jarerice Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 How to make the Holidays special for my Employees??? Last year we put up a tree and some lights. For many of them it's the only tree they can call their own. We did Christmas presents too. I hope I can do that again this year. I was thinking about door prizes as well. Many of you know I work for a day labor hall and there are many homeless or near homeless people who work for me. I really want to try and out do last years. Any ideas???
ohitsunshine Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 How to make the Holidays special for my Employees??? Last year we put up a tree and some lights. For many of them it's the only tree they can call their own. We did Christmas presents too. I hope I can do that again this year. I was thinking about door prizes as well. Many of you know I work for a day labor hall and there are many homeless or near homeless people who work for me. I really want to try and out do last years. Any ideas???For homeless or near homeless...why not do a dinner?
shopping mom Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 I am sure you are on a budget, but could you do a stocking for them. I know Targets Dollar spot is 50% today and some of the trial size shampoos and things are marked down, also school supplies (pens, pencils,notepads, etc could be used and Candy is a must. The dinner is a great idea, and foods like chili, soup, or spaghetti are inexpensive for large groups but filing.
LadyLeprechaun Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 For homeless or near homeless...why not do a dinner?I was just going to suggest that! A nice meal would make a great "Thank You" gift. Also, you may want to purchase holiday items/gifts for the following year during Black Friday, After Christmas Sales, etc. so you can save and show your appreciation! :)
jarerice Posted September 17, 2008 Author Posted September 17, 2008 We do a huge Thanksgiving Dinner for them. I really want to try and get them gifts again this year. Last year's budget was very small. I should have picked up stuff at Target the other day. I wasn't thinking.
shopping mom Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 What do you think you can spend per person on a gift?
amyers12345 Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 If they are homeless, I don't think they would mind another dinner. If you really don't want to feed them, maybe gloves and stocking caps. Something they can use. I wouldn't buy anything that wasn't a necessity. Necessities are probably luxuries to them.
3 boys Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 maybe ask them to "write a letter to Santa" and see if you can fulfill one or two of their requests(within reason) We did this with a shelter a few years back and it was a hit. You would be surprised what some people want( one man just wanted a new pillow to call his own )
cassgurlie04 Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 Make them small care packages, dollar stores are great for these kind of things.
pogiporkchop Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 If you can get your hands on some shoe boxes or similar sized plastic storage boxes then you can stuff 'em with necessities and still have room for a little something :) I like the wish list idea too... maybe the two could be combined.
Kandy Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 maybe a stocking with the travel size shampoos etc, then tuck a little gc in it too to a grocery store, or Fast Food places.
amyers12345 Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 If I remember correctly, last year, you only had a $50 budget, right? Didn't it average $1 per person? That will make a big difference on ideas.
mgmckny Posted September 18, 2008 Posted September 18, 2008 If you can get your hands on some shoe boxes or similar sized plastic storage boxes then you can stuff 'em with necessities and still have room for a little something :) I like the wish list idea too... maybe the two could be combined.Kind of like some of the churches do to send out to the mission field. That would be great!
3 boys Posted September 19, 2008 Posted September 19, 2008 I like 3boys ideathanks... But with a budget of $50 that might be hard...try to get donations but start asking at beg. of oct. this is usually the start of the quarter for most businesses and they are more willing to give and try local owners as opposed to national chains(who have to go through channels to get donations approved)
noehlp Posted September 20, 2008 Posted September 20, 2008 Dinner, and a new pair of work/winter gloves or new pack/pair of socks.
AngeP Posted September 21, 2008 Posted September 21, 2008 thanks... But with a budget of $50 that might be hard...try to get donations but start asking at beg. of oct. this is usually the start of the quarter for most businesses and they are more willing to give and try local owners as opposed to national chains(who have to go through channels to get donations approved)I used to work for a company that I had to request donations for door prizes for the holiday parties. You'd be surprized what companys are willing to donate, all you have to do is ask. There are more willing to donate items than not, it's free advertising and just another write off for them. An example of some of the thing I got donated where gift cards for merchandise and food, free massages, art, ipods, etc. I would suggest you get started immediately though.
3 boys Posted September 21, 2008 Posted September 21, 2008 yes I have to organize the gift of sight program at work(lenscrafters) and I get all kinds of donations from grocery stores, donut shops, gas stations(I got a local gas station last year to donate 50-$5 gas cards) ask for donations in person and write a thank you note when done this will keep them donating year after year
vsa3janes Posted September 21, 2008 Posted September 21, 2008 Start now and contact the Marketing Dept of local distributors (clothing, food, liquor, meds etc.) for donations. Many will give products to you because they receive them free from companies they buy from. Also, contact the Marketing Dept of local sports teams they always have give away items that can be used for gifts. Contact local Doctor's offices, talk with the Office Manager it is amazing the items the drug reps give them, clocks, calculators, travel bags, cups, etc. I have had a lot of success from these resources collecting to fill baskets for the American Cancer Society events and the only cost is driving to pick them up. You might collect enough items to give everyone something. When you contact them make sure you mention these people are low income but struggling to work and support themselves. Door prizes are great but having a gift for everyone is wonderful. Maybe you could wrap the gift and top it with a scarf as a bow. The Dollar Spot had really nice men and women's scarves last year.
afrey66 Posted September 21, 2008 Posted September 21, 2008 You should contact a local radio/tv station and see if they could help find sponsors for you to do something.
vsa3janes Posted September 21, 2008 Posted September 21, 2008 You should contact a local radio/tv station and see if they could help find sponsors for you to do something. No offense but, I work at a tv station and worked at a radio station, they will not direct you to sponsors. They may have promotional items they will give you but most of the time they are looking for sponsors for themselves. A place to check is the Editoral Dept of a local newspaper. They receive movies, books and cd to review. I know when I worked at the paper they were always looking for good causes that would come pick up items.
3 boys Posted September 21, 2008 Posted September 21, 2008 I have a suggestion for a tree... my brother worked for a tree lot and said that he was told to "donate" a certain number of trees to charity... this could be just this area but worth a try ... wish i lived closer and could help.... it sounds like you have a big heart
dancglady Posted September 23, 2008 Posted September 23, 2008 I love the shoe box idea. You can wrap the top and bottom now so you can fill the boxes as you get the items. Then bake a special treat to fill each box, maybe trail mix or a healthy muffin and odds and ends like tooth brushes, socks etc. Like others are saying get out there now and ask for donations and maybe hook up with a local college who would be willing to have a bake sale or something so you can raise extra money! College kids always want extra things to put on resumes! Maybe since you have a dinner for Thanksgiving you can have an invitation in the box for a lunch in January and just make soup and sandwiches.
Silverstreak24 Posted September 23, 2008 Posted September 23, 2008 I agree with dancglady. If you post a message at the local college, I all but guarantee you will get students who are willing to bake some cookies/brownies and sell them. Or, you could contact the local college in your area and see if they are willing to set up donation bins around the school. All you would need is a few boxes and notices about the types of products you are looking for! Just a suggestion :) Good Luck!
casey49781 Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 How about a bake sale , ask some of your friends and family for help , use the money to buy the gifts, what a kind person you are.
Princess7915 Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 I think gloves, scarves or hats would be a great idea for the gift. I wonder if you went to the the local colleges and asked to set up like and angel tree sort of thing just for those items or any "personal care" if they would let you. I think it's a great idea. Another try might be a small church or two in your area that might be willing to take donations. Anything you collect is better than nothing!
MathGirl Posted November 21, 2008 Posted November 21, 2008 I think gloves, scarves or hats would be a great idea for the gift. I wonder if you went to the the local colleges and asked to set up like and angel tree sort of thing just for those items or any "personal care" if they would let you. I think it's a great idea. Another try might be a small church or two in your area that might be willing to take donations. Anything you collect is better than nothing! If you go to a college, remember that they go on Thanksgiving Break next week and then finals are almost right after they get back.
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