Employee Holiday Party Benefits People in Need
Gage Marketing threw a different kind of employee holiday party this year. Instead of its usual party at a country club or other venue, the planning committee decided to spend less on the party portion and set aside half the budget for charity, using the money to purchase gifts for people served by Catholic Charities’ Giving Tree program.
“We have never in the past done anything like this,” says Gage HR and Benefits Coordinator Janice Paulson.
Prior to the party, each employee selected a Giving Tree ornament listing an item such as winter boots and bath towels requested by low-income and homeless clients of Catholic Charities. Seventy people took ornaments, Paulson says.
Gage employees purchased items listed on the ornaments using gifts cards purchased by the company. If the item cost less than the gift card value, they also bought extra items such as socks and blankets needed year-round.
At the Dec. 15 party, employees will wrap the presents they purchased. “Everyone brings in the gift and a box, and we’ll set up a wrapping station,” Paulson says. “I have an idea that this will become a very traditional thing for us because everyone has really enjoyed it. Everyone thought it was a great idea.”
Learn more about the Giving Tree
Holiday volunteer opportunities
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