Giving the Perfect Gift this Holiday Season (11/09)
By Rachel Baarz
Chances are, even though you are still working through that bowl of Halloween candy, the conversation around the water cooler has ultimately turned to “The Holiday Season.” Family recipes, out-of-town guests, flight delays and oven-baked vs. deep-fried turkey debates seem to have become the norm when speaking with friends and colleagues even before the jack-o-lantern has outlived its shelf life on the front porch. None of these topics make me squirm as much, though, as the one about gift-giving. As much as I love shopping, I’ve never been good at picking out gifts for others and always dread hitting the stores this time of year.
If your organization invites everyone to participate in an annual Secret Santa or gift exchange program and you can’t stand the thought of giving or receiving yet another travel mug or smelly bath soap set, I’d like to offer some charitable alternatives that I have personally contributed to in lieu of the traditional travel candle or hot cocoa sampler:
JustGive.org
Dedicated to creating comprehensive tools and services to make charitable giving a part of everyday life, JustGive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase charitable giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care most about.
Make-A-Wish Foundation®
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Feeding America—Kids Cafe
Kids Cafe programs provide free meals and snacks to low-income children through a variety of community locations where children already congregate—such as Boys and Girls Clubs, churches or public schools. Some Kids Cafe programs also offer a safe place, where under the supervision of trustworthy staff, a child can get involved in educational, recreational and social activities.
Heifer International—Ending Hunger, Caring for the Earth
Heifer International is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance and sustainability.
The Somaly Mam Foundation
The Somaly Mam Foundation is committed to ending slavery. The foundation focuses on eradicating the root of human trafficking, exemplifying a global vision and dedication that will allow its work in the United States and Southeast Asia to expand to other countries around the world.
Toys for Tots
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The holiday season is also the perfect time to just reach out and say thank you to your patrons and it doesn’t have to be an elaborate, expensive event. At my first law librarian job we had an annual tradition of hosting a “holiday tea” for the firm’s attorneys and staff as well as those in the building with whom we did a lot of interlibrary loans. It was our way of saying thank you and helping to get everyone in the “holiday spirit.” Everyone on the library staff was responsible for bringing in something sweet to share. For those who lacked baking skills it was perfectly acceptable to provide the linens, decorations or serving pieces instead. The party was always a much-anticipated event and everyone who attended had a great time.
Another firm used to host a “holiday story hour” for the children of the attorneys and staff in that organization. Each year someone would dress up as an elf or snowman and the library staff would serve milk and cookies afterward.
If someone plays the guitar you might invite everyone to participate in a book swap in the library. Collect the books beforehand and on the day of the event turn the library into a coffeehouse where people can peruse the donated books while sipping a latte and listening to some live music.
The possibilities are truly endless but the feeling of having given the perfect “gift” will stay with you all year!
