, but helping themselves to understand what life is really about." Lisa-Marie Begerow of Garden Gate Gifts in Florida

"I really think that being involved in your community is essential. I personally love living in Westerville Ohio and show it by volunteering or donating to special events. A community is built by it's people and their generosity to others.
Short Story I started a donation program where non-profit organizations can apply for a donation for their special event. The one thing that I WILL be doing once I can afford it is start a scholarship program for our local University." Lisa Bevan - My Gift Basket Ideas

"Our philosophy on giving is that the local non-profit organizations are just trying to make the lives of others better. We give to help the cycle. It is bigger than all of us.
Short Story We're proud of all the donations we do. We're especially very active with the arts community." Deb Condo, Gift Basket Junction

"I am involved in a group called Jump Start which helps give terminally ill, cancer patients and all other patients with serious forms of illness by giving them a little lift when they feel low. When you sign up you receive an email every week or so asking to give a card or gift to one of the patients on the list. You get a little background into their lives and you choose the one or ones you would like to Jump Start that week, its a difficult choice, believe me. I am sending gift baskets or cards or whatever I can to cheer these fantastic and courageous people! I am also donating a portion of my proceeds to this fabulous organization. Everyone should give back to community. Besides making you feel better just think what you are doing for someone else, that's the real love. " Hyde Street Gift Baskets

"My family believes in giving to the community. It started with my Mother and Father. My Mother is 87 and still coordinates the food pantry in her city. My husbands family also gave to the community. My husband and I continue to reach out in many different ways, to support our community. We hope to be a good role model for our children." Meryl Mixtacki, Bask In Gifts