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APRIL 2016 •
PPB
• 69
CFS PRINTING
& PROMOTIONS
CONDUCT
MEANINGFUL
COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE IS A HALLMARK of the promotional prod-
ucts industry; both suppliers and distributors give time and
funds to local and national causes on an annual basis. Here’s
how your company can apply its particular skills to assisting
neighborhood organizations that serve a particular demographic,
or the community at large.
Pick A Charity
Whether it’s a national group conducting
fundraising efforts or a local nonprofit providing services to indi-
viduals in need, companies of all sizes can contribute somewhere,
somehow. Find one whose mission resonates with your staff,
especially if you want your team members to be part of the effort.
Ask What They Need
Organization goals and stated
missions are what drive a nonprofit’s needs. Sometimes it’s a
website that will help promote a fundraising event; some-
times it’s toiletry bags for shelter residents. Examine whether
your company’s services can be used to meet those needs—or
whether individual staff members possess a unique skill or
talent that they might want to use in service to a charitable
group. Is your team’s work schedule flexible? Volunteer hours
can be as valuable as donated products.
Put Your Best Face Forward
When you decide to
donate products and services, don’t limit your interaction to phone
calls or emails. Meet with groups in person so they know who you
are and what your company does. Do the work on-site at their loca-
tion, if possible, and present gifts or donations in person.
It’s In The Bag
Simple, sturdy bags
like this one for United
Way can be printed
with eye-catching
logos and are good for
multiple uses.
A Big Fan
Printed hand-fans like
Daniels’ United Way
samples are ideal for
outdoor events such
as awareness walks or
information fairs.