2021 was a turbulent year for most everyone. Challenging in so many ways. So, while our Power-4 team has always loved using the holidays as an “excuse” to bring joy and thanks to our clients and employees, we decided we wanted to do something different this year, to show our gratitude by “giving forward.”
Nothing is sweeter than helping others
Traditionally, we have given baskets of locally-crafted sweets to our clients, vendors, and employees, to show our appreciation for the working and personal relationships we value so much. We hand-delivered as many baskets as possible. This year, though, we knew people weren’t even in their offices to receive us on our holiday rounds.
The pandemic has taught us how important it is to look out for one another. With that in mind, instead of sending gifts, we invited our clients and vendors to join us in supporting a few of the myriad organizations that do so much good work in our communities. They could pick one from our list, and we would make a contribution on their behalf.
There are thousands, of course, from small local charities to well-known national organizations. As a team, we finally chose these three because, collectively, they impact virtually everything and everyone:
- American Cancer Society, which funds significant research to treat and cure cancer and also provides a wide range of resources for patients and the public to understand and cope with this major health problem.
- Rosie’s Place, which provides a safe haven, food, access to basic healthcare, and other support so some of the city’s most vulnerable can not only survive but look forward to a better future.
- The Home for Little Wanderers, which provides a stable environment in which abused, neglected and at-risk kids can find hope and the support they need to build positive future lives. The Home for Little Wanderers is America’s oldest child welfare organization, in business since before the Civil War.
Response was immediate and overwhelming
As soon as we sent email invitations at the beginning of December, we started getting positive feedback. Some of the comments were humorous, such as, “What a fantastic idea! Also, my waistline loves this too because those treats were pretty hard to pass up, haha.”
But most were serious and seriously appreciative of our new gift-giving direction:
“Great idea! Many of our agencies are doing something similar.”
“Thank you for doing this! We have actually asked others to do the same if they ask to send something to us!”
As a company, Power-4 also contributed what we would otherwise have spent on corporate gifts.
It was a heart-warming success
As December progressed, we were heartened by the enthusiastic response we received – and the fact that positive responses just kept coming in. We decided to extend our holiday contribution opportunity through New Year’s to ensure everyone who wanted to participate had a chance to do so. Our goal was to do something substantive to celebrate the holidays while helping our community, but this effort has strengthened our relationships and for that, we are even more grateful.
And now, as we begin a new year, we can happily report that our holiday giving project was a resounding success.
“…..Your support is behind our work to create permanent loving connections for our kids, so they have the best chance possible for a bright future. We are very grateful…. On behalf of the kids and families we serve at The Home, thank you!
The Home For Little Wanderers
We hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season, and we wish all of our clients and vendors (including those we haven’t met yet) a safe and prosperous 2022!