As the holiday season approaches, installers, pumpers and other contractors have a unique opportunity to make an impact in their communities and shape lives through acts of kindness and giving. Here are some ways you can give back during this holiday season.

1. Organize community projects

Gather a team to volunteer to repair plumbing or build homes. Partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to help those in need. Offer your company’s skills and resources to build beds for a local shelter. Offer pro bono or reduced rates for community enhancement projects like building or repairing public spaces, parks, playgrounds or community centers. Your team already knows how to work together, so why not help those who are helping others?

2. Encourage donation drives

Clothing, food and toy drives work to ensure everyone has warm clothes to wear, enough food to eat and presents for their children. Organize drives to collect warm clothing, toys and other necessities for families in need. Collaborate with local food banks to collect nonperishable food items, which is important all year but especially during the holiday season. A company can also adopt a local family to support throughout the holiday season, providing them with needed resources, gifts or financial assistance.

3. Implement a volunteer time-off program

Encourage employees to volunteer this holiday season by offering paid time off for those who participate in community service. This is both a gift to your workers and those that they help with their time. There are year-round benefits to having a volunteer time-off program, such as a happier workforce that is more likely to feel engaged at work.

4. Support local businesses

Partner with local vendors for your company needs. From hiring local caterers for holiday events to using local service and materials providers, there is usually a small business you can hire to get the job done. Supporting local businesses has a ripple effect in a community, especially during the holidays.

5. Host fundraising events

Organize an auction where workers can donate and bid on items or services, with proceeds going to a local charity. Start a fundraiser to directly support a nonprofit like Construction Angels. Companies that match donations dollar-for-dollar can raise more money and encourage more participation.

Keep giving

The holiday season is a great time to engage in community service and give to those in need. Installers and pumpers that contribute to the welfare of their communities foster a sense of team spirit and pride among their workforce that is likely to last long after the holidays. Don’t forget that your community likely has needs all year, so don’t stop giving back when the holidays end.

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About the author
AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 1,000 companies and 200-plus product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors worldwide. AEM has an ownership stake in and manages several world-class exhibitions, including CONEXPO-CON/AGG.