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!

By Adam Kearney, MemberClicks Creative Director and Shannon Otto

For many of us, this time of year is a season of celebration and thanks. We take time out of our lives to give gifts and show our appreciation for one another.

Maybe your association takes part in the festive season by throwing holiday parties, holding potluck meals or encouraging gift exchanges between members.

But another way to celebrate the season is to give back to our communities and help people in need. Despite the gloomy economy, your members are probably already in a giving mood, and even giving a little bit can go a long way.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Start a drive amongst your membership. Collect food, clothing, toys or anything local charities might want. Choose a particular organization — the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, local shelters, veterans associations or any other nonprofit organization. You can find potential organizations in your phone book, on the Internet or through a church or religious institution.
2. Encourage members to donate their time. Most community centers, hospitals, retirement centers, humane societies and charitable organizations are always taking volunteer assistance, and the holidays are an especially busy time.
3. Create care packages for soldiers. Contact the USO about sending personalized gifts overseas or start a donation drive for men and women serving over the holidays.
4. Donate to a local food bank. A donation of 20 to 30 canned goods can help a family in need. If you’re holding an office potluck or gift exchange, encourage members to bring along an extra can or two. A little bit can truly go a long way, and canned goods are fairly inexpensive.
5. Donate blood. It’s 100 percent free and there is a constant need for donors. Visit www.givelife.org for more information.

To find a charity, try visiting CharityNavigator.org. We suggest perhaps choosing one of the less popular (but no less important!) charities. eHow also has a great resource for how to get started helping various charities, food drives or toy drives.

Giving back to your community is a ideal way to liven up your members during the holiday season. The holiday season is about more than turkey and presents and ornaments — and as we all gear up for 2010, donating your time or efforts to local charities doesn’t cost much, but can create a world of good in your community.

Tomorrow, we’ll take a rare break from the Friday Top Five to give you a few more ideas of how to give back during the holidays — and we’ll highlight what the MemberClicks team is doing to help its community, too!

(Image Credit: Flickr)