5 Ways to Give Back (Virtually) This Holiday Season

Taylor Smith, Director of Marketing at Visibly

Giving back to our local communities is important and provides an impactful way for us to connect with others. While things look a bit different this year, there are still numerous ways that you can give back to those in need.

Here at Visibly, giving back to others is part of our company culture, and we’re excited to share some ways that you, too, can get involved in your community.

1. Donate a portion of your company’s revenue to a local organization

An impactful way to give back to your local community is by donating a portion of your company’s profits to a charity of your choice. Incorporate your employees by choosing a non-profit as a group and host internal sales challenges to ultimately increase the total donation.

This month Visibly will be donating a portion of our revenue to A Better Chicago, a venture philanthropy fund fighting poverty by investing in initiatives that serve youth in low-income communities. The funds will support A Better Chicago’s portfolio of 18 grantees providing wraparound services and educational support to Chicago youth from cradle to career.

2. Host a digital food drive

According to No Kid Hungry, more than 11 million children in the U.S. live in food insecure homes, and today, projections show that 18 million children could face hunger this year. You can help change that statistic by hosting a digital food drive.

• Feeding America has numerous corporate and foundation programs that your organization can engage in.
• No Kid Hungry provides several ways that you can fundraise, donate, and support those in need.
• Move for Hunger is an organization that can help you plan your own food drive.

3. Adopt a family virtually for the holidays

Spread holiday cheer this winter to children, teens, senior citizens, and families in need. The Salvation Army is hosting a Virtual Angel Tree program allowing you to support families by purchasing gifts online.

4. Donate a Christmas tree to members of the military and their families

Trees for Troops provides free, farm-grown Christmas trees to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Over the past 15 years, they have delivered almost 250,000 trees due to donations, sponsorships, and support.

5. Write letters to those who need some extra sunshine in their day

With social distancing practices in place, writing letters is a great way to connect with others while not having to leave the safety of your home or office. And, who doesn’t like the idea of having a pen pal? Here are a couple of organizations that your team can work with:

• Letters Against Isolation — This organization provides a way for you to write letters to senior citizens living in assisted-living facilities and care homes.
• Color a Smile — If you prefer to draw versus write, you can work with this organization to send a piece of art to deployed troops overseas, senior citizens, and anyone else whose day could use a pop of color.