8/9/2019 #280 BBB 12-31-09 160

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MAGNOLIA CLIPPING SERVICE(601) 856-0911 I (205) 158-8610

ITAWAMBA CO TIMES

FULTON. MS

CirculatIOn:: 4191

WEEKLY

12109/2009

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• EDITORIAL

Claritable giving. Ways to spread cheer

during holidays The holidays are a time for giving. but many charities

are feeling the squeeze ofthe recession and d9nations aredown. Promoting philanthropy with employees is a greatway to spread the holiday spiritand promote camaraderiearound the office. Better Business Bureau WISe GivingAlliance offers the following tips for encouraging charitable giving in the workplace.

The downturn in the economy is taking its toll on

everyone. families, small businesses and charities.According to the GivingUSA Foundation, charitable givingin the US exceeded $307 billion in 2008. As a result of the

tight economy, two-thirds of public charities receivingdonations saw decreases in 2008. Charitable giving fromindividuals dropped 2.7 percent and corporate givingdropped 4.5 percent. The outlook for charitable giving in2009 is equally bleak.

With rough economic times for evelyone, many fami-lies who depend on charity this time of year are facing alean holiday season, according to the BBB Wise GivingAlliance. Employees and employers who pool tlleir effortsto supporta cause, either with their time, moneyor in kinddonations, can make a positive impact for struggling families over the holidays.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends the followingways tImt small business owners can spread tile holidayspirit ofgiving arOlmd the office:

• Institute a volunteer day. Giving to a charity doesn'thave to mean pulling out the checkbook. Many charities

also rely heavilyon

the giftof

time from volunteers.An

office wide volunteer day is a great way to get employeesout of the office and working together on something theycan be proud of.

• Rally arolmd one cause with an office fimdraiser.Office bake sales, silent auctionsand t a g ~ e s are just a fewways to raise money for a charity. Ifeveryone gets involved,then the

nickeland

dinlescan add up to

a healthy donation to a needy organization.• Collect food or toys. Around the holidays, many

charities are looking for non-perishablefood donations or

toys. If everyone in the office donates a can offood or a toy,

those items can collectively make a huge difference for aless fortunate family's holiday season.

• Offer a matching program. Small business ownerscan encourage employees to make donations to charitiesmatching tIleir contributions. Matching programs

individual employees to choose a cause that mightbe near and dear to their own heart. By matching theirdonations, small business ownerscan show they support.their employees with the added benefit ofa tax deduction.

• Educate employees to be wise givers. Encourageemployees to research their charities first with the BBBWise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity before theygive.