During the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I felt we should get more prepared in case of emergencies to come. We found a great place – Alpine Food Storage – where we were able to purchase pretty much everything the stores had been out of, in bulk! They are a wonderful family-run operation, with the children running things to the car for you, the family dehydrating the food, and calculating the prices all at once.
As I was thinking about the many people without food and jobs, I saw a sign on the front of their store, “Because we have been given much, we too must give.” After returning home with everything we were looking for at an amazing price, I learned that this family had many evenings when they worked far past their closing time because people came and had a need. They helped everyone that they could until they were gone. Sounds like a GREAT small business with a HUGE heart to me!
As a business owner, it’s hard to give away hard-earned capital. Still, there are many reasons why it’s a great idea for both your business, and your heart.
Grows your network
Gives the good feels
Sets a GREAT example of an awesome business to work for
Tax deductions :)
Cheaper than an office party (come on, do you really want to host a virtual office party for 2020 or do something amazing with that budget?)
So you want to give back, and you’re excited to, but don’t know where to start? Here’s four ways you can get the good feels, AND help those in need:
1. Share your skill
I love to share the skills I’ve accumulated through my MBA and small business with those who may be struggling. I’ve found wonderful opportunities with People Helping People – when I volunteer, facilitate workshops, or provide one-on-one coaching to the clients of PHP, I help give hope to and change the quality of life of women and families in my community.
2. Donate to your college or university
Colleges and universities have received lots of help, but students are always in need of scholarships, especially now. Consider making a donation to your alma mater, or serving on the Alumni Board. I’ve loved serving with my college, Westminster, and have seen what a huge difference we can make to the students who are unsure what their future will look like.
3. Donate to a local or international non-profit
We have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful non-profits, both as volunteers and through our consultancy.
Although Guatemalan Humanitarian Tours is not able to make trips this year, they’re still accepting monthly donations to “adopt” a child. A small amount of $37/mo can give a child nutrition, medical exam, and more, or even provide a uniform, lunch, and an English-speaking education. Another of our favorites is Tacoma Refugee Choir. They made national news and performed several times prior to COVID-19 hitting. Now, they host online concerts and accept donations to help build awareness and unity for the many refugees in America.
4. Purchase a small business gift card (Small businesses, click here to set yours up for FREE)
When you are looking for a gift for a family member or a hard working employee, supporting small is always the right way to go. Click HERE to get a GBS gift card for a small business that has some unnecessary chaos. We’d love to give them the organizational strategy they need to continue being successful.
What are your favorite ways to give back? Do you have a particular memory of when someone served you? Let us know!