NFIB

Simple Community Service Projects for Small Business Owners
01/ 10/ 2003

by Vicki Gerson

One way businesses can get attention is to do good for their community. Many community service projects don't involve extended periods of time or great financial outlays, but are beneficial and greatly appreciated.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Collect food or clothing for the homeless.

Your community probably has several community service groups running clothing drives or food pantries. Often, they are not well advertised and people sometimes forget about donating to them. To aid in these projects, all you need to do is place a large bin in your store with a sign telling people what to donate and where the items will be delivered. When the bin is full, deliver it to the organization.

Collect for Toys for Tots.

Each year from Thanksgiving to Christmas, banks and other stores have a bin from Toys for Tots. This organization provides new and used toys in good condition to children who otherwise wouldnÆt be receiving holiday gifts. Once again, all you have to do is have this bin in your store and let people bring in their donations.

Host a fundraising dinner for a local event.

If you own a restaurant or a banquet hall, host a fund raising dinner for a local event. If you have another type of business, you could join with a restaurateur and co-sponsor the event. Often this type of event is held to help raise money for a sick child whose family doesnÆt have medical insurance.

Start an apprenticeship program at your place of business.

Hire high school students or welfare recipients to work at your place of business. Your apprenticeship program can provide invaluable job training and will show that you care about finding jobs for people in your community.

Donate your services.

Business owners often team with welfare-to-work programs to help people prepare for the job interviews. For example, a dry cleaner could press suits and a barber could donate a free haircut to program members embarking on their interviews. If you are a doctor or dentist, you might want to donate a few hours a week to a community health center for the uninsured.

Look around your community. Keep your eyes open and you will certainly find a way to make a positive contribution to your community.

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