Spreading Christmas cheer: how businesses can give back during the season of giving
The season of giving is here. It is a time when generosity, community spirit, and maybe a few extra glasses of mulled wine take centre stage.
Christmas is the perfect opportunity for businesses to spread joy and make a real impact by supporting charities and non-profits.
Whether you offer cash donations, list items you no longer need, fulfill specific charity requests, or rally your team to get involved, giving back this season can strengthen your connection to the community and show your commitment to doing good.
Here are some ways your business can get involved in the season of giving:
1. Give a classic cash donation
One of the simplest and most common ways to support a charity is by donating funds. And this is undoubtedly always welcome!
Financial contributions let charities direct resources where they’re most needed, whether to provide essential services, purchase supplies, or expand their reach.
This year, why not involve your team in the decision-making process?
Ask your employees to nominate charities they care about or hold a vote to select the organisations you’ll support. This is a great way to create a sense of equality while considering your workforce's values.
2. Give what you no longer need
Got extra office furniture, tech gadgets, or supplies lying around? Instead of letting them collect dust, why not put them to good use this festive season? On A Good Thing’s platform, you can easily list the items your business no longer needs, and charities can request them directly.
It’s a simple way to declutter while helping those who really need it. By donating items this way, you’re not just freeing up space – you’re also helping charities save on costs and focus their resources on what matters most this time of year.
3. Give what’s on their wish list
Sometimes, it’s not just about clearing out your extras; it’s about giving charities precisely what they’re looking for.
Many charities rely on specific items to carry out their work. From office supplies and technology to clothing, food, and hygiene products, your unused or surplus stock could be just what they need.
To find out what’s in demand, visit A Good Thing’s list of current charity needs. This regularly updated list makes it easy for businesses to match their resources to real-time needs, helping your kindness and generosity go even further.
4. Collect, contribute, and spread joy with a charity drive
Rally your employees, customers, and the local community to support a shared cause by organising a charity drive. This is a brilliant way to collect goods, raise funds, or provide services for those in need.
Some festive ideas include:
Winter coat collections: Gather warm clothing for local shelters or support groups.
Food donations: Partner with food banks to help families facing food insecurity.
Gift-giving campaigns: Create care packages or collect toys and gifts for families in need during the holiday season.
For extra inspiration, check out A Good Thing’s charity needs page to see what’s most urgently required in your area.
5. Gift what you do best by sharing your skills and services
If your business offers a particular product or service, why not share your expertise to make a difference?
Here are a few ideas (quite a few actually):
IT companies: Provide tech support or help set up systems.
Marketing agencies: Help with promotional campaigns or social media outreach.
Restaurants: Prepare meals for community events or shelters, share your culinary skills with local community groups with cooking lessons.
Accounting firms: Offer free financial advice or help with bookkeeping.
Graphic designers: Create promotional materials or refresh a charity's branding.
Retail stores: Donate surplus stock or help organise pop-up charity sales.
Event planners: Assist with planning fundraisers or other charity events.
Florists: Donate flowers for events or provide unsold arrangements to brighten a somebody’s day.
Delivery companies: Transport donations or charity goods to their destinations.
Fitness instructors: Host charity workout sessions or wellness events.
Photographers: Offer free photography services for events or marketing materials.
Printers: Provide free or discounted printing for flyers, posters, or newsletters.
You get it; pretty much every type of company has something to offer.
Your team’s skills can help charities save on costs, build lasting partnerships, and make a real, hands-on difference.
6. Encourage employee involvement
Support your team in giving back by offering volunteering opportunities, paid time off for charity work, or matching their individual donations.
You can also involve employees in creating listings on A Good Thing or finding items your business could donate.
Making it easy for employees to contribute or get involved boosts work satisfaction, strengthens company culture, and highlights your business’s values.
Why giving back matters
Giving back during the festive season isn’t just about helping charities - it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity.
By donating through A Good Thing, whether by making a listing or helping with specific charity needs, you can help local organisations continue their great work while also showcasing your business as a socially responsible leader.
This Christmas, find the approach that works best for you. From financial contributions to sharing your resources and skills, every act of kindness makes a difference.