I wrote yesterday about the importance of giving back during the holiday season – no matter what religion you practice (if any) and despite the gloomy economy. Smaller chapters and small-staff associations especially have a great opportunity to help their local communities. Even a little bit can go a long way.

But what are those of us here at MemberClicks doing to help our own community — Atlanta — to close out 2009?

In addition to our traditional Thanksgiving potluck lunch next Wednesday, we’re hosting a food drive and giving donations to the Atlanta Food Community Bank. We’ll also be accepting canned goods through mid-December and we’re looking forward to giving even more right before Christmas. The Atlanta Food Community Bank donates to 800 nonprofit partner agencies in 38 metro Atlanta and North Georgia counties. To date, they distribute about 2 million pounds of food each month! We’re proud to be a part of such a great cause.

Additionally, to help make the holidays brighter for some Atlanta children, we’re hosting a company toy drive through mid-December. All the toys and gifts we collect will be donated to the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, and they’ll be distributed to children without homes. The Shelter hosts a Holiday House event each year, when low-income and homeless families “shop” the contribution (free of charge). There are 13,000 people in Atlanta without homes, and 2,500 are children. We’re excited to have the opportunity to help our community.

Finally, we will make a corporate donation to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child initiative. OCC solicits contributions and provides millions of children in impoverished areas worldwide with holiday presents in shoeboxes. Our contribution will assist Samaritan’s Purse with some of the shipping costs to brighten the lives of children in Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

If you need help finding a charity, be sure to check out CharityNavigator.org or eHow’s great resource on how to get started. No matter how you choose to give back to your area, we wish you all good luck on your efforts this holiday season!